Creating a bathroom I can dream of
I’m expecting to be working from home until at least the spring of 2022, so I’ve decided that my next project will be my very own dream bathroom. After all, I love some me time. I’m going to remodel my shabby old childhood bathroom into a luxury oasis that any spa would envy―while adding value to our home.
It’s so crazy how my life took a complete turn when the pandemic hit. I had to move back in with my parents, leave the office, and work from home. My Pilates classes, weekly happy hour sessions with the girls, and romantic date nights with hot matches on OkCupid had to come to a complete stop. I didn’t think I would ever get over that.
But living with mom, dad and little sis again has honestly turned out to be such a treat. Not only do I enjoy our afternoons out on the deck drinking homemade cocktails, and our nights binge-watching The Queen’s Gambit, but I’ve actually been able to give back to them in ways I had previously never imagined.
With so much ‘extra’ time on my hands, I’ve been able to help spruce up their home with a patio makeover, a swanky new wine room, and a finished basement―and redecorate other spaces. This time, though, I wanted to do something for me.
Calculating my budget
I want to make sure that I have enough savings to make this project work. An average bathroom remodel costs about $10,945, but the price will of course fluctuate, depending on size and scope of the project, as well as the choices I make on all the components, cabinetry, and fixtures to install. I’m realistic in knowing that the type of bathroom I want could cost a bit more than that national average. I know, for example, that I want to splurge on the perfect bathtub, so I will have to find creative ways to save on other features.
Finding help
This is obviously a big project and I can’t do it on my own. I need the help of professionals! Plus, I don’t want to get my parents into any trouble with their homeowners association, or worse, the city. So I went on Yelp and searched for the highest-rated contractors near me. I made sure they were legit by checking if they were a Better Business Bureau (BBB)-accredited Business. Knowing they are licensed and insured puts me at ease.
Tackling the tub
Do I want to feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, soaking in a bubble bath at a five-star Beverly Hills hotel? Yes, yes I do. That’s why my standard bathtub has got to go. I’m replacing it with a hydrotherapy tub. A hydrotherapy tub, or a whirlpool tub, uses water pressure to give you an underwater massage that soothes tired muscles.
The total cost to install a jetted whirlpool bathtub ranges between $1,500 and $17,000 with an average price of $6,500. This price includes the cost of the tub itself as well as installation charges and materials.
If a hydrotherapy tub is over your budget, consider an air tub, a new oval tub, or simply refinish your old one for a fresh new look. Lowes has an amazing buying guide for all of these different options.
Updating the shower
If showers are more your thing, there is so much you can do in that department. How amazing would it be to bring a sauna into your home? Well, guess what? You can update your shower system to include a steam shower. “Installing a 3 by 3 by 7 foot steam shower is about $2,650 to $6,050, or an average of around $4,300 including all materials,” says Home Advisor.
A more affordable option is to update your shower head. Martha Stewart has some great high-tech sustainable recommendations for that, with different water pressure settings, contemporary designs, handheld pieces, and full overhead coverage.
And here’s a tip: installing multiple shower heads is a great way to get that massage experience. There are even some shower heads that come with chromatherapy, which uses colored lights to stimulate relaxation. Here’s another tip: frameless glass doors will look much more luxurious than shower curtains.
Dimmable lighting
It just wouldn’t feel like a spa without the right lighting. Having the ability to dim the lights creates the right ambiance and a calming, soothing effect—not to mention that low light saves on energy costs. I’ve been trying to convince my parents to update to recessed lighting throughout the house because it can help make our space look classier and larger. I’m sure that once I install the recessed lighting in the bathroom, they will be sold on the idea.
The cost of installing recessed lighting is $2,160 for six fixtures or $360 on average for each. A less expensive alternative to creating this relaxing spa atmosphere is simply to use candles or flameless candles.
Tiles and vanity
I wanted to see what influencers on Instagram were doing when it comes to remodeling a small bathroom. I learned from @justinplace_sydney that using lighter and longer tiles will give the illusion that the space is bigger. I also love the idea of having a wooden vanity, which totally gives me spa vibes!
Accessorizing
The look and feel of a room is everything. You wouldn’t believe the difference that fluffy new towels and wallpaper can make. I, for one, decided to go with white paint for my bathroom walls because I like that clean classic look, but other great spa-themed colors include grays, blues, greens, and earth tones.
Greenery is also great for creating that calming effect. Scrolling through Pinterest, I found some amazing inspiration. I’m planning on adding bamboo plants and white lilies to my peaceful sanctuary. I also will be adding an aromatherapy oil diffuser to promote psychological and physical well-being.
And when it comes to organizing your stuff, stay zen with some feng-shui. Keep those counters decluttered and get yourself a wooden bathtub tray, for the ultimate personal spa experience.
The gist
If you feel like these past two years have taken a toll on you, I can totally relate. After these stressful and uncertain times, I think we all deserve a day at the spa. When transforming your bathroom into your own personal oasis, decide what is the one thing you want to splurge on. For me it was the hydrotherapy tub, but for you it might be a steam shower. If those options are way over your budget, there are plenty of little things you can do to turn your space into the a dream bathroom.
