In response to a viewer's question, interior designer Bea Pila shows how simple touches make a big statement when you want to turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing spa.
Q: We just installed a soaking tub in our bathroom, but it still doesn't look or feel like the spa we were hoping for. What can I add to the bathroom to make it more relaxing?
A: You don't need a huge bathroom or a fancy Jacuzzi to add a spa-like feature to your home. Even the smallest bathroom can be a calming retreat if you know how to approach the project. You need to make changes that impact your senses: the focus should be on adding materials and elements that will help relax you. I'm going to show you how I transformed my bathroom into a relaxing spa, and how you can do the same in your home. I’ll show you how to reduce the clutter in your bathroom, as well as how to soften up your cold floors. In addition, you'll learn how to add some small touches that will have a big impact on your mood -- and allow you to relax and enjoy your bathroom spa. - The first thing to do is to get rid of clutter -- bathrooms are notorious for being the dumping ground for "stuff." There are so many beautiful baskets, containers and organizers on the market today, you should be able to find something that really appeals to you and coordinated with your decor. For instance, try using raffia to roll up towels and then place them in baskets for convenient storage.
- Show those towels! Bath linens are so beautiful nowadays, they can be used as part of the decor rather than being hidden away in a linen closet. Try rolling towels and storing them in a decorative basket; they'll be a colorful addition to the room and they'll be on hand when you need them. And remember: towels in a spa should be thick and plush, not skimpy.
- Lighting plays a big role in the ambience of a room. You may want to consider installing a dimmer switch or switches so you can control the amount of light in your retreat.
- Create nooks for candles.
- Choose wall colors and treatments that are soothing.
- Add some rugs -- and not just cheesy bathmats or rubber-backed rugs. The New Zealand wool rug shown in the segment, for instance, looks like last thing you would pick for a bathroom, but it works -- and it’s washable. (Few things are more luxurious than a soft wool rug under your feet.) There are also inexpensive Persian-type rugs on the market that would work well in a bathroom.
- Flooring is important, especially since you're often barefoot in the bathroom. Hardwood isn't the best choice for flooring, given the amount of moisture that can be generated in a bathroom, but laminate would work really well. (Be aware, though, that laminate flooring in bathrooms can require special installation.) Engineered hardwood, which can withstand moisture, is also a good choice, as is Travertine marble.
- Garden stools come in handy for seating and come in a range of neat, inexpensive designs.
- Aromatherapy in bathrooms is great in bathrooms, and it has even more impact in small bathrooms.
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