A Design Expert Explains How To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Spa

Making time to treat yourself can be tricky. Most people are so busy between work, school, kids, and other commitments that taking an afternoon to bathe at the spa seems out of the question. Yet, pampering yourself from time to time is an essential part of healthy living and mental wellness. Coastal Day Spa notes that spa days offer essential time to reconnect with yourself and improve your skin, breathing, and blood flow. All of these features are central to a life of wellness and happiness, but you don't need to splurge at the day spa to reap the benefits.

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, interior designer Melissa Fields, the owner and president of Shades of Gray Design Studio, talks brass tacks on how to reimagine your tired bathroom and transform it into a retreat. These changes are simple, and the results will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in the comfort of your home.

Color psychology is critical to any room. It's especially pressing when considering areas where you want to unwind, like your bathroom. Melissa Fields told House Digest, "To create that spa vibe in your bathroom, think of the colors you see that are calming and soothing to your soul like blues, greens, whites, creams, and tans. Keep it light, bright, and airy." Of course, everyone has their own taste and color associations, so it's important to consider your favorite shades and personalize your space.

Once you've chosen your palette, Fields recommends using the soothing new colors in unique ways: "Bring that into your space by painting your walls and ceiling or even with the tiles you select. If your cabinets are in good shape, paint them white or a lighter color if they're dark." Considering not just the walls but the ceiling, cabinets, and tiles will make your bathroom come together and create a cohesive, stress-free environment.

While you want to keep your home spa light, bright, and airy, you also want an element of warmth. You can find this in a variety of ways. Fields suggests using fixtures and flourishes. "Balance the lighter colors with warm tones. You can do this by bringing in elements of wood such as a bench or a bathtub tray. Teak is a beautiful and smart choice for wood in the bathroom. It holds up nicely in wet and humid environments."

Wooden features in the bathroom add a tactile depth that is soothing to the eye. However, as Fields suggests, a wood choice that can repel moisture is crucial. For those who don't mind a little extra work, resealing wooden bathroom furniture can add a layer of protection and allow you to incorporate any addition that catches your eye. If wood isn't your style, Fields notes that "adding warmth can also be accomplished with the finish you choose such as an antique brass or copper for your fixtures."

One thing that resorts pay attention to that might escape your notice can also make a big difference, making your bathroom look like a spa. Melissa Fields says, "If your bathroom is a little outdated, changing out your plumbing and light fixtures are great ways to achieve this... If you don't have a lot of natural light in your bathroom, swap out your vanity light fixture for a clean, stylish LED vanity light or add a statement chandelier above your tub (make sure your ceilings are high enough for this one). Make sure you put them on dimmers so you can control the amount of light you want in the room."

She also suggests a focus on the sink and shower. These features can quickly become stained with hard water deposits and could probably use an upgrade, too! Fields says: "Replace your existing faucet fixture for a beautiful wide spread faucet or a sleek single lever waterfall faucet. If your level of investment allows, consider installing a steam shower or adding a shower system complete with body sprays and a rain shower head for a super luxe feel."

Luxury spaces often include well-thought-out, intricate designs, and utilizing just one material is a surefire way to miss an interior-design opportunity. That's why Melissa Fields recommends incorporating a lot of texture in your bathroom — and offers plenty of ways to do it. "This can be achieved by using textured wallpaper (made for humid environments, yes they exist) on your walls. Not only does it bring in texture, but it adds interest and depth to the space. This can really evoke that luxurious, high-end hotel vibe."

Beyond the walls, she suggests looking at your hard surfaces and fabrics, "You can replace your existing countertop or shower tile with natural stone or textured tile patterns. Think about using wood-woven shades or a linen blend fabric for your window coverings." She says, "don't be afraid to mix and match. Everything doesn't have to be so matchy-matchy — just make sure it's cohesive and flows with the design."

Plant life is an important design element in any part of the home, but it holds special importance in spaces that promote calm. "Nothing screams spa more than having beautiful live plants in the space! Plants bring life and color to our lives. They also connect us to nature — a peaceful, serene place," Melissa Fields says. This is, of course, a central theme in any spa environment, whether professional or based in your own home.

There are also perks beyond aesthetics. Fields notes, "By incorporating plants into your bathroom, you help clean the toxins in the air which provides a great health benefit. It also prevents your space from looking so flat and uninviting." In fact, a room that's flush with oxygen is a space primed to improve your mood and reduce stress, according to NBC News. What more could you ask for in a spa? It's a win-win all around.

Minimalism is a key aesthetic for any relaxing environment, from the bedroom to the office. It's particularly powerful when trying to emulate the laid-back vibes of a spa. "Spas are not cluttered and crowded with stuff," notes Fields. "Create a calm sanctuary that is minimalist and clean. Add a few good quality, luxurious white towels, install some open shelving on the wall with a few accent decor pieces, plants, and one cool wall art piece."

Beyond that, you don't need much else, according to Fields. "Let the eyes rest by providing some white space. Every wall and area within the bathroom doesn't need to be filled with something. Simple and clean is the key!" she says.

Stress and other concerns that take up mental space add to what is known as mental clutter. A minimalist setting is an excellent backdrop to help you retreat from the things that are causing you stress, ensuring that your bathroom-turned-spa always provides the comfort you deserve.