Turn Your Bathroom into an Oasis
(Adapted Fort Worth Star Article by Meda Kessler)

It's no secret large bathrooms that rival the facilities found at upscale resorts are all the rage nowadays. And it's no surprise. Homeowners know that after a long, tough day, they don't always have the time or resources to go out to be pampered. Relaxing at home is more convenient and more comfortable, and today's bathrooms are starting to reflect that fact. So, if you want a spa-like bath that will also increase the appeal of your home, here are some quick, easy, and inexpensive ways to help you get the space you want:

• Change your showerhead: Consider bypassing water-massage heads and choosing the ones that make you feel like you're standing in a rain shower. It's almost like bathing outdoors, and due to these heads' current popularity, they are likely to increase the desirability of your home should you choose to sell.

• Glam up the lighting: There are three types of lighting: general (overhead), task (such as a reading lamp), and accent. Add a dimmer switch to control your general lighting. This inexpensive upgrade will allow you to turn the lights down low, will save a bit on your energy bills, and will change to suit your mood and needs. For accent and additional mood lighting, add scented candles. Their soothing glow and soft aroma will take you away from your troubles (note: always use caution around open flame).

• Splurge on a tray of goodies: On a daily basis, you might opt for the bargain shampoo and soap, but when you feel like you can spend more than 5 minutes in the shower and can pamper yourself, these special potions will make the experience that much more luxurious.

• Buy a good towel: If you can treat yourself to a big bath sheet, that's even better. The towel you choose should be in a fabric (ex. Egyptian or pima cotton) and color that you love, and it should feel soothing to your skin.

• Add calming sounds: Investing in a compact, cordless, battery-powered CD player will allow you to listen to relaxing music as you lounge, and you will be able to easily move it to another room if you need to. Put in the appropriate music (Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Sade, John Legend, Norah Jones, etc.) to set the right mood.

• Add a plant or fresh-cut flowers: If your bathroom has a window, a humidity-loving plant that does not need much light, such as a fern or bamboo plant, may thrive there. In addition, a beautiful coordinating pot will add visual interest. Just don't forget to water your treasure.

• Repaint: Consider using a color other than the standard white and opt instead for a neutral, relaxing tone that will coordinate with your existing countertop, vanity, and flooring. Besides revitalizing the condition of your walls, new paint can make the whole room feel fresh. In addition, if you spend a bit more and select paint that is resistant to mold (a wise choice for the humid conditions of a bathroom), you're taking a proactive step toward eliminating possible mold problems in the future.

Whether you're taking a quick shower before rushing off to work or putting in some well-deserved "me time," a beautiful bathroom can change your whole day, even increase the value of your home. Most of all it can make your house stand out from the crowd when you are ready to sell.