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Photo (on left) courtesy of John Sutton; Bathroom designer: Dara Rosenfeld Design.
Photo courtesy of Kohler
Photo courtesy of Frontgate
Photo courtesy of Porcher
Photo courtesy of Viva Terra
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Photo courtesy of Orvis
Photo courtesy of MK and Company Interior Design
Photo courtesy of Peg and Awl/Etsy
Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
Photo courtesy of Bose
Photo courtesy of Masada
Photo courtesy of Brookstone
Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware
Photo courtesy of Conair
Photo courtesy of Hansgrohe
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So the cheaper way of redoing your bathroom is adding a $4500 chase??? Seriously? who wrote this ad?
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
By Larry Bilotti of BobVila.com
If given the choice between these two bathrooms, most homeowners would gravitate to the more well-appointed of the two. After all, luxury is hard to resist, especially in the bath, where space, light, storage and spa-like amenities are coveted. The footprint of any bathroom is pretty much set upon construction, so even modest remodeling or expansion can be costly. But that doesn't mean you have to forgo upgrades that can beautify your existing bath and even add spa-like features. Here are 15 ways to spa-oritize your bath the easy way — without construction and high costs.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
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- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
About the writer: Larry Bilotti is executive editor of BobVila.com and long-time contributor to the home improvement/DIY space.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Create a rain shower
Turn your existing shower into a luxurious spa with the new HydroRail Shower Column from Kohler. The patent-pending technology makes it possible to convert your standard fixed shower head into a spa shower — normally in less than 60 minutes and without the need to open the wall cavity. You can customize your shower experience by choosing from a selection of rain-head and hand-shower fixtures, including the Kohler Katalyst Series, which uses air induction to deliver an authentic rain-shower experience. The HydroRail is available in choice of polished chrome or brushed nickel finish.
- Bing Cube: Check out photos of home makeovers
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Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Turn up the heat
The next time you step out of the bath or shower, wrap yourself in a heated towel. The Myson wall-mounted towel warmer from Frontgate is an easy installation for any bath and is one spa-like amenity that the whole family will enjoy. The unit has eight warming bars that quickly, safely and evenly distribute heat to towels, robes or blankets. It is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and features a 4-foot power cord that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. It comes with four easy-to-install wall brackets.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Upgrade your seat
Bring the cleansing benefits of a bidet to your home toilet with the Porcher electronic bidet seat with dryer, deodorizer and remote control. Featuring both oscillating and gentle wash functions, the seat includes a warm air dryer with two speeds, automatic deodorizer and heated seat with three temperature settings. A built-in seat sensor activates functions when the toilet is in use; an economy mode reduces energy consumption when not. This seat fits most elongated toilets, but you'll find other makers who offer round options as well.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
- MSN Living: Beautiful designer bathrooms
- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Look to natural materials
Nothing is more evocative of the spa aesthetic than natural materials such as teak, bamboo and stone. If you love the look of river-rock flooring but not the cost, here's an inexpensive solution. The Black River Stone mat from Viva Terra is assembled from hand-gathered stones and secured to a water-resistant backing, making it drain and dry easily. Each stone mat is unique and wonderfully tactile underfoot. Mats are available in four natural stone colors: black, ochre, white and multi (shown).
- Bing Cube: Check out photos of home makeovers
- On our blog, 'Listed': A house with wings
- MSN Glo: Decor rules you can break
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Go Turkish
A simple upgrade of your bath towels can impart the plush luxuries of a spa experience every time you step out of the tub or shower. The Hydro cotton bath towels from Pottery Barn are made with an advanced weaving process that makes them 10% more absorbent than traditional cotton terry. Made of 100% cotton (Oeko-Tex-certified ecologically safe textiles), these Turkish towels are fluffy, supersoft and fast-drying — the perfect home spa amenity. They are available in assorted colors, including foam green, white, sand and tealeaf.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Take it outside
If you have a secluded rear deck, particularly one adjacent to a master bedroom or bath, you can easily take the spa experience outdoors. This shower from Orvis hooks up to a standard outdoor spigot and can be adapted for hot water with a hose splitter (purchased separately). Made of nyatoh, a water- and weather-resistant wood, it can be left to age naturally or treated with teak oil to maintain its dark finish. The 30-inch square base has a shower head that adjusts in height from 77.5 inches to 82.5 inches. The only tool required for this spa addition is a screwdriver.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
- MSN Living: Beautiful designer bathrooms
- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Create a mood
The spa experience is all about creating a mood: one that soothes the senses and promotes well-being. One of the easiest ways to create that mood is with the soft, flickering glow of candlelight. Cluster candles on the vanity or window ledge or around the tub for a long, stress-relieving soak. Choose varieties that are infused with a relaxing scent, such as lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang — all known to help in countering stress, anxiety and fatigue, and in fostering calm.
