From boring to breathtaking: All it takes is a lot of imagination and a little money to transform your bathroom into a relaxing space
Spending time de-stressing at spas can get expensive. Luckily, you don’t need to travel to a resort to unwind and relax.
There are several ways that homeowners can turn their lifeless bathrooms into a relaxing refuge, so they can stay stress-free for a fraction of the price of a trip to the spa.
One amenity that is seen in hotels and spas, but rarely in homes, is a television in the bathroom. With all of the technology available today, it is easy for a homeowner to install a television in the bathroom. This simple addition instantly makes the bathroom modern and user-friendly because homeowners can watch the news in the morning while getting ready for work, or watch a favorite TV show while taking a long soak in the tub.
For homeowners that don’t like to waste time with baths, but still want a relaxing experience, try expanding the shower. A larger shower creates a feeling of openness, similar to a spa.
Mary Wild from Wild Development in Scottsdale has seen an increasing number of homeowners doing away with the bathtub completely. “The elimination of the bathtub allows for a larger shower space,” she says. “More people want to have a nice big shower and are willing to sacrifice a tub they never use.”
Expanding the shower also provides space to install multiple shower heads. Wild recommends installing several bathroom add-ons that are unique to women. A small corner bench is a useful addition to a shower. It spruces up the look of the shower and also allows women to more easily shave their legs.
“It’s a simple thing that makes life so much easier,” Wild says.
Keeping the bathroom organized is key to creating a spa-like feeling. Adding recessed niches in the shower walls for shampoos and soap can clear clutter. Homeowners can also install outlets in the cabinets so the hair appliances can stay plugged in all the time, but be out of sight.
To have the same freshness that spas have, install heated towel bars or warming drawers for your towels to ensure you always have fresh, warm towels after stepping out of the bath.
While some installations – like having dryers in the shower to air-dry – may seem over the top, other types of installations, including a refrigerated drawer for makeup or additional lighting, may give your bathroom the unique personalized touch that turns your bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation.
