Create a Luxury Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget
Are you dreaming of transforming your bathroom into a serene, spa-like retreat but think it’s out of your budget? Good news! You don’t need to spend a ton to create a luxury bathroom experience right at home.
If you are new here, I’m absolutely obsessed with getting a high-end looks for less! After updating and remodeling the bathrooms in my home, I’ve got a few decorating tricks to share with you.
With a few thoughtful updates like a new paint color and spa-like product additions, you can quickly turn your bathroom into a relaxing escape.
I’ll walk you through budget-friendly tips, product ideas, DIY projects, and a few splurge-worthy upgrades, including the latest bath spa-like innovations from Kohler I scoped out at the Kitchen & Bath Industry show.
Table of Contents
Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}
Spa-Like Mood: Paint Color
Creating a spa-like bathroom begins with setting the right mood, and color plays a crucial role.
By choosing calming spa-like paint colors for your bathroom, you can instantly create a soothing environment.
Choose Calming Paint Colors
One of the simplest ways to set the tone for a spa-like bathroom is by choosing the right paint colors.
If you’re looking to update your bathroom without remodeling, consider a DIY paint makeover.
Paint colors with neutral undertones in muted pastels are perfect for creating a calming environment.
Think soft blues, calming greens, warm grays, and clean whites.
15 Spa-like Bathroom Paint Colors
Here are my favorite soothing paint colors for a bathroom. They have soft vibes and are easy to use.
I leaned into the blues and greens because they give the MOST calming effect for your soul 🙂
Your spa-like bathroom is only a small investment in paint and a couple of hours of DIY away. Paint color is the most affordable way to completely change the look of your bathroom.
- Ben Moore, Chantilly Lace
- Ben Moore, Baby’s Breath
- Sherwin Williams, Pure White
- Ben Moore, Decorator’s White
- Ben Moore, Gray Owl
- Sherwin Williams, Silent Ripple
- Sherwin Williams, North Star
- Sherwin Williams, Sea Salt
- Ben Moore, Quiet Moments
- Sherwin Williams, Agreeable Gray
- Ben Moore, Silver Gray
- Sherwin Williams, Silver Strand
- Ben Moore, Wales Gray
- Sherwin Williams, Rainwashed
- Sherwin Williams, Repose Gray
These colors not only make the space feel more expansive but also evoke a sense of peace and relaxation.
Don’t only think about painting the walls, but also painting the cabinets or vanity too!
I’ve painted the cabinets in both my guest bathroom and primary bathroom, saving a TON of money.
Bathroom Paint Color Combos: Walls + Cabinets
Want to paint both the walls and cabinets for a full bathroom refresh? I’ll share the perfect spa-like bathroom paint color combinations.
Feel free to flip the colors for the walls and cabinets. You can go for simple white cabinets or decide to do the opposite and paint the walls white with a color for the cabinets.
Wall and Cabinet combos
- Wales Gray and Decorator’s White (my primary bathroom)
- Pure White and Repose Gray
- Baby’s Breath and North Star
- Agreeable Gray and Pure White
- Rainwashed and Decorator’s White
- Pure White and Niebla Azul (my guest bathroom)
When you can’t decide what white paint color to use on walls or cabinets, my recommendation is always Sherwin Williams, Pure White.
It literally has the perfect neutral undertone to blend well with cool and warm toned paint colors.
Paint Existing Shower Tile Like Marble
In addition to painting the bathroom walls and vanity for a spa-like feel, why not upgrade the look of the shower too?
YES! You can paint shower tile to look like marble slab! This was the best upgrade to my very boring beige guest bathroom.
It looks SO spa-like and luxurious, but only costs $100 for paint and supplies.
Click for the full tutorial: How-to Paint Shower Tile to Look Like Marble
Luxury Lighting on a Budget
Lighting is a key factor in creating a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.
By swapping out harsh lights for soft illumination, you can significantly enhance the ambiance of your bathroom.
Swap Out Harsh Lights for Soft Ones
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for a spa-like bathroom. If your current lighting is too harsh, it’s time to make a change.
Opt for soft, warm lighting that mimics natural light to create a soothing ambiance.
Installing dimmer switches is an easy and inexpensive way to control the light intensity, allowing you to set the perfect mood for a relaxing bath.
All switches in my primary bathroom are on dimmers: wall sconces, led ceiling lights, and the chandelier over the tub.
Dimming the lights at night for a bath or shower adds a level of relaxation before bedtime.
For a more luxury feel, consider updating your existing hardwired light fixtures.
Install a new crystal chandelier over the tube to elevate the look of your bathroom instantly. (my guide on hanging lighting).
Adding wall sconces can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom, but the thought of wiring and drilling might be intimidating.
These acrylic stem wall sconces soften the hard edges of the mirror.
