How to Design the Ultimate Home Bath & Shower Spa

Earth tones create spa atmosphere

The origins of the word spa date back to ancient Rome, when natural hot springs were used for healing. Today a spa is considered a retreat, a calming oasis for mind, body and soul. Twenty years ago, if someone wanted a spa experience, she had to travel to a resort in Arizona. In the last 10 years, day spas have emerged as urban getaways. With innovations in bath fixtures and mass production of home spa equipment, more people are incorporating spas in their homes. Whether renovating or simply redecorating, anyone can transform a bathroom into the ultimate home bath and shower spa.

Things You'll Need

• Earth tone paint
• Stone or faux stone floors
• Wood or bamboo accessories
• Plush towels
• Waffle weave linens
• Spa shower heads
• Bamboo mats
• Candles
• Assortment of stones
• Spa accessories

Instructions

Plan

1. 

   A spa bath fits into many styles, including traditional

   Pick a style. Sift through bath design and home magazines, tearing out pages that catch your eye. Visit local day spas and ask for tours, taking notes of features you find pleasing. Consider how you respond emotionally to different colors, textures and materials. A review of your magazine tear sheets and tour notes will point to your personal style.

2. 

   Measuring makes for easy installation

   Get exact measurements. Avoid relying on floor plans. Take wall-to-wall, door-to-tub, countertop-to-ceiling and floor-to-ceiling measurements. Put all these measurements on an index card to take with you when shopping for materials or accessories. Remember, you can find elements that fit into your spa theme anywhere.

3. Select a color scheme. Choose neutral, earthy tones such as wheat, sage, tan, sand and gray. Loud reds and orange actually can increase the heart rate and prove far too stimulating for relaxation. Stick with four colors, or choose one color and use various shades. Whatever color you choose will serve as the foundation for future selections such as towels, candles and shower curtains.

4. 

Install

1. Start with the walls. If using paint, choose warm colors. Use a sponging or ragging technique to create warmth and texture. Porcelain tile or marble walls add luxury to any spa bath.

2. Select material for floors. If remodeling, choose stone or faux stone floors. Slate, although expensive, offers a dramatic alternative to tile. Inlaid pebbles around a tub or on the shower floor create a zen-like feel. If a new floor is not in the budget, purchase inexpensive jute rugs to cover cold floors. Avoid using wood, which can crack or buckle when wet.

3. 

   Many options in spa shower heads

   Replace shower fixtures. If renovating, add a spa shower system. Systems range from as little as $150 and can top $8,000. Some of these systems include multiple shower jets, sauna and mist functions as well as music surround sound. Professional installation is strongly recommended for this type of system. If you have two shower heads, replace one with a rain shower head. Rain shower heads are easy to install and cost as little as $25.

Finish with Spa Elements

1. 

   Stacked towels evoke spa feeling

   Use linens to create warmth. Select waffle weave shower curtains. Natural colors work best. Hang a waffle weave or terrycloth robe over a door hook. Roll and assemble several plush white or beige towels and tuck into a rattan basket, or fold towels and stack on a teak bench or curio.

2. Bring in nature. Use teak, bamboo or wooden accessories for toothbrush, soap and paper roll holders. Bamboo mats can also be used. Display a cluster of stones at the base of the shower. Bonsai plants or lucky bamboo water gardens are great accents.

3. 

   Spa accessories add finishing touch

   Display spa accessories and products in wooden bowls or small tubs. Place jars of bath salts and sugar scrubs next to the tub. Loofahs and natural sponges placed in the shower or on the counter make the space feel spa-treatment ready.

References

• Kohler: Bath Fixtures
• Hansgrohe: Bath Fixtures
• Grohe America: Bath Fixtures