Home Spaaah! : Stressed out? Turn your bathroom into a soothing sanctuary.

When Diane Karp gets stressed and life’s pressures have her down, the Newport Beach philanthropist disappears into her bathroom. She climbs into a warm Jacuzzi bathtub, lights her aromatherapy candles, drizzles in bubble bath and immediately slips into a peaceful state of mind.

“The bathroom is a refuge for me,” says Karp, whose first priority was decorating the room when she and her family moved into their home 2 1/2 years ago. “I take the opportunity to meditate in the bathtub and unwind. After 20 minutes, I feel rejuvenated.”

The idea of maintaining a sanctuary in one’s own bathroom is becoming popular, says Mindy Willson, owner of Complexions Day Spa in Seal Beach.

“In response to our typically hectic, fast-paced lifestyle, many people are creating what is essentially a day spa right in their bathroom. This is one of the best rooms in the house to create a hideaway, because water is so soothing,” she says.

Bathing specialist Carrie Reynolds of Irvine-based Renaissance Spa Treatments says a 20-minute bath twice a week can reduce stress levels by 30%. Her company offers a Bath of the Month Club, in which spa and body products--such as Golden Moor Mud or Papaya Enzyme Therapy--are sent via the mail. More than 90 products are available, many containing natural ingredients such as powdered pearls, rose buds and volcanic ash.

Thanks to myriad bath products on the market, such as special sponges, hand showers and towel warmers, creating a home spa has never been easier, says Mission Viejo interior designer Kay Leruth.

“It’s definitely possible to create a spa in your bathroom, and it’s really good for you,” she says. “We all need a place inside the home where we can get refreshed and caressed, even if we have to do the refreshing and caressing ourselves.”

Karp’s 400-square-foot bathroom was specifically designed to provide the utmost in comfort. Not only does she have an eight-jet Jacuzzi tub that hits many parts of the body, she also has a bath pillow and handle bars for resting arms. There are plenty of bath salts, bubble bath and large fluffy towels within immediate reach.

When it comes to creating a soothing spa atmosphere, Karp has the right idea, Willson says.

“The secret to creating a safe haven in your bathroom is satisfying all of the senses, and her bathroom does that well.”

Visual Elements

What you see when you relax in your bathtub or shower will directly affect how relaxed you become, experts say.

“Get away from white walls, which tend to be cold and sharp,” advises Leruth. “Paint in colors you consider warm, inviting and friendly, like soft greens, blues, yellows or reds. And use wall coverings sparingly. It should be subtle, because a lot of commotion on the walls is not calming.”

In keeping with the soothing theme, Karp’s walls are a soft, faux-painted pale celery green.

Don’t use white on the ceiling either, Leruth says. “Get creative. Paint in a corresponding color or add misty-looking clouds,” she says. “There are a lot of interesting wall treatments you can use up there. Or try putting wood on the ceiling, like cedar, which will give off a pleasing fragrance when the bathroom steams up. You could use the wood to create a trellis effect.”

Also consider your windows.

“Instead of installing milky glass, get clear glass that has been etched, or glass bricks or stained glass,” Leruth says. If you want clear glass but need privacy, put a screen in front of your window that you can pull back or use shutters. Add a valance or curtains, she says.

“The window treatments don’t have to be elaborate, but without them the room will appear chilly,” she says.

Other considerations are plumbing fixtures and the sink, which can be elaborate or merely functional.

“If possible, go for gold fixtures or nickel-plated ones,” Leruth says. “They both last forever, not tarnishing in the moisture. Chrome and brass are a third of the price, but they’ll eventually need to be replaced.”

Counter tops are another consideration. If you can afford it, granite makes a bathroom look very sensual, Leruth says.

And don’t forget lighting. Create a quiet mood by installing lights that dim, or add lots of candles. The new aromatherapy candles light the room up and provide pleasing, often calming aromas.

Accessorize

Add items that you love, Leruth says. “If you have a favorite piece of art, display it,” she says. “Also, don’t be afraid to bring in furniture when there is space.”

Small accessories such as bath salts, oils and bubble bath can be displayed in decorative bottles. Other items that add style include candles, fresh flowers, plants and pretty bowls full of potpourri.

Rather than putting all of your spa experience items away after each use, display them in a big basket where they are easy to reach, Willson says. “Besides towels, sponges and bath salts, include facial creams, masks, body moisturizers and manicure and pedicure supplies.”

Karp keeps her bath items within reach on the tub ledge.

“I’ve created an environment where you don’t have to get out of the tub for anything, which makes the experience very relaxing,” she says.

Soft Touch

How things feel is a critical part of the bathroom spa experience.

Start with the towels, Leruth says. “They should be big and fluffy. Buy high-quality towels and use a lot of fabric softener so they feel extra soft against your skin.”

For extra-special luxury, get a towel warmer, says Rich Hudson, manager of Eurobath & Tile in Costa Mesa, which carries bathroom products, including spa equipment.

Also, remember what’s under your feet. Soft carpeting is great, Leruth says, but if you have tile or linoleum, add an area rug.

Part of the spa experience includes getting a massage. While hiring a masseuse often is not possible, you can use products such as bath brushes and exfoliating massage gloves.

“There are also a variety of relatively inexpensive products for the bath and shower that simulate a massage,” Hudson says. “We have hand showers, for the bathtub and shower, and body sprays, which are miniature shower heads with a pulsating or standard spray that can be placed at any height in the shower.”

If you’re remodeling, consider installing a steam shower or a rain dome, which creates the effect of standing in a thunderstorm. Standard bathtubs also can be replaced by whirlpool baths, which come in a variety of sizes, from 60 by 30 inches to 84 by 48 inches.

Good Scents

Pleasing scents can put you in a good mood, says Willson, who uses aromatherapy in her day spa.

“Essential oils are extremely effective and have been shown to have psychotherapeutic effects,” says Willson, a certified aromatherapist.

“Herbal oils like chamomile and marjoram are known to relax, while lavender and geranium help when we’re feeling out of balance,” she says. “For an uplift, try clary sage and grapefruit, and for depression and healing, jasmine is good. There are aromatherapy kits with three to five oil blends that will address most needs.”

To use essential oils, Willson suggests applying about six drops directly to the bath, or mixing them with bath salts or unscented bath gel. In the shower, sprinkle oils into all four corners.

Therapeutic baths should never be hot enough to induce perspiration. Use tepid water and stay in the tub for 10 to 20 minutes.

Complete the spa experience by bringing in music or relaxation tapes, or enjoy the sound of water.

And don’t forget your taste buds. Include a favorite treat such as herbal tea or a couple of chocolates, and you’ll be in spa heaven.