How to Make Over a Bath Into a Spa Retreat

If you've ever dreamed of having your own cozy space where you can relax and recharge, look no further than your very own bathroom. Making over a bath into a spa retreat is a lot easier than it sounds, and you may find that it's a fun project you'll enjoy putting together. A fresh coat of paint, delicious smelling candles and some beautiful potted plants are all you need to transform your dreary bath into a deluxe spa.

Things You'll Need

• Wall paint
• Scented candles
• Rugs, curtains, toilet-seat covers and towels
• Fresh flowers
• Potpourri
• Music
• Bath salts, bath bombs, body lotions, masks, bathrobe, bath pillows

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a soothing, eye-pleasing color like soft yellow, light pink or pale aquamarine. You'll be surprised at how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a drab, ordinary bathroom into a beautiful and cozy retreat. Choose light colors that will make a noticeable difference but still be easy on the eyes.

2. Use curtains/blinds, rugs, soft terry cloth towels, and toilet seat covers in a pastel color like lavender, peach, mint green or baby blue. You can match these decorative pieces to the walls of your newly painted bathroom or you can pick a complementary color. Light pink and baby blue are always a popular combination. Soft yellow and mint green also make a good pair. A soft rug will be a comfort to step onto after a long day's work.

3. 

   Light a few aromatic scented candles. You may have noticed that there are often several lit candles dispersed throughout the area of a spa. Scented candles create a calming atmosphere to relax the body and mind (lavender and vanilla are particularly pleasant). Place the candles around the bath. Add a few baskets of lightly scented potpourri for aromatherapy purposes.

4. 

   Place fresh-smelling flowers around the sink or on the windowsill. Spa retreats always have a few potted orchids or roses strategically arranged throughout a room to fill it with beauty and charm. Details like flowers will go a long way in making over a simple bath into a spa retreat.

5. Play soft, soothing music. Light classical music or a CD featuring the melodious crashing of ocean waves is imperative for turning your bath into a staple of relaxation and sanctum of inner peace.

6. Stock the bath with sea salts, bath bombs, bath pillows, luxurious face and body masks and scented lotions. Fill the bathroom with freshly laundered, fluffy face, body and hair towels, and a soft cotton bathrobe to wrap your skin in after a long, hot bath. Once the physical makeover of your bath has been achieved, you will need certain amenities to make your enjoyment of your newly formed spa retreat complete. Sweet-smelling sea salts and bubbly bath bombs combine to create a truly satisfying bathing experience. Place a bath pillow onto the end of your bath to support your head and neck while you soak. As your body relaxes in a tub surrounded by candles and flowers and filled with skin-pampering potions, apply a cleansing face mask or eye cream to rejuvenate your face.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave any of the lit candles unsupervised. Don't light more than 5 to 8 candles at a time.