The bathroom is more than just a place to get clean, it can become a peaceful and relaxing oasis. The key to transforming your bathroom into a spa environment? Create a full, mind-body experience by upgrading simple parts and it'll appear as if you're visiting a spa every day--except it's inside your house.In order to set the stage for a tranquil and relaxing transformation you've first got to clear out the clutter. A spa bathroom must be free of products that will make your vanity or shower look messy. So before you change or add anything to your space get things organized, it will create an instant calming effect.

Now the fun begins...

COLOR

Add a soothing color on the walls for a calming effect. Soft, cool shades of blues, greens and tans are great in a spa setting. Bright, rich colors are very nice, but not here. Incorporate rich satin finishes on the paint instead of matte or a high-gloss finish. Select tiles that have a reflective, iridescent feel like mosaic tiles instead of the standard ceramic. The goal is to create a serene space, that can be achieved if you use a muted color palette in your paint, tile and accessories.


FIXTURES

The next stop is fixtures. If the budget permits, change your existing shower head to a rain shower head. This will definitely give you a spa like experience. Updating the faucets and making sure that the finish and style are all the same will give the room a quick face lift, revealing a cohesive, coordinated look. There are many cost-effective faucets on the market today in nickel, chrome and antique bronze finishes. For the crowning touch, consider a new tub. You can invest in a standard version with a few jets or a whirlpool tub with all the works. This would provide the ultimate place to sit back, relax and say aaahhhh!

Try Kingston Brass Square Rain Showerhead with 130 Jets from the Claremont Collection ($71.47-$142.97; Faucetdirect.com); Barclay Libby Bathroom Faucet with Lever Handles in Chrome ($170.95; Everyfaucet.com); Price Pfister Portola Widespread Faucet ($156.60; Everyfaucet.com).


FLOORING
Nothing says spa like nature. Flooring is a great way to bring nature into the room. Beautiful bamboo flooring is highly used in spas; it adds texture to the space. Laminate flooring is also great and recommended over hardwood because of the moisture and humidity in the bathroom. For more solid surfaces, granite and travertine marble with an organic vein can be stunning in your new spa bathroom. Soften your floor surface with a luxurious bath rug in a thick, shaggy pile. It's perfect for you to sink your feet into after you step out of the shower.

Try Antique Premium Solid Bamboo ($2.99/SQFT; Flooranddecoroutlets.com); Pewter Travertine Tile ($4.09/SQFT; Flooranddecoroutlets.com); Caicos Bath Rug ($49.50-$99.50, Frontgate.com)

LIGHTING
Now that the ground work is done, let's highlight all of the great new features. Lighting is absolutely key in creating an environment that needs to evoke a calm, serene atmosphere. One easy way to start is by adding a dimmer switch to your existing light fixture. Bright lights are a no no when creating a relaxing retreat, so think soft and natural light. And of course, there would be no spa experience without candles. Use candles that complement the color scheme of the room. However, white candles give off the best illumination. Place the candles on your counter-top and around the tub for an inviting look and feel. Brush Finish Satin Nickel Bathroom Triple Sconce ($78.99; Overstock.com); PB Pillar Candle ($4.00-$19.00; Potterybarn.com).

TOWELS
Replace your old, thin towels with soft, fluffy, high-quality cotton ones in colors that match your bathroom's color scheme. I always like to mix in white towels for a crisp pop of color and contrast. Neatly fold or roll your towels and display them on a rack or in decorative baskets for a presentation that is chic and visually appealing. Also, purchase a terry cloth bath robe that you can wrap your body in after a relaxing bubble bath. Try PB Essential 650-Gram Weight Bath Towels ($3.00-$14.00; Potterybarn.com).

SCENTS
Another aspect to a spa experience are scents. You can purchase an oil burner and infuse natural oil scents like lavender into the room. Also, aromatherapy candles, potpourri and scented soaps are also a great way to add a decorative touch and relax the senses through smell. Try
Slatkin & Co. Electric Oil Warmer ($20.00; Bathandbodyworks.com).


SOUND
Create a tranquil escape with peaceful sounds like ocean waves, rainfall, nature sounds and classical music that can transport you to another place. This can be easily achieved with an inexpensive sound machine or your personal CD or Ipod player. For your safety, make sure that they are plugged in, away from any water source. Try HoMedics SoundSpa Portable Sound Machine ($19.97; Walmart.com).

PLANT & FLOWERS
A live plant brings energy into the bathroom and adds a touch of green. Look at plants that can grow in humid environments and in the natural light that the room provides. Tropical plants are great. If a plant is too much of a commitment, opt for fresh flowers. I love white orchids and Casablanca lilies which have a beautiful aroma. And a rose bouquet is always a nice, luxurious touch. Purchase the flowers at your local market to keep the cost affordable. Try Orchid Grower's Choice ($29.99; Proflowers.com).

ACCESSORIES
Last, but definitely not least, are the finishing touches. Remember that the little things matter. Decorate your bathroom with glass containers and fill them with sea sponges, bath salts; cotton balls or sand and seashells. For an added spa experience, purchase an eye mask, pumice brush, bath pillow and a small tray to hold a soothing cup of tea or a glass of your favorite wine. Try PB Classic Glass Canister ($19.00-$44.00; Potterybarn.com).

Creating a spa bath should be a pleasurable; rewarding experience, so jump right in.

You deserve an oasis to relax, retreat and rejuvenate!

Enjoy!

Kesha Franklin

"Experience Something Beautiful"

CEO/ Design Specialist
The Beautiful Experience
Design-Events-Lifestyle
www.thebeautifulexperience.com