Fortunately, you can achieve this look without any electrical work! Rechargeable battery-operated light bulbs and wall sconces are a fantastic alternative that provide both style and functionality.
If you go for the DIY no-hardwire installation for wall sconces, there are rechargeable candle light bulbs as well.
battery sconces
These sconces can be easily mounted on the wall using adhesive strips, making them a perfect DIY project.
Click to read, Easy Guide on Hanging Wall Sconces.
Battery operated wall lights come in various styles and finishes, so you can find the perfect match for your bathroom decor.
Or if you can, add wired wall sconces like I did during my bathroom remodel.
Easy DIY Luxury Bathroom Upgrades
One of the most luxurious upgrades you can make to your bathroom is installing a rainfall-like shower head.
The gentle, soothing flow of water mimics the feeling of standing under a natural waterfall, creating a truly spa-like experience.
Install a Rainfall Showerhead
Installing a rainfall shower head is easier and cheaper than you might think and can be done without hiring a professional.
It’s an easy DIY to install an extension arm and a oversized shower head for the rainfall effect on a a budget. That’s what I’ve done in my showers.
EASY DIY Update: Cabinet Hardware
Upgrading your bathroom’s hardware and fixtures is a simple yet effective way to elevate its look.
Swap outdated cabinet pulls (my guide) to a more modern design. This small change can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
If you’re handy with tools, this is a great DIY project that you can tackle over the weekend.
For a spa-like touch, consider polished nickel, brushed gold or matte black finishes, which are both timeless and sophisticated.
My favorite spa-like looking hardware has a clear handle with metal feet: Shop my favorite bathroom cabinet hardware collection.
By updating hardware and fixtures and installing a rainfall shower head, you can create a spa-like environment without a hefty price tag.
These upgrades are easy to implement and will give your bathroom a fresh, modern look.
Enhance Your Bath and Shower Experience
A bathtub tray is the ultimate accessory for a spa-like bath. It provides a convenient place to rest your book, tablet, or a glass of wine while you soak in the tub.
I found this gorgeous clear bathtub tray that matched my cabinet hardware. It looks luxurious and blends beautifully into the bathroom.
Make sure the tray fits your tub size and one that offers space for candles, bath salts, and even your iPhone or iPad.
Here’s a clear expandable clear bathtub tray for extra-wide tubs. For more bathtub tray ideas, Shop Here
Enhance your bath with bath salts in spa-like scents. Here are my favorite bath salts:
Bath salts are around $5 and last for MANY baths, so the the most inexpensive way to add that spa-like feel to your bathroom.
After a warm bath the whole room smells AMAZING and the scent lingers.
shower bottle upgrade
All of those bottle products in the shower detract from the spa feel. Why not swap out to high-end looking pump bottles that are incredibly affordable?
Not only do they clear clutter, but look sleek in the shower. These pump bottles hold the largest 30 fl. oz. body soap size.
The top pops off so they are easy to fill too! Each pump bottle is pre-labeled with:
A quick update that completely upgrades your shower experience.
Declutter with Style: Pretty Bathroom Storage
Organized and stylish storage is essential for maintaining a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.
By focusing on organizing the linen closet and incorporating versatile pieces storage pieces, you can keep your bathroom clutter-free and serene.
These storage solutions not only enhance the functionality of your bathroom but also contribute to its overall luxurious feel.
The Storage Ottoman: A Versatile Addition
A storage ottoman that doubles as a vanity chair is a functional and stylish addition to any spa-like bathroom.
It’s the one thing that I INSIST on having in my primary bathroom. This white fabric storage ottoman has a box-pleat drop skirt and customizable to a wide variety of fabrics.
Considering this is a custom made storage ottoman it’s extremely budget friendly at around $400 (at time of publish).
shop my bathroom
It provides extra storage for towels, bath products, while also offering a comfortable seating option to put on makeup or brush your teeth.
Look for an ottoman with a soft, plush fabric in a neutral color to complement your bathroom’s decor.
Wondering how to protect the ottoman fabric from everyday spills? I’ve sprayed mine with a fabric protectant and everything is easily cleaned off with a baby wipe.
Why I chose white is I can clean with a mix of bleach and water too 🙂
Declutter counters with Style
A cluttered bathroom is the antithesis of a spa-like retreat. To maintain a clean and serene environment, it’s essential to keep your countertops clear and organized.
Mirrored trays are a chic and practical solution for containing your essentials while adding a touch of elegance.
Place your daily-use items like face lotions, a container of makeup brushes, a jewelry holder or perfumes on a mirrored vanity tray to keep everything neat and tidy.
The reflective surface of the tray will also help bounce light around the room, making your bathroom feel brighter and more spacious.
Another new option I found that perfect for a small bathroom to add more storage, is a mirror with a storage shelf behind it!
Hang it above the vanity, on the back of a door or any free wall to make a small bathroom look larger plus add storage.
Organizing the