For many, their bathroom is their sanctuary. It’s where they go to relax and unwind after a long day, or just have a few minutes of peace. But when you have a bathroom that is outdated or just plain boring, spending time there can be anything but relaxing. Here are seven ideas that will turn your bathroom from an afterthought to a peaceful spa-like oasis that you’ll never want to leave.

1. Soothing palette
A great spa experience starts with the calming environment, so choose a light and peaceful color palette as the background for your spa bathroom. An all-white room is always a winner, but light blue, tranquil green or soft gray will also create a calming effect. If you have a brightly tiled room but don’t want to re-tile,consider painting the tile a lighter hue.

2. Upgraded shower head
You want your shower to be the place where you unwind, and upgrading your shower head will make a huge difference in your experience. An upgraded shower head will likely improve your water pressure, and give you options for sprays and angles. A beautiful rain shower head is larger than a conventional shower head, and will give you the luxurious feeling of showering in a warm rainfall.

3. Luxury linens
Nothing feels better than stepping out of a shower and wrapping yourself in a big, soft towel. Invest in nice, new, oversized towels and other bathroom linens. Turkish cotton towels or towels with a higher density will give you that luxurious feel. Continue your calming palette and choose white or light linens. For a complete spa touch, display your new towels and washcloths rolled in a wicker or wire basket.

4. Soft lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in your bathroom experience. Get rid of harsh or overly bright lights and replace them with soft bulbs and more indirect lighting. Let in as much natural light as possible.

5. Spa accessories
Part of the joy in going to the spa is discovering the small, special touches, so why not recreate those touches in your own bathroom? If you love plants, add some greenery to your space. Love the glow of candles? Line the edge of your bathroom with soft-scented candles to light when you take a bath. Treat yourself to a bath tray filled with beautiful soaps, a natural loofah and calming face masks.

6. Create storage
One thing that will add stress in your new tranquil space is clutter. Declutter as much as you can, removing hair, makeup and cleaning products from countertops. Invest in a beautiful and functional storage piece to hide away the necessary, but unsightly products from view.

7. Spa scents and sounds
Extend the peaceful vibe to all of your senses by adding calming smells like lavender or jasmine, either through essential oils, soaps, candles or scented lotions. Invest in a white noise machine with your favorite, restful sounds to drown out the outside world and complete your spa experience.
Pampering doesn’t have to mean a trip to the spa. Transform your blah bathroom into a peaceful oasis by adding soothing colors, luxury towels, a wonderful shower head, spa touches, scents and sounds. When you have a beautiful spa bathroom, you can treat yourself every day.