When you think of treating yourself, a day at the spa is often near the top of the list.  But too many trips to the spa can turn from treating yourself to an empty wallet.  But what if you could go to the spa without spending a dime?  Well, if you turn your bathroom into a home spa, that dream can become a reality!  In actuality you’ll have to spend some money to bump your bathroom up to spa level, but the initial cost will be worth it in the long run.  Just imagine getting home after a long day and only having to walk a few feet to get to a relaxing spa getaway.  Here are the ways to get the transformation from bathroom to spa started.

Declutter

The first step for turning your bathroom into a home spa is to declutter.  It’s hard to relax and feel at peace when you’re surrounded by a mess.  Many spas take a “less is more” approach to to their design, so if you want to mimic that at home, adopting a minimalist philosophy for the space will be useful.  Anything you don’t use on a daily basis should be stored away under the sink, in bins, or in a closet.  From there it’s easier to keep your essentials organized and closer at hand.  Glass jars, trays, and baskets allow you to store and display your toiletries in spa-like style.

Choose Calming Colors

While normally we’re big proponents of going bold with color, to create a soothing, spa-like setting you’re going to have to go a bit more neutral.  Whites, beiges or pastel blues, greens, or pinks will help create a calm environment for you to relax in.  Earthy tones will give your space a more organic feel, while lighter colors will help the room feel more spacious.  If you want to add a bit of an accent to the room, consider adding a few gold details for a touch of luxury.

Soaking Tub

If you want your bathroom to be your personal spa getaway, you’re likely going to have to rethink the tub.  To truly enjoy a nice soak, you need to be able to comfortably fit in the tub.  For the best at-home spa experience consider getting a Japanese soaking tub.  They usually don’t take up too much floor space, but are deep enough to fully submerge yourself.  Many even come with a built in seat so you can comfortably sit and enjoy your soak.  If you don’t have a tub, or don’t have room for a tub, you should at least upgrade your shower head to one with multiple settings.  Being able to choose between high-pressure massage or a gentle rainfall-like stream will instantly upgrade your experience.

Mood Lighting

It can be hard to get in a relaxing mood when there are bright lights glaring directly in your eyes.  To really get the spa-vibes flowing, install dimmers on your lighting.  This will allow you to still have adequate lighting during the day for brushing your teeth and putting on makeup, but soften the lighting when it’s time for a soak.  If you need some help figuring out the best lighting for your space, make sure to check out our bathroom lighting guide.  As always when dealing with electricity, have a professional get things up and running safely.  If you can’t change the light fixtures, stock up on candles to place around the room to set the mood instead.

Turn to Nature

More and more studies are showing that a connection to nature makes us happier and healthier.  Incorporating houseplants and flowers into your bathroom will help to create a healthy environment and add life to the room, as well as create a more tranquil setting.  Even just adding a vase or two of fresh flowers will enhance the spa-like feel of the bathroom and provide the benefits of nature.  You can also introduce natural elements to the space by using a stone or moss bath mat, or a natural stone sink.  While wood floors would add a wonderful natural warmth and sense of serenity, wood does not do well in high moisture areas, so if you really want the look of wood floors in the bathroom, consider instead faux wood tiles that will imitate the look and texture but be much more water resistant.

Update Your Towels and Bathrobe

One of the best parts of going to the spa is getting nice fluffy towels and bathrobes to wrap around yourself.  Luxurious towels and a big cozy robe are key for creating a spa-like feel in your bathroom.  To really take things to the next level, heat your towels and robe so they’re nice and toasty when you get out of the tub.  Towel warmers are becoming an increasingly popular addition in bathroom remodels.  You can enjoy the cozy warmth within reach by installing a towel-warming drawer in your vanity.  There’s also a wall-mounted option of towel-warming bars, which is a good option if floor and storage space is slim.

Get a Tub Tray or Side Table

A small addition that will make a big difference is a tub tray.  Tub trays are the ideal way to keep anything you might required during your soak within reach so you won’t have to worry about getting out of the tub before you’re ready.  Whether your favorite book, a glass of wine, or some additional candles, a tub tray adds to the pampered vibe you’re going for with a home bathroom spa.  If you don’t want a tub tray, a side table placed next to your tub will keep things close at hand but out of the range of falling into water.

Nothing beats unwinding after a long week.  And by turning your bathroom into a home spa you won’t even need to leave the house to do some serious relaxing.  Once your bathroom is up to spa standards, you’re ready to put on your favorite soothing music, fill the room with a relaxing smell (either using an oil diffuser or incense), and let your stress just melt away.