How to make your home feel like a spa on a budget

Part of creating the spa experience at home is adding in aromatherapy products, which can come in the form of bath bombs, essential oil diffusers and shower steamers.
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Nothing can quite match the pampering, posh and contended experience you get when visiting a luxury spa. But the pros suggest recreating this feeling in the comforts of your own home isn’t as difficult as you would imagine with the right products, preparation and imagination.

“Considering the economy and tighter budgets, more people are trying to find ways to make their everyday living spaces feel more luxurious, which is why more consumers are opting to bring the spa home instead of spending the money and time it takes to go to the actual spa,” says Heather Roberts, founder of Mom Bomb, a natural bath and shower product company based in Boston. “With so many great products on the market today, it’s easier than ever to transform your bathroom or personal space into a peaceful sanctuary without breaking the bank.”

Andrei Newman, founder of Designer Home Spas in Miami, subscribes to that theory.

“Creating a spa-like experience anywhere in the home is about incorporating elements that encourage relaxation, calmness and refreshment,” he says. “After a long day, having space that allows you to unwind and take care of yourself can greatly improve overall well-being and provide an escape without going out.”

Of course, the bathroom, particularly the master bath, is the most logical spot for a spa simulation.

The bathroom is a natural first place to start when trying to recreate the spa experience at home.
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“Creating a bathroom filled with the right décor and infused with a tranquil aura can transform that room that was traditionally a purely functional area into a truly magnificent space,” says Lauren Kavanagh, art director for Hovia, a sustainable interior design firm.

Part of creating the spa experience at home is adding in aromatherapy products, which can come in the form of bath bombs, essential oil diffusers and shower steamers.
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She suggests creating a coastal-style bath associated with a freshness that incorporates shades reminiscent of a seaside environment — blues, greens, soft neutrals, sandy yellows and warm whites. The space should also implement natural materials full of beautiful imperfections, including pale or whitewashed woods, seagrass or rattan baskets with a touch of greenery and tufted cream bathmats with complementing towels.

Kavanagh says adding or replacing wallpaper in the bath can make a big difference, too.

“You can transform your bathroom into a serene retreat with a nature-inspired wallpaper or create a green sanctuary with a wallpaper that channels a vintage vibe with lush foliage in deep greens paired with subtle blushes,” she says.

According to Newman, an inexpensive way to add aromatherapy benefits to your bath is to use an essential oil diffuser meant to enhance relaxation when taking showers. Popular choices include lavender oils (especially scents from eucalyptus plants), special bath bombs, Epsom salts and reasonably priced skincare items.

“Also, check out shower steamers, which are like bath bombs for the shower. You simply put one on a shelf by the running water and the essential oils get released,” Roberts notes. “There are also new therapeutic bath bombs on the market made with nourishing ingredients like coconut and essential oils.”

Bob Berriz, a luxury design expert, recommends swapping out your showerhead for a high-pressure or other preferable showerhead “that provides an invigorating massage-like sensation.”

According to Adam Chahl, an interior design specialist, following best practices can replicate the spa experience in the bathroom or another chosen area.

“Use calming, neutral colors like soft blues, greens, or earth tones to promote a sense of serenity. Declutter countertops and invest in storage solutions to maintain a clean, spa-like environment. Incorporate plush robes, decorative towel baskets and live plants to bring in natural elements,” Chahl advises. “Also, opt for soft, warm lighting that can be dimmed to create a relaxing ambience.

Lighting and accessories can put the final touch on your spa remodeling project.
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Proper lighting is crucial, the experts concur.

“Soft ambient LED lighting can change everything immediately, making it a chillax-ing place,” Newman says. “Create the mood with battery-operated candles, which are affordable at most stores.”

Interior designer, Nick Chatzigeorgakis’ recipe for a rejuvenating living room calls for grouping candles together to fashion a DIY aromatherapy station, draping soft blankets on furniture, sprinkling petals on surfaces for a natural aroma and playing instrumental music or unplugging devices for a digital detox.

“Small cozy adjustments and making time to unwind work wonders for your well-being,” adds Chatzigeorgakis.