With the trend toward retreating at home, spa like bathrooms have become incredibly popular. Hot items include body spas that have multiple jets of water at different levels that massage you as you shower. Steam showers that invigorate are popular too, plus showers or tubs that provide chromatherapy by adding color in the water to relax or stimulate you.

Other hot trends include above counter basins that look like art with beautiful color and patterns, plus furniture like fixtures. A great way to make cabinets look like furniture is by adding interesting feet, beautiful corbels, decorative trim, different finishes or stains. Bumping out part of the cabinets also creates more of a furniture look and adds visual interest along with glass front cabinets and recessing part of the upper cabinets.

The combination of different materials is popular now with exotic materials making a statement such as walls that look and feel like crocodile or a smooth finished marble. Heated floors and towel racks are another hot trend, especially with tiled bathroom floors. Other popular additions include plasma televisions hidden behind mirrors and mini bars that now include an espresso area along with the mini-fridge.

For a fabulous bathroom, I recommend engaging all of your senses. For a wonderful relaxing sound, consider adding a beautiful water feature like a fountain or waterfall besides a sound system. Then visually think about how you want to feel in your bathroom. If you love pristine and clean, then you might want all white colors in different textures for a more minimalist look. For a comfortable inviting atmosphere, you might select warm rich colors that are cozy. But if you like drama, then add bolder colors with paint or accessories. And for luxury, consider having similar neutral colors that blend well together for a rich look such as warmer beige colors.

As your planning your room visually, remember that lighting is critical to how your room will appear. Besides overhead general lighting, make sure that you add task lighting for make-up and shaving, plus accent light to showcase your focal point such as a beautiful tiled whirlpool with columns and a hand painted mural above. After dusk, table lamps, wall sconces and candles add a wonderful ambiance to your room too.

Storage is another important part of a visually appealing bathroom too. Make sure that you have enough storage for each member of the family to stow away their toiletries because a cluttered bathroom isn’t appealing or relaxing. Each person should have two feet of towel rack space and if you don’t have that much room, try using hooks or hanging towels on racks behind doors. Baskets or shelves can also be added to store toiletries along with free standing furniture.

Accessories are a wonderful inexpensive way to create appeal also. Try grouping plants together on the floor, a table or tray and add items that fit the overall style or theme of your room to add interest. Group the accessories by color, type or material for the most impact and don’t forget about your walls. If you have room in your bathroom, consider a lounging area with a big comfortable chaise or a dressing area with a big beautiful ottoman to sit on.

For tactile stimulation, use different materials throughout the room on your surfaces and add big thirsty towels that will enhance your bathroom experience and make your room more appealing visually. To create a wonderful smell in the bath, add scented accessories such as candles, oils or plug-in fresheners and for your sense of taste, don’t forget to create an area to house snacks and drinks. Now you’re ready for a wonderful retreat everyday in your own home.