Create a Home Spa

As people spend more time at home due to the pandemic, many are looking for ways to turn spaces into retreats of comfort and well-being.

For some people, that means major renovations. For others, it means making select improvements designed to add tranquility and enjoyment. It’s not surprising, then, that home-improvement contractors listing their services on Houzz saw a 58% boost in homeowner requests in June 2020, compared to June 2019.

Homeowners are converting their bathrooms into spa-like havens of self-care, versus just functional spaces.

“In terms of design, I think people are seeing their living spaces as their refuges — sanctuaries where they’re safe and comforted,” notes architect Ryan Leidner on Dwell.com. “As the outside world becomes less touchable, I can see a great desire for the materials, textures and objects within our homes to have more of a tactile quality that invites us to use them.”

A prime area of focus for many has been the bathroom.

Homeowners are converting their bathrooms into spa-like havens of self-care, versus just functional spaces. At the same time, many are adding features that aim for better cleanliness, sustainability and multi-generational living.

If “your own private spa” sounds like the perfect place for your family to rejuvenate, here are six ideas for your bathroom.

1Switch your existing tub for an extra-deep soaking tub.
Gone are the days when a bath meant scrunching your limbs into a cramped and cooling basin of water. Today’s roomy bathtubs let you stretch out, fully immersed.

2Install a curbless shower and linear drain.
The most progressive shower configurations are ergonomically constructed with curb-free, ADA-compliant entries, so family members need not step in and out, but merely walk in. QuickDrain USA is among companies that offer shower linear drains. The drains swiftly eliminate surface water using one-directional sloping.

3Invest in voice-activated smart features.
With a few technology and equipment upgrades, Alexa, Siri or Google Home can now run your bath at your temperature of choice, power up your shower, light up your mirror, warm your toilet seat, diffuse your favorite fragrance, play all your top tunes and perform other functions aimed at boosting luxury.

4Incorporate a steam shower.
Equipment added right into your shower stall can pipe in fresh steam customized by temperature and duration. “Bathing” in the vapor can feel wonderfully soothing and hydrating. It’s said to produce health benefits ranging from better circulation and sinus drainage to clearer skin and rejuvenation of tired muscles.

5Treat yourself to a towel warmer.
They make a towel warm and cozy after your shower. The pieces of hardware are relatively easy to install and can be well worth the investment in comfort.

6Can’t afford the above options?
Treat yourself then to a few inexpensive items that help enhance your bathroom—like soaps, handwash and candles with calming scents such as lavender, jasmine and vanilla. Replace your old towels with plush new ones. Consider upgrading your showerhead, too. Finally, clutter is the enemy of a soothing atmosphere. Clear your countertops and store items in a pretty basket or storage bin