The Spa Effect > Handyman Club of America

POSTED BY: Connie Bastyr
January 26, 2009

Despite its utilitarian nature and necessary mechanical/plumbing systems, the basic bath can — and should — provide a sense of comfort and serenity. It’s the space from which you launch your morning and prepare to face the world, and it’s where you close the day as you get ready to retire. Although a typical bathroom is the smallest and least public space in any home, it is worth the attention, time and resources to make it function well and be a place of solitude and retreat.

Is your bathroom due for a spa treatment? Making the transformation doesn’t have to be a pipe dream; you can achieve the spa effect without installing a hot tub, hiring a masseuse or knocking down walls. The tools can be as simple as a scrub brush, a paintbrush and you.

Lifestyle, not design style
Spa-like bathrooms are not limited to large homes or those with contemporary or midcentury-modern architecture. In any design, the spa bath is like a Zen den: harmonious, streamlined and calm. Whether you own a Victorian farmhouse, a Spanish Mediterranean-inspired bungalow or a 1980s split-level, you can create a spa setting while honoring your home’s style. The key is to acknowledge the architecture and personality of your house with a fresh look — and an eye toward simplicity and functionality.

The essence of spa
To achieve the spa effect, you can take the plunge of an overall overhaul or opt to slip in one toe at a time. If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t?), first envision a plan; then start the process by decluttering, organizing and cleaning the space. Revive the existing storage space under the vanity by adding space savers or cabinet organizers. You can even carve out some new storage or display space by building a cabinet between wall studs (For storage ideas plus information on other projects for the bathroom, see sidebar).

Next, look at functionality: Do faucets, drains, lights and exhaust/ ventilation systems work properly and efficiently? Mechanicals are more important than aesthetics at contributing toward a spa atmosphere. After all, even the most elegant vanity loses its appeal if the pipes rattle when you turn on the faucet.

Analyze what’s annoying; then remove, replace or refurbish the offending item. Take care of dripping faucets, running toilets or leaky pipes. If leaks have occurred, be sure that the breach is mended, and remove any mold or rot that may have resulted. Also, be sure windows, doors, hinges and locks operate as they should. Once the bathroom’s systems pass inspection, the transformation to spa quality is in the details: framing the mirror, updating light fixtures or installing a curved shower rod.

Spartan Spa
Although the word spa conjures images of jetted tubs, spacious suites and luxurious fixtures and finishes, it doesn’t mean that your basic bathroom can’t convey the same spirit — even with minimal effort and resources. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for creating the spa effect:

Color — Without question, paint is the best bang-for-your-buck transformation in any home-improvement project. If you’re stuck with tile that’s not your favorite color, paint can help. Some manufacturers offer paints and primers that work on tile surfaces, but these products have special requirements, so read labels carefully to see whether they are right for your application.

Rather than paint or replace unappealing tile, coat the walls, trim, ceiling — even the vanity — in a new color to update the look of the tile. By applying a more current neutral color or a subtle version of the tile color, you can acknowledge the tile without drawing attention to it. An alternative approach is to let the paintable surfaces be the star of the bath by giving them a striking (but compatible) hue.

In bathrooms, wallpaper can cause problems because moisture will do battle with the seams, and mold can set up camp beneath the layers. If you want a pattern, create it with a painting technique. Keep it calm by using tone-on-tone colors or by applying different sheens of one color. (See Web Feature video, “Subtle Stripes.”)

Lighting — Save money twice by installing dimmer switches on bathroom light fixtures. You’ll gain a new, soothing lighting scheme without replacing the fixtures, and you’ll save on electricity costs by dimming the lights. Another efficient light source is tubular skylights, which can save your having to turn on lights at all.

Faucets — For less than the cost of a one-day spa treatment, you can boost the luxury of your shower with a new handheld or rainfall shower head. Consider customizing the shower for the vertically challenged members of your family by installing a height-adjustable showerhead. Even switching from a fixed shower head to a handheld model will provide a sense of luxury (and make cleaning more convenient) for as little as $30.

Simplicity — You can create a more soothing bath environment for free by removing clutter, minimizing decorative items and power-cleaning surfaces and storage areas. This simple step will provide visual calm and help to eliminate areas where dust and mold can accumulate — all part of the health benefits of the spa experience.

Summary
Creating a spa atmosphere requires a blend of grit and glam. After a thorough cleaning, make the operation of plumbing fixtures and mechanical systems a priority; then add luxury and aesthetic appeal. Whether your budget is large or small, your bath deserves a spa treatment — and so do you.

Sources Online:
Fixtures and Faucets
Alsons Corp. (In2ition showerhead), 800-421-0001, www.alsons.com

American Standard, 800-442-1902, www.americanstandard-us.com

Delta, 800-345-3358, www.deltafaucet.com

Kohler, 800-456-4537, www.us.kohler.com

Moen, 800-289-6636, www.moen.com

Premier Bathrooms, (walk-in tubs), 800-578-2899, www.premier-bathrooms.com

Price Pfister, 800-732-8238, www.pricepfister.com

Sterling, 800-783-7546, www.sterlingplumbing.com

Hot-Water Recirculation Systems
Advanced Conservation Technologies Inc., (Metlund systems), 800-638-5863, www.gothotwater.com

Grundfos Pumps Corp. USA, (913) 227-3400, www.grundfos.com

Laing Thermotech Inc., (619) 575-7466, www.lainginc.com

Temtrol Delta T Inc., (RedyTemp), (760) 586-6030, www.redytemp.com

Watts Premier Inc., 800-752-5582, www.wattspremier.com