How to Make Your Bathroom Like a Spa

Every home should have a place where time stands still. A room so relaxing, so peaceful, even beauty chooses to be quiet. When your new bath design is complete, melt away stress and tension with a few of these simple ideas:

Keep a basket of your favorite bath soaps, lotions, oils and body mists near the tub.

Invest in a bath pillow for your neck. Also consider purchasing an eye pillow filled with scented herbs, such as lavender and peppermint, to soothe tired eyes.

Arrange a bouquet of fresh flowers and place them near your tub or whirlpool. The floral scents will disperse throughout the room and add a bit of beauty and color.

Place scented candles around the tub ledge or on the vanity. Make sure they are distanced from fabrics or other flammable materials.

Cozy up after your bath or shower with an oversized, cotton towel. Keep a few fluffy towels stacked near the bath for easy access. A towel warming rack also is a nice idea to insure toasty towels.

If music soothes your soul, bring in a small stereo along with a collection of your favorite tapes and CDs. (Remember to keep electronic equipment away from water.)

Recipes for Relaxation

Experiment with herbal infusions by combining the flowers and leaves of your favorite herbs with water. For example, steep chamomile flowers in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then pour into the bath water. You can experiment by mixing other flowers and herbs to create a special blend. Rose, mint, ylang-ylang and rosemary are other popular selections.

Make use of a window in your bathroom by growing a small windowsill garden filled with indulgent ingredients for your spa. Plant flowers and herbs such as miniature lavender, rosemary and peppermint in a small window box. The greenery also will bring a bit of nature in to your bath environment.

A moisturizing milk bath has been a popular option for years. Try the Baroness Aurore Dudevant’s replenishing milk bath. She was a 19th century novelist, Chopin’s mistress and a trendsetter in that she smoked and wore pants in public. She was also known for her beautiful skin.


Here’s her secret:

3 oz. Bicarbonate of soda
8 oz. Salt
1 qt. Water
3 lbs. Honey
3 qts. Milk

You can personalize this recipe with several drops of a favorite essential oil such as jasmine, rose or mint.