Bathroom Spa Themes and Decorating Ideas

The thought of retreating to a spa in your own home may sound too good to be true, but it doesn't have to be. Even if you cannot afford luxuries like steam showers or whirlpool tubs, you can still decorate the average bathroom with a spa theme. Simply incorporate decor that makes you feel relaxed after a long day at work, like scented candles, calming colors and plush towels in coordinating colors. Need some help getting started with a theme? Look no further.

Zen-like spa. Think aromatherapy, candles and white decor. Incorporate soft, neutral colors in the accessories: soap dispenser, wall hangings, et cetera. Go for clean lines and minimalism, although you might achieve a more zen-like feel with shoji screens, bamboo blinds and live plants, as well. For the finishing touch, roll up several thick, white towels and place them in a bamboo basket.

French femininity. The classic French style embraces curves and originality, yet it doesn't incorporate a lot of color. Look for black-and-white patterned wallpaper, painted cabinets and an ornate mirror to hang above the makeup counter. To achieve the '˜femininity' element, add a small amount of light pink or lilac into the decor. This bathroom spa theme should feel relaxing without becoming boring.

Mediterranean luxury. You are sure to feel sophisticated in your Mediterranean bathroom spa. Light, natural tile is a must in this style, as is the incorporation of dark, earthy tones and lots of texture. To accent the darker tones, incorporate gold colored accessories and some ornate glass light fixtures. Your home spa will be a welcoming retreat after a hard day's work.

Beachside retreat. Create a beach spa feel in your bathroom by incorporating beachy colors -- blue, green, white, sand -- and beach inspired accessories, like bamboo mats, wicker baskets and seashells. Keep neutral colored candles (or tropical scented ones for aromatherapy) near the bathtub while you soak in the water. Whitewashed cabinets, or open shelves, will also help lend a beachside feel to the room.

Western recollections. Lots of wood panels throughout will help give your spa bath a country or Western feel. Knotty, light colored woods, like pine, look great as a wall covering, vanity or basically anywhere. Look for rope moulding details on the cabinet doors. Wrought iron is a good choice for hardware and fixtures. Accessorize with wall hangings that are reminiscent of cowboys, horses and so on.

Clean and contemporary. Do you prefer clean lines and minimalism? Stick with the basics, and use contrasting colors, sleek fixtures and few to no accessories. Finishes may be chrome, brushed nickel, black...but avoid gold or wrought iron, and a bronze finish may even be questionable. Avoid ornate details at all costs in this sleek bathroom design theme.

European elements. The European style bathroom is very contemporary in nature. There is a bathtub, although it is usually just big enough to sit with knees up and wash oneself. The shower is often simply a nozzle in the corner, with a hole for water drainage. And then there is the bidet -- a combination of a toilet, shower and water fountain. These are all very contemporary and sleek in design. Rather than plush towels, you might use smaller, waffle-textured ones instead.

Related Content:
Designing a Spa-Like Bathroom Retreat
Top 10 Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a Paint Color for Your Bathroom