Picture this: You're coming home after a long tiring day at work, and all you want is to have a warm and soothing bath to freshen up your exhausted body. You bet you can never say no to a refreshing retreat that can help you relax without leaving the comfort of your own abode. And what better way to make that happen than to transform your Bathroom into a spa haven?

A spa-like bathroom is an investment that pays for itself. According to Reece's 2021 Australian Bathroom Annual Insights Report, 24% of people agreed that the bathroom is the most essential room in the house. This only shows that more and more homeowners recognize the need for bathrooms that can offer a sense of relief in more ways than one.

A luxurious Retreat for Self-pampering

There's nothing like a trip to a luxurious spa with all the amenities you need to pamper yourself. Even the scent alone that welcomes you upon entering its doors is already enough to make you feel relaxed and invigorated. But what if you don't always have the time to go to the spa? Thus, creating a spa-like bathroom sounds like the most viable alternative when your busy schedule gets in the way of getting your much-needed alone time.

Ready to come home to a bathroom that gives nothing but an ultimate spa-like experience? Use the following hints as your guide:

1. Rethink the Layout

A spa-like bathroom often entails open spaces for a sense of airiness. It makes sense to rethink the layout of an existing bathroom if you're only planning for a remodel. Working with an experienced renovation company specializing in bathroom remodelling might be your best bet if you don't know where or how to start. Your contractor should give enough insights and recommendations regarding the extent of the renovation and how long it'll take to complete.

The layout is crucial in creating the perfect balance between relaxation and function. You can start by checking the measurement of your bathroom to create a scale plan. Consider other elements that might affect the spa-like design you're aiming for, such as the toilet, storage, door openings, a bathtub corner, window positions, vanity, and external walls.

Since you want an airy, spa-like atmosphere, the layout must be forgiving enough to allow you to play with the space. You might want to section the room to make way for that ultimate spa-like design. Will you add elevated seating for a more inviting feel? What focal point would you like to highlight in your bathroom's layout? What about the flooring? These are just some questions you can ask yourself when rethinking the room's layout.

2. Splurge on a Luxurious Tub

If your idea of relaxation in the bathroom involves soaking in a warm and soothing bath, adding a luxurious tub should be part of your plan. This investment won't only be a statement piece in your spa-like oasis. More importantly, a luxurious tub will indulge you in spending longer and more calming hours in the bathroom.

Imagine a freestanding tub looking glorious and sophisticated in your spa-like bathroom. It's a statement on its own, and you can always choose a design that won't sacrifice comfort. There's just something about a freestanding bath that invokes a certain air of luxury.

Want to create the ultimate spa-like feel? Place the tub by the window for a more calming interior design. Doing so helps invite a tranquil ambience while drawing the eye to a show-stopping focal point. How about a total spa-like situation by getting a smart tub that doubles as a jacuzzi? Major relaxation mode alert!

3. Conceal Your Tub for Ultimate Decadence

Maybe you don't fancy having a freestanding tub in your spa-like bathroom. If so, don't fret. You can still make the room as relaxing and indulgent as it can be by turning to an inset or built-in tubs that mimic your favourite spa's ambience.

For subdued elegance, install an inset tub concealed in the floor. Make sure it's located against a wall, preferably by a window. This tub situation is perfect if you want the attention to divert to your polished flooring or elegant tapware immediately.

Or maybe you want a traditional feel with wood to highlight your spa-like bathroom. If so, opt for marine teak to elevate your tub corner while also adding an eclectic and natural touch. Keep the design contemporary by adding black tapware and wooden towel racks beside the tub.

4. Play With Muted Earth Tones

If you're a frequent spa-goer, you know that muted earth tones are a crucial element that helps create a calming effect. In the same sense, a warm, inviting bathroom palette keeps things aesthetically- and clutter-free. Existing research suggests that white feels fresh and clean and helps create a sense of space. To strike a muted and earthy balance, play with other soft colors such as cream, grey, subtle green, and shades of brown.

