Spa-Inspired Bathrooms: Creating a Relaxing Retreat at Home
Most people enjoy a spa experience every once and a while. Spas promote wellness and healing by offering a variety of services. These may include massage, manicures and pedicures, or many other types of therapeutic or beauty treatments. For most people, spas are a luxury. Even small treatments can cost a lot of money.
But what if we told you that you could have the spa experience in your very own home?
Most homeowners would jump at the chance to create a home spa. Contrary to what you might be thinking, creating a relaxing retreat at home does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Just follow the tips and tricks in the rest of this article.
Characteristics of Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
Obviously, most people cannot incorporate every element of a spa into their home bathroom. You will likely not be able to afford to have a masseuse at your beck and call, for example. However, that does not mean you have to live without a comforting, relaxing spa-inspired bathroom.
You may be wondering what features people usually incorporate into their spa-inspired bathrooms. Here are a few of the most common.
- Soothing color palette: Soft, neutral, and earthy hues are often used in spas to create a calming atmosphere. Colors like blue, green, beige, and light brown are the most popular for spas and spa-inspired bathrooms.
- Luxurious materials: Most spas opt for natural, luxurious finishing materials for their countertops, flooring, and accessories. You will often find marble, granite, wood, and other high-end finishes in these spaces.
- Ample and variable lighting: Lighting is very important to create the mood in a spa. Designers will incorporate natural and artificial lighting throughout the space. You will also want to consider lighting that can vary in color, temperature, or brightness for the ultimate customizable experience.
- Plush accessories: Everyone loves plush, thick towels, robes, and rugs. Often, spa-inspired bathrooms opt for high-quality fabrics that contribute to the overall sensory experience.
- Minimalist and Zen-inspired design: A spa-inspired bathroom often embraces minimalist design principles. You can minimize clutter through effective storage solutions and simple décor. However, the designer may also choose to add some Zen elements, such as simple artwork, pebbles, or bamboo. These elements enhance the minimalist design and bring in an element of spirituality.
- Natural elements: Being in nature can lower a person’s stress levels and improve their overall health. This fact is why many spa-inspired bathrooms incorporate natural elements into their design. These could include water features, potted plants, or decorative stones.
- Smart technology: Integration of smart technology adds a touch of modern luxury, including features such as programmable lighting, smart mirrors, or high-tech shower systems with temperature and water pressure control.
How to Create Your Own Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
After reading through the list of features found in spa-inspired bathrooms above, you have likely noticed the similarity between these spaces and luxury bathrooms. But if you have a limited budget, don’t panic. Anyone can have a spa-inspired bathroom in their home. You just need to follow these tips and tricks.
1. Focus on color:
Changing the color of your bathroom is one of the easiest ways to change the space and make it more spa-like. Choose neutral, soothing colors to create a relaxing environment in your bathroom.
2. Use DIY décor and thrift store finds:
While décor designed for spas can become expensive fast, you may be able to make your own items or find them at thrift stores or second-hand shops. Unique items like mirrors, vases, or small furniture pieces can be easily repurposed to fit your spa-inspired theme. Consider creating your own scented candles or wall art pieces. Who knows? You may find a new, fun hobby in the process.
3. Incorporate affordable materials:
Many spas and luxury bathrooms use expensive materials, such as marble and granite. However, you can find more affordable options that mimic the appearance of these lavish features. For example, both laminate and vinyl flooring are affordable and come in a wide variety of designs, many of which look very similar to higher-end options.
4. Find lighting options that fit your budget:
Another bathroom feature with a lot of options is lighting. If you are on a tight budget, you should still be able to find creative lighting solutions that will provide a spa-like atmosphere to your bathroom. These options could include string lights or LED strips, to create a soft and relaxing ambiance.
5. Employ aromatherapy:
Nothing upgrades a regular bathroom to a spa faster than some aromatherapy. Use essential oils, candles, and diffusers to diffuse a calming scent, such as lavender or eucalyptus, in the room.
6. Declutter and organize:
As we mentioned above, most spas incorporate a minimalist aesthetic. You can do this in your own bathroom by decluttering and investing in some good storage options, such as bins, baskets, and organizers.
- Shop smart: Sales, discounts, and clearance and refurbished items are your friend when renovating your bathroom. Home improvement stores and online retailers will often provide discounts on bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other accessories. Saving money on these features will allow you to keep extra funds on hand for when you want to splurge on a purchase.
- Prioritize a special feature or two: Even on a budget, you can plan to invest more into a special feature or two. Make these features the focal point of your spa-like bathroom. For example, you may decide to invest in a fancy enclosed shower renovation or that beautiful marble sink. By saving money in other areas, you will still be able to afford these luxuries, which can personalize and enhance the spa-like appearance of your bathroom.
Remember that with a bit of ingenuity and professional help, you can achieve a luxurious spa-like retreat without spending a fortune.