Transform Your Bathroom Into a Luxurious Spa
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"Clear all the clutter from the counter, floor and overflowing cabinets,” says interior design expert Jennifer Adams. “Go through your hair products, makeup drawer and shaving corner and toss everything that is more than a year old or the wrong color. You won’t use it anyway, so why keep it? Make room in the drawers or in baskets for the products you do use, such as toothbrushes, shavers and hair dryers, and store them, but out of site. Same thing goes for paper rolls and cleaning supplies.” (JenniferAdams.com)
"Do install a dimmer switch on your lights,” advises Washington, D.C.-based interior designer Darlene Molnar. “This is an inexpensive do with major impact, allowing you to replace the low level of lights for your home spa.” Molnar recommends Home Depot’s step-by-step instructions on how to install a dimmer switch for an instant transformation. (HomeDepot.com)
"Paint your bathroom a cool, refreshing color like light grey, blue or white,” says Amanda Gates, who specializes in residential interior design. “It creates a calming effect and reduces stress. A terrific example is Benjamin Moore’s Woodlawn Blue HC-147.” Don’t forget to keep your tub, sink and toilet spotless and white to give your space a bright, fresh and clean feeling. (ABHomeInteriors.com)
No spa would be complete without candles, and you can safely feature them in your bathroom. It’s important to make sure they’re placed in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders, and positioned in an area where they cannot be easily knocked over. Once you’re done, simply extinguish. Also, look for candles that highlight comforting aromas, like blooming florals or creamy vanilla. The scent will also make your space more inviting. (Etsy.com)
Still have that decades-old dingy robe? It’s time to toss. Make sure you always have a fluffy bathrobe and slippers on hand. And that goes for towels, too. “A damp towel from two days ago isn’t luxurious,” says Adams. “Pamper yourself with a clean one for every shower. It’s amazing how lovely this feels. Save money by buying less expensive towels and making them all the same color. This will also save you time on laundry.” If you do have the money and space, Adams recommends installing a towel warmer to keep them toasty. (Thinkstock)
"Soothing tunes are a staple at spas,” says Molnar. “Install an app like Songza on your phone, which allows you to pick your music according to your mood, like ‘Sleepy Indie’ or ‘Nature Sounds.’ Portable Bluetooth speakers, like the Bose Soundlink, allow you to bring speakers in from another room without any wire management or complicated hook-ups.” (Bose.com)
Whether it’s your floors or walls you wish to revamp, Gates says you should always invest in marble over granite. “It’s classic, sophisticated, and always feels more decadent,” she insists. (ABHomeInteriors.com)
"Whether it’s a steam shower, large rain shower head, dual shower heads, hand held, or body sprays, a shower system is a must,” says Erin Davis of Mosaik Design. The benefit of installing a shower system is that it gives you the opportunity to get creative with your overall shower design. For example, some would prefer a handshower while others may want to surround themselves with massaging body sprays. The choice, depending on your budget and personal needs, is yours. (Brizo.com)
Forget those fancy scrubbers. To really calm your body and mind from the stresses of the day, it’s important to have some high-quality bath oil to enhance your home spa experience. Simply pour several drops under hot running water and soak in. (Penhaligons.com)
Cleopatra reportedly indulged in milk baths to soothe her skin and keep it supple. Today, anyone can easily enjoy the benefits of this ritual right at home. Look for a milk bath at a boutique pharmacy or beauty shop that highlights essential oils for silky features. And if you’re really want the full home-spa experience, add several white rose petals to your bath as standard red ones could potentially stain your tub. (Barneys.com)