You can go for an all-white color scheme. If you're worried it might look dull and monotonous, think about how you can play with textures and shapes to mix things up. The walls can be painted with a warm off-white shade, while your cabinets and tiles can be of a similar white tone. For an ultimate spa-like finishing touch, add accessories in muted tones, such as vases, wall-mounted towel racks and sheer bathroom curtains.

5. Bring in the Greenery

Plants have the incredible power to add a fresh and calming touch to any room. This explains why spas and resorts decorate their establishments with lush greenery to help add an earthy feel. If your bathroom isn't spacious enough to accommodate large vases, you can turn to hang plants by the wall or a window so you can still achieve the look you're going for. You can also add countertop plants that are small enough to be placed over your cabinets or vanity.

Look for indoor plants that thrive in moisture and low light settings, such as spider plants, peace lilies, bamboo, Boston ferns, orchids, and bamboo. These plants are easy to maintain and care for, but you can also add flower arrangements for a pop of color. Use containers in different sizes and shapes for an exciting variation.

6. Accentuate With Luxurious Gold Embellishments

Another spa staple you'd want to incorporate in your bathroom is gold accents that can dramatically elevate the room's sophisticated ambience. Think mirror frames, cabinet handles, sconces, soap holders, lotion dispensers, and candle holders. If you want to create a more regent atmosphere, why not install a luxurious chandelier adorned with golden accents? This idea will surely make your spa-like bathroom feel more opulent than ever.

7. Don't Forget Your Lighting

You don't want to miss another crucial element that'll complete your spa-like bathroom—the lighting. Lighting can make or break the ambience you're trying to create for your spa haven, so you need to be extra careful with your choices. The goal is to make you feel relaxed as soon as you enter the bathroom; the right lighting can help make that happen.

It's important to remember that overly dramatic lighting won't do the trick. Subtle lighting is your best friend for creating a coveted spa-like vibe. If you prefer not to replace all your light bulbs and fixtures, install a remote-controlled dimmer that allows you to adjust the brightness of the room.

Try adding ceiling spotlights or up lighters to your wet room to achieve understated illumination. Strip lights can also help create a toned-down look, especially when it's late at night and you want to relax before or after dinner. For a finishing touch, add chic lamps in different areas of the bathroom to ensure it remains well-lit.

8. Add a Sauna or a Steam Room

Perhaps you've always loved the spa because of one of its luxurious and relaxing treats like the steam room or a sauna. How about adding such a feature to your own spa at home? Either of these additions can benefit you and your family in more ways than one.

Saunas may help increase your skin's blood flow and improve blood circulation. As you sweat, your muscles feel more relaxed. As a result, you may achieve a feeling of joy and calmness, which can lead to better sleep. On the other hand, steam rooms can clear congestion, enhance workout recovery, improve skin health and circulation, and lower blood pressure.

If you don't have enough room for both installations, a steam room may be a better option since it's easier to maintain. Just be sure to contact a professional contractor to help you build it. An in-home steam room will complete the spa-like vibe you're dreaming of for your bathroom.

9. Throw in All the Other Spa Essentials

You're almost there – you need to throw in the rest of the essentials to complete your spa-like bathroom. Think luxury linens, scented candles, essential oils, bath bombs, wall art, and oversized mirrors. You can't skip this part if you don't want to feel like something is missing in your spa oasis.

Make sure you have a range of bath sheets to complete the experience. It's about time you upgraded your standard bath towels and used luxurious ones that feel softer on the skin. Include soft hand towels, washcloths, and even floor rugs. Oh, and don't forget plush and high-quality robes to make you feel like the royalty that you are.

The bottom line

For some people, heading to the spa is an escape they can turn to when they need to feel relaxed and refreshed. If you're one of those people, it's about time you considered transforming your bathroom into a spa-like haven that you can enjoy anytime you want to. So, go ahead and splurge on such an investment that'll surely pay for itself in no time at all.