The most appealing bathrooms are those that cater to the senses. Is your bathroom oasis fitting the bill, or just serving as a plain old powder room? These five tips to refresh your bathroom will have you wanting to take a long, luxurious bath on a daily basis.

1. In the Eye of the Beholder

What do you see in your bathroom? Clutter, boring walls, out-of-date fixtures? Paint colors, updated fixtures, and clever organizational methods are the fastest ways to refresh your bathroom on a small budget. But you can also invest in this space and choose to replace your vanity with a more modern and storage-friendly option. Instead of painting, tiled walls can change the entire vibe of even the smallest bathroom. Whatever embellishment you choose, the shades should be soothing – think gray with touches of pink or turquoise, or a combination of soft browns and creams.

2. Shine a Little Light

Too-bright overhead fluorescent lighting can impact the vibe of your bathroom, and even warp with how you look in the mirror (important, especially if this is the room where ladies are applying makeup). Capitalize on any opportunity to draw on natural light in the bathroom, whether you have a window or skylight. Select window coverings that protect your modesty but also allow light to filter through – honeycomb blinds are one option. If there is no chance of any peeping toms, let the light shine in with wispy sheers then focus on the rest of the lighting in your bathroom. Update the chandelier, change out the light fixtures to change the direction and intensity of light over the vanity. And never underestimate the power of well-placed candles around the tub or gathered in a neat collection on the vanity for a romantic, subdued, zen feeling.

3. Invite the Outdoors Inside

Whether orchid, hanging fern, aloe plant, or vase with fresh blossoms, strategically placed greenery automatically transforms a bathroom. The space suddenly feels healthier and more alive. You don’t have to create a bathroom jungle – unless that’s what you’re aiming for – and if you’re worried about your lack of a green thumb, a collection of attractive cacti, bamboo, or even an urn filled with pussy willows or eucalyptus shows that you’re aiming for a natural, tranquil space. Consult with an interior design expert to find the plants that will improve the air in your bathroom and that will thrive in a steamy, moist environment.

4. Do the Sniff Test

Let’s just state the obvious – you want your bathroom to smell good. Depending on how many people use your loo, it can be a cacophony of smells – cologne, perfume, body wash, soap, shampoo. Together all the little scents can overwhelm. When you want to retreat to your bathroom oasis, you need a way to mute all the lingering smells – scented candles, incense, and diffusers are some of the best ways to get the aroma you want permeating your bathroom so you can relax properly without being accosted by an unwanted cloud of scents.

5. I Can’t Hear You

An obnoxious-sounding vent can interfere with the tranquility of a bathroom. Being able to hear noises in the rest of your home or even outside sounds can be jarring when you’re trying to settle into a relaxing bath. There are several options for sound control. A small tabletop water fountain placed on the floor, sink, or bath edge (if you have that kind of spacious tub) is a constant source of soothing sound. Have a bathroom sound system safely installed. Or pull out the big guns and invest in a whirlpool or Jacuzzi with the constant bubbling that spells relaxation.

Consult with Decor & You to find out what enhancements are possible for your bathroom to create a welcoming oasis. Allow us to create a personalized DecorPlan for you.