Easy tips for turning your bath into a blissful spa escape

Check out my latest Home Inspirations column in the Fort Myers News-Press for tips on turning your bath into a blissful spa escape.

News-Press, October 23, 2010 by  Wrenda Goodwyn

There is no more peaceful escape than retreating into your own personal spa. You can include soothing colors, candles, aromatherapy, a new spa robe and slippers, fluffy white towels, neck pillow, relaxing music, favorite soaps, body lotions and oils.

It is possible to include spa and bath products from some of the most popular boutique hotel collections in the world, from a showerhead that gives a sense of standing in a rain forest to popular curved hotel shower rods that save space and create a beautiful design element.

You can do them all with a few tips to get started.

• Explore hotel collections. Some of my favorites are the showerhead from the Fairmont Hotel. Eco-friendly products from Marriott Hotels. Trendy and hip decor from W Hotels. Bath products from Sonesta Hotels. All have websites that sell everything from the furnishings to lighting.

• Declutter. Keep all surfaces clean and sparkling. Use attractive baskets or jars to hold and store accessories.

• Color. This one is subjective but no color says "spa" like a beautiful clean white. Blues are also calming and greens are relaxing. Some of my favorites: Benjamin Moore's Sweet Dreams, Brilliant White, Silver Satin, Fresh Dew.

• Mirrors. If you are going to paint, replace the mirror. If your bath is small, use one with a frame or consider framing a plain mirror. Or frame the mirror on the wall without the expense of removing it. Check out mirrormate.com. If you have a double vanity, replace a stark, large mirror with two framed mirrors (Pottery Barn, West Elm, Home Goods).

• Textures. Marble surfaces, porcelain floor tile, fluffy white rugs, white towels. Splurge on these - especially the towels.

• Shower. Check out the curved shower rod (Bed, Bath & Beyond). If you only add one spa element to your bath, let this be the one. Hang a white waffle shower curtain with beautiful hooks. This changes everything instantly!

• Artwork. Peaceful nature scenes, water, beach, calming. Jars filled with shells and green and blue sea glass.

• Heated towel bar. These are relatively inexpensive for the amount of pleasure they provide when you wrap yourself in a fluffy, white towel. Yes, even in Florida!

• Calm. Fill the room with tea lights and play some soothing music.

Enjoy your spa escape!

— Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator. Visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com.