Ten Simple Ways to Make your Bathroom Feel Like a Retreat

Does your bathroom feel more well functional, rather than a comfy oasis? I am working on a few simple tweaks to make my bathrooms a little more welcoming and will share the results soon. In the meantime, let’s see if we can get some inspiration from the pros. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat that’ll make you feel special every time you step inside. I am joining some creative friends today for some bathroom inspiration. Let’s dive into ten simple to make your bathroom feel like a retreat.

Ten Simple Ways to Make your Bathroom feel like a Retreat

Choose a Calming Color Palette

This charming bath designed by Carley Page invites one to come on in and relax with it’s calm color scheme. Love the addition of the wicker fixture.

Bring in the Outdoors

Anything green adds life and contributes to the spa experience.

Imagine this small but charming bath designed by Heather Chadduck and photographed by Laurey W Glenn with out the small plant.

Add a Place to Sit

If you have a large bathroom an upholstered chair is a luxury, even a small stool works in a small bath.

This pretty bath designed by Ashley Gilbreth and photographed by Emily Followill is lovely on it’s own but the addition of the small vintage stool is the icing on the cake.

Add Something Vintage

I know you tire of me praising the importance of adding vintage for character, but you can’t deny the interest even the smallest piece can create.

Love the addition of the vintage stool and dough bowl in this otherwise modern design by Caitlin Fleming.

Balance the Cold Surfaces with Something Warm

Natural wood (such as teak or bamboo) and woven accessories contribute warmth and texture and can soften the cold surfaces in bathrooms (ie tile, fixtures etc).

The dark wood vanity in this design by Lindsay Brooke brings the cold surfaces (tile fixtures etc) down to earth. I love using wicker or rattan bath accessories. Pottery Barn has a great selection here, and here, and Amazon’s La Jolla collection as well. Quince has rattan accessories at a great price here. I have the Target Threshold collection in my guest baths here.

Invest in Quality Towels

One of the easiest and best ways to help a bathroom feel more spa like is to have good quality towels. 

The towels above are from Cuddledown.

Don’t Skimp on Art

Don’t save your art for other rooms in the house.

The art is center stage in this beautful bathroom designed by the uber talented Suzanne Kasler and photgraphed by Emily Followill. Who wouldn’t love entering this sanctuary at the end of a long day?

Have your Towels Monogrammed

My friend Trish from Cottage by Design has been doing my monogramming for years. She has monogrammed my dining room chairs, my pillows, napkins you name it. I highly recommend her. You can also have your towels monogrammed on Etsy. Mark and Graham do beautiful monogrammed towels, Pottery Barn, the Company Store, Frontgate, Lands End, and many more.

This is my unfinisihed primary bath (that I hoped to have completed), We had to remove the rug (Scout likes to gnaw on it), and I realized it is impossible to complete until he is out of the puppy stage (he’s better but not ready for prime time yet!!) We added Pottery Barn linen curtain panels and one of Trish’s beautiful guest towels. It won’t be mimicing a spa anytime soon!!

Put your Soaps and Shampoos in Pretty Containers

Toss the generic plastic containers and transfer your shampoos and hand soap into stylish containers.

This is my son’s guest bathroom in his 1930’s home. They took an oddly configured bath and created a space for a shower with a rain shower head, and a handheld, and a freestanding tub. They created a spa-like bathroom. The vintage style herbariums (from Atrium Mercantile) adds warmth & character.

Keep it Organized

There are so many pretty baskets, bins, and trays to stash your clutter out of view. Who wants to look at toothbrushes and hairdryers on your countertop? Stow your candles and essential oils in pretty containers.

This is my sons powder room. They chose matte black bathroom fixtures. They were able to incorporate natural elements like seagrass and plants. You can order pretty bottles on Amazon inexpensively. Many come with labels or you can make your own on Canva. Since this is a floating vanity, they added a basket for extra tp etc.

If you are looking for stylish organization inspo for your bathroom you might enjoy my pinterest board here.

You might also enjoy my post Ten Essentials to Help you Style your Bathroom Like a Pro, even though it is older.

Embrace Interesting Textiles

Skip the bath mats and add a pretty vintage oushak or seagrass rug to warm the space. Seagrass is very easy to clean. We have one in our primary bath. Unfortunately Scout likes to chew on it as well.

I love the use of the hide rug in this timeless spa like bathroom designed by Beth Webb and photographed by Emily Followill. The pretty free standing bathtub with it’s incredible view invites relaxation .

Shop Bathroom Accessories

You might also enjoy checking out my amazon storefront for more decorative accessories here.

Creating a serene, retreat-like bathroom doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few thoughtful touches can make a huge difference. Whether it’s adding plush towels, plants, aromatherapy, plenty of stylish storage, or vintage details, these small changes can elevate your bathroom decor and help you escape from everyday life, and unwind in comfort and style.

I hope you enjoyed Ten Simple Ways to Make your Bathroom Feel Like a Retreat. Now let’s pop over and visit my friends for their ideas.

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