Bliss Out in Your Bath: 18 Ways to 'Spa Up' Your Bathroom

True confession: Sometimes when I need a break from work, I look up the most luxurious spas out there and fantasize that I have a trip planned. Reality means the trip would max out my credit cards, so instead I try to bring some of that spa style home. While some of the bathrooms on Houzz are larger than my bedroom, others cleverly appear to be much larger than they are. Today we'll take a look at lessons we can take away from spa-like bathrooms to apply to our own, whether that means a full bathroom remodel, replacing a vanity or just picking up some new towels. Here are 18 ways to bring spa style to your home.

by NB Design Group, Inc »

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1. Add warm wood accents. Wood slats give this minimalist room a relaxing Asian feel.

by Rockefeller Partners Architects »

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2. Reflect nature with materials. Natural textures like wood and stone breathe life into a bathroom. A pebbled tile floor feels amazing underfoot.

If a new floor is not in your budget anytime soon, treat yourself to a pebble bath mat.

by Cabinets and Beyond Design Studio » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

3. Float the vanity. These vanities let the flooring extend all the way to the wall and give the room a more open feeling.

by ZAK Architecture » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

4. Open up the vanity. As long as you're using it only for storing items that can look neat, like towels or products corralled in baskets, an open vanity makes things look bigger.

by Betty Wasserman »

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5. Use crisp white. Nothing says "relaxing spa" like light and bright walls and ceilings.

Tip: Rolled-up towels the way you see here is quintessential spa.

by Turn Collaborative » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

6. Create continuity with tile. Continuous light-colored tile from floor to ceiling makes the room look bigger.

by Solomon+Bauer+Giambastiani Architects »

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7. Use clear glass. Another component that creates continuity is transparency. It makes the bath look much larger and keeps a shower stall from visually chopping up the bathroom layout.

by Concreteworks » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

8. Sink the tub. Stepping down into a bath recalls stepping down into a whirlpool after a spa massage.

by A Collaborative Design Group » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

9. Add a fireplace. This model is two sided and thus can be enjoyed from two rooms.

by Logue Studio Design Inc. »

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10. Choose a stylish toilet. "Stylish toilet" is no longer an oxymoron. Hatbox styles, wall-mounted versions and notorious Japanese models that do a lot more than flush are just some of the many options on the market.

Meet the New Super Toilets

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11. Open up the view. Obviously, this is a very dramatic example, but even a small window in your shower stall or next to the tub will let you relax and look outdoors while rinsing or soaking.

by Abueg Morris Architect » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

12. Let natural light in. If your bathroom's location means opening up the view would turn you into an exhibitionist, choose glass that lets in the light but disappoints the peeping Toms.

by Amelie de Gaulle Interiors » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

13. Choose a vessel sink. This is a good opportunity to add a natural texture like stone. If you're trying to keep things clean and open, opt for clear glass.

by Sutton Suzuki Architects »

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14. Get particular about tidiness. Neatness counts. If you walked into a spa full of sloppily folded towels placed willy-nilly, it might bug you so much that it would keep you from relaxing during your massage. Apply the same rules to your bath: Keep products tucked away in drawers or cabinets, and neatly fold or roll your towels in an orderly fashion. I recommend fluffy white towels, but if that isn't realistic for you, buy towels that are all the same color. Donate your raggedy old towels to an animal shelter.

by Studio One-Off Architecture & Design »

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15. Give your head a rest. This tub headrest is much better than rolling up a towel underneath your head.

by Anna Gauck »

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16. Keep a fluffy white robe close at hand. Think about logistics when choosing a spot for robe hooks and towel bars. If you want to go for a full spa outfit, treat yourself to some spa shoes.

by John Senhauser Architects » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

17. Add an orchid. You can pick up these beautiful exotic blossoms at the grocery store for about nine bucks, and they'll last for months.

by Belzberg Architects » Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

18. Light some candles. No matter how small your bathroom, you can always give your tub a more relaxed feel with the glow of candlelight. Playing an Enya album is optional.

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