- Bing Cube: Check out photos of home makeovers
- On our blog, 'Listed': A house with wings
- MSN Glo: Decor rules you can break
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Enlist a caddy
Few things are as relaxing — or spa-indulgent — as a nice, long soak in the tub. This handsome wood tub caddy from Peg and Awl makes the soak that much more enjoyable by providing a convenient place to set a book, a cup of tea or a glass of wine. The caddy is made of reclaimed oak beams and finished with two coats of pure tung oil, making it water-resistant and easy to clean. Suitable for most standard tubs with an opening of 22 inches to 26 inches, it can be ordered in custom sizes as well.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Add some comfort
The vanity doesn't have to be the only piece of furniture in the bathroom, particularly if you are lucky enough to have room to spare. You can soften the hard elements of the bath by adding a comfy upholstered chair or chaise. It's a great way to introduce spa style and provide convenience and comfort. The Victoria Falls club chair from Ralph Lauren Home is a perfect complement to any room — even the bath.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
- MSN Living: Beautiful designer bathrooms
- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Listen to your playlist
The spa is all about pleasing the senses, and music plays an important part in that equation. The SoundDock Series II digital music system from Bose belies its compact size with the unparalleled performance for which the brand is known. Compatible with both iPods and iPhones, the unit comes with a remote control that offers basic iPod functions including playlist navigation. A bonus: The iPod charges as it plays so you can enjoy music without interruption.
- Bing Cube: Check out photos of home makeovers
- On our blog, 'Listed': A house with wings
- MSN Glo: Decor rules you can break
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Invigorate your soak
For just pennies a day, you can enjoy the rituals of a spa simply by adding natural, organic salts to your bath. Masada Mineral Bath Salts are imported in a pure, unprocessed extraction in natural form directly from the Dead Sea in Israel. Each aromatic blend is designed to refresh, soothe and relax the bather. Add some Sports Spa to the bath to ease tired muscles and joints, or choose Rain Forest, a naturally invigorating woodsy scent that helps stimulate circulation, enhance energy and eliminate toxins.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Find a shower companion
If you have additional space in the shower, you can put it to good use with a simple spa accessory, such as this corner-shaped, teak bath stool from Brookstone. The open slat design prevents soap and water build-up, while the integrated stainless-steel basket keeps shampoos and shower essentials organized and convenient. Made from top-grade, hand-sanded, kiln-dried teak, the stool features teak legs with adjustable feet to accommodate irregular floors.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
- MSN Living: Beautiful designer bathrooms
- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Reduce the light
The light surrounding your vanity needs to be reasonably bright for daily shaving and beauty regimens, but the room's overhead illumination does not. Replace your existing ceiling fixture with something that provides a softer, more restful illumination, such as the Harmon light from Restoration Hardware. Featuring a sleek design and frosted glass cap, the flush-mounted ceiling fixture provides a diffused light that is ideal for the bath. Add a dimmer switch to adjust the light even lower for "spa time."
- Bing Cube: Check out photos of home makeovers
- On our blog, 'Listed': A house with wings
- MSN Glo: Decor rules you can break
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Enjoy a massage
Create your own whirlpool spa at home with the Thermal Spa bath mat massager from Conair. Featuring an external motor pump, air hose and flexible tub-mat insert, the device converts the standard tub into a relaxing, full-body whirlpool bath. The hose adapts to any tub and the mat folds easily for storage. The pump can also be mounted to the wall for a more permanent installation. A floating remote puts the controls at your fingertips so all you have to do is lie back, relax and enjoy.
Spa-oritize! 15 easy ways to create a spa bath at home
Remember the kids
There is no reason children should be left out of the home spa experience — particularly with innovative and fun products such as the Alphie hand shower from Hansgrohe. Featuring two spray modes, regular and soft aerated, the shower wand is lightweight (7.2 ounces) and designed to fit comfortably in a child's hand. The bold, primary colors and animated design are certain to make even the most resistant bather eager for bath time. Available on Amazon.
- BobVila.com: 10 ways to bring historic style home
- MSN Living: Beautiful designer bathrooms
- Video: Bathroom makeover tips
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