Spa-Inspired Bathroom Design Tips from PlumbTile

DISCLAIMER: A huge "thank you" to PlumbTile for sponsoring today's post. All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect PlumbTile.

Adulting is hard, guys. Even on the "easy" days, it is still hard. Making appointments (and remembering to go to them), feeding the pets (and the kids) every day, making sure there's no crazy looking green mystery meat  growing antibiotics in the fridge, remembering where you parked in the three story parking garage... any or all of this is enough to drive a sane person not-so-sane.

A woman (or man) needs a place where she (or he) can unwind and let go of all the stress of the day. A place to just sit back, relax, dim the lights, light some incense, play a "sounds of the rainforest" CD or even some Kenny G. (I'm not judging) and woosahh it all away. 

Sounds great, huh? Well, unfortunately the Y frowns upon this type of behavior and since nobody can afford to go to the spa every single day, why not bring a little bit of the spa home to you, instead with these tips and design ideas from PlumbTile.

In the interest of full disclosure I feel I should tell you, I have never been to a day spa, but I have seen plenty of HGTV shows with those cute brothers and I am a connoisseur of all things relaxing, so I consider myself appropriately qualified to advise you on this topic.

Setting the mood is key when designing a relaxing space. Start with earth tones for your base pieces, such as the vanity or sink basin. This will give the room a warm feel.  Choose materials with a smooth look and feel that will give the room a "clean" appearance, without being stark white and "hospital-y".

Luckily, marble and granite is becoming more and more affordable, especially for smaller uses like counter tops and basins, so if you're gonna splurge anywhere in a bathroom remodel, I highly suggest going with a natural stone.

Choose a dimming light fixture if available. This simple step will go a long way in setting the mood for your dream spa bathroom. If a dimmer is not available, you could get creative and just remove a bulb from your fixture and call it even. (joking)

From the lighting all the way down to the candles or potpourri you choose, this space should be a treat to all your senses. Choose flooring that is smooth and cool to the touch and place a fuzzy rug down to balance the look. The 24 inch floor tiles are super hot right now and look great in a larger space.

When it comes to towels, the fluffier the better, in my opinion. You could even splurge on a heated towel rack for the ultimate home spa experience. (Or you could totally cheat and just throw your towel in the dryer for 20 minutes or so, while you're enjoying your bubble bath)

Choose an "accent" color to contrast the warm earth tones of the floors and vanity. Blues and greens are really hot right now and you can find lots of bath accessories that will add a pop of color right where you need it. Think towels, toothbrush holders, waste baskets and such.

One of the best things about going to the spa is the fact that it doesn't look like a hundred little gnomes live there. There are no tub toys lingering about from the night(s) before. There is no leftover bathtub paint that swore it was washable, when your Mommy senses told you it was a liar. There is no laundry laying inches from the hamper, just taunting you while you try to relax. In short, the spa is clean.

I know, I get it, it is a very novel idea, but one you can totally do, I promise. 
Start by clearing the clutter from the counters. Hide that crap underneath the vanity like any normal person would or just throw it away.

If you find a half empty tube of toothpaste with a random hair sticking out of it, in the bottom of the medicine cabinet, let it go. Just let it go. Toothpaste is only a dollar at the dollar store, you do not need that random hair infested tube of crap bringing negativity into your new zen space.

Let's face it, we can't all afford a lavish spa bathroom makeover, but you can still have the spa experience at home. Treat yourself to big fluffy towels, all the smells, all the bubbles and allll the candles (or oil diffuser for safety).

Stand in the aisle and smell every single bottle of bubble bath, body wash, shampoo, conditioner there is, then bring 'em home and lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour (or more, not judging, some days are harder than others).

Tell hubby he has the kids and take a minute (or sixty-five) for yourself. Grab your mp3 player or phone and all your smelly goods and just disappear. You deserve it. Being a Mom can be hard sometimes, but it is the best "job" you will ever have.

Those little (and not-so-little too) people need you to be at your absolute best and you just can't do that if you're stressed to the max with no relief in sight, so treat yourself to a bubble bath tonight. It sounds like a simple fix and it is, really, but the effects will be long lasting and probably very much appreciated by your family.