How to Decorate a Spa Bathroom

First Decide on a Theme

When thinking about how to decorate a spa bathroom, your first thoughts should be on what type of theme appeals to you for a spa room. Just because most professional spas reflect an Asian or a contemporary feel, if this is not your cup of tea you should use a theme that appeals to you and your family. Here are several themes that might suit your personality and temperment for you to consider.

Beach or Ocean Theme

Water inspired themes and bathrooms go hand in hand. You can go for a natural, beach house inspired theme. Driftwood, fishnets, and shells all come to mind for an ocean theme. Use the blues and greens of water and the beiges and tans of sand, and create a perfect color scheme for an ocean theme. Don't forgetsilk dune grasses for a touch of when you decorate a spa bathroom with a beach theme.

If you prefer the tropical beaches of Tahiti and Hawaii, the neutral tones should be the foundation of your decorating.

Furniture should be of natural wood such as bamboo, rattan and wicker. Fabrics should be natural fabrics of cotton and silk. Bamboo and sisal mats finish the theme. Wall art of tropical beach scenes and a palm tree (real or silk) will help your tropical beach theme come alive.

Romantic Theme

Do you want a feminine look in your home spa? Are you partial to pastels and florals? Are ribbons and lace your cup of tea? Then perhaps a romantic theme is right for you when you are ready to decorate a spa bathroom. It's not only bedrooms that get to have the romantic theme. Have you thought of a romantic looking bathroom?

What would a romantic room be without music? Be sure to include a good sound system into your decorating plans. Along with sound, scent is also very romantic. Potpourri, scented candles and other scenters add to your romantic bathroom theme.

No harsh overhead lighting is allowed in the romantic bathroom. If you do use overhead lighting, be sure to have a dimmer installed to soften the light. Who says you can't have table lamps in the bathroom? Place a small table lamp with a glass beaded shade on your countertop. This will cast a soft light that will be reflected off the mirror and add to the romantic theme of your bathroom. You can also use shades in soft pastel colors to cast a pleasing glow. Light bulbs used in your lamps could be tinted in pinks, peach or golden yellow to carry out the romantic ambiance

Black and White Theme

A black-and-white theme is dramatic, with a classic and timeless feel. I've always loved a black and white room. You can either go with the black or white bathroom fixtures. White cabinets with black fixtures work well here. Wrought iron lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware fit in this theme.

For flooring consider alternating tiles of black and white. Accessories can be black or white. White and black patterned shower curtains and towels can finish this look. Old black and white photos look well for wall decoration.

Fluffy white robes and towels complete the look for this spa bathroom.

Oriental or Asian Theme

Most professional spas today are influenced by the oriental or asian style of decorating. If you like stuff and clutter, stay away from this style. Oriental decorating is sparse and minimal. Space is the most important aspect of this theme. Walk into any room with an Asian theme and you are struck with the openess and lack of space filling artifacts. Accessories are at a minimum and supplies are usually stored away behind closed doors.

Colors are usually white, off white, or beige neutrals. However, red and black is also a popular oriental color scheme.

The entire room should reflect a sense of calm and peacefulness. A combination of low-wattage lights and uplighting gives a sense of relaxation to the bathroom spa. Translucent shades also create soft lighting by reducing the sun's glare and should be a consideration when you decorate a spa bathroom.

Match the Master Bedroom

If your master bedroom and bath are connected, it's always in good taste to match the decor of both rooms. It doesn't matter if it's modern or traditonal, you can find bath fittings for all styles these days. Lavoratories are built into traditonal wood furniture or free standing pedestals. Contemporary fixtures are available in a myriad of shapes and colors.

Don't feel you have to follow the rules of modern spa decorating. Decorating a spa doesn't have to be done in any particular style. Tuscan, country or log cabin decorating can all be used as a theme when you decorate a spa bathroom.

What is important is that you create a spa atmosphere of calmness and relaxation. If, when you use your spa bathroom, you feel a sense of relaxation and get a sense of coming home to the core of your being, then you know you have truly reached your goal of creating the perfect spa retreat for your mind and body.