At Home Swedish Spa Retreat
Create a relaxing retreat in your home by designing an at home
Swedish spa in you own bathroom.
We all need a private sanctuary, a place to relax, and refresh.
It matters little where your stress comes from, career, family or
both; one of the best ways to unwind is in a hot bath at the end
of the day. Imagine yourself, in a tub of warm soothing water, scented
with aromatic oil, or bath salts. As your muscles relax and your
mind wanders, the tension of the day simply floats away. 
Equally important to the process of relaxation are your surroundings.
Design your bath in a way that it becomes an escape, a mini-vacation
from day to day worries and concerns. With minimal expense, and
a lot of imagination, you can transform your bath into a Swedish
spa, where you can pamper and soak your troubles away.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think the words “Swedish
spa” is natural; wood, stone, and a neutral pallet. Start
with your walls. Beadboard paneling in a golden oak tone is a wonderful
choice. The look is all natural, yet warm and inviting. Trim your
paneling with molding and baseboards in a creamy white shade.
Once you have finished the walls, your next decision is flooring.
Many people are more comfortable with carpet. This is fine, and
will work well, if you choose a carpet in a neutral tone, perhaps
a Berber or even sisal carpeting. Whle carpet is warm and convenient;
a floor of natural quarry tile, in a terra cotta or even a soft
dove gray would look great. If warmth is a concern, remember all
the lovely bath mats and area rugs available.
While staying within the boundaries of a neutral pallet, consider
your fixtures. White is the natural choice. When choosing your lavatory,
simple clean lines work best with this look. Many of the new pedestal
sinks are both functional and attractive. Faucets and towel racks
in chrome, perhaps with white porcelain detail, complete the theme.
Finally, to enhance the look, consider your accessories. That
old saying “God is in the details”, certainly applies
to decorating. Your choice of accessories is the rope that binds
the whole concept together. In keeping with the neutral theme, choose
accessories of a natural design. A clear, glass bowl piled high
with sea sponges looks great in one corner of the bathtub. Consider
a small three-tiered shelf in chrome, these are available at many
bath or linen stores. Situate the shelf near the tub, stock one
shelf with assorted bath oils, salts, and glycerin soaps. Fill the
other shelves with fluffy, white towels, bath brushes, and loufahs.
A single chrome hook mounted on the back of the door, is a great
place to hang your favorite, white terry robe. Don’t forget
to use several sizes and shapes of white beeswax candles. They look
great scattered randomly in groups.
Now, run a warm soothing bath. Light your candles, add your favorite
oil, or salts, and pour yourself a glass of wine or perhaps a cup
of tea. Let the worries of the day float away on a cloud of bubbles!
You will emerge relaxed and refreshed, ready to tackle anything!