The Spa Inspired Bathroom

150 Best Bathroom Ideas

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With the hectic lives we all lead, many of us are looking to add some relaxation time to our schedules. We spend money on resorts and exclusive spas, but what about adding a little more relaxation into your home?

In today's busy world the bathroom has taken on a whole new role. It has gone from a functional sanitary place to a spa-like sanctuary. It is now the room of choice in which to relax, rejuvenate and recharge from our frenetic daily lives.

Today, bathrooms can rival those at the most fashionable spas. The new trend is to establish a wellness room in the master bathroom where innovative spa-like tools such as air jet baths and therapeutic shower units deliver short and long-term health benefits. One can now spend hours on end soaking in the luxury of an air jet bath filled with essential oils, mud or salts. Dreamers can while away hours in a rose-petal-scented bath, tired athletes may soak stressed muscles in a therapeutic bath, bathers can add rosemary and fresh mint if they want to renew themselves; seaweed and sesame oil if they want to detoxify, energize and moisturize; or coconut oil and imitation rum extract (or even straight rum) to mend a "really bad mood.

Fixtures and Fittings

Fixtures remain a cost-effective way to rejuvenate or transform a bathroom. Whether it’s sensor-activated faucets, toilets with self-cleaning bidets or custom showers, technology is making the bathroom more functional, convenient and pleasurable.

One of the fastest growing trends in bathrooms is custom showering. Rainfall or cascading waterfall showerheads, once found only in fine spas, are now a popular way to transform the shower experience. For an invigorating shower sprinkle a few drops of lemon oil onto the base of the shower before stepping in.

Lighting

The light fixture you choose can make all the difference. The trick is to determine how to provide good lighting which also is flattering to anyone styling their hair or applying makeup. You don't want to overwhelm with bright lights, but neither do you want to create shadows. A fixture that matches or complements the style of the bathroom hardware (towel bars, toilet paper holders and cabinet handles) and faucet will create a luxurious setting.

Plants and Flowers

Bring nature into your spa bathroom with flowers and plants. An Aloe Vera plant works well in a modern setting and has the advantage of acting as an emergency first aid measure for cuts. In a villa or traditional setting try a member of the fern family. Do not use plants with soft or velvety leaves as the steam and moisture will cause the plant to die.

Colour

Spice up your walls to give your bathroom a whole new feel and vibrancy. Try a soft mix of tranquil seascape colours of pale greens, watery blues and sandy beige to help turn your bathroom into a haven of calm relaxation and respite from the outside world.

Accessories

When decorating a spa bathroom natural materials work well. A bamboo floor mat combines well with other warm, textured accessories like rattan chairs and baskets to hold rolled hand towels, wash cloths and bath items. Cane or wicker shelving units are ideal for storing bulky towels ready for use.

Organic cotton bath linens give a finishing touch to the spa bathroom and are extremely absorbent and naturally hypoallergenic since they are processed and finished without chemical ingredients, toxic bleaches or formaldehyde. White towels give a crisp, clean feel while yellow infuses a room with sunshine and warmth. Luxurious towels in hues of violet, blue, or green enrich and add depth.

Monograms are not just for towels and robes found in expensive resorts and hotels. They are showing up everywhere on soap, vanity accessories and lampshades as well. Start a family tradition and have your families initials embroidered onto bathroom linens and robes.

Candles, a selection of scented soaps and other accessories can all be used to add to your home spa experience. A ledge of candles adds ambience and style. Canister sets with lids, glass and metal decorating accessories are as useful as they are beautiful. Clear glass containers and apothecary jars that allow the beauty and colour of the contents to be viewed are perfect for holding bath salts, beads, oils and soaps.

Art

Well-chosen spa inspired art or tranquil landscapes can enhance the ambience of your bathroom. Valuable or heirloom pieces however, are best not displayed in the bathroom where temperature and humidity varies. When hanging art in the bathroom seal pictures behind glass for protection. Clean frames and glass regularly. Make use of narrow wall spaces. Accentuate the narrow space between e.g. windows or door frames by displaying two or more matching prints in identical frames. Tightly grouping an even number of pictures in a small space or narrow bathroom gives a window effect. This effect can be enhanced by using light colours and slender frames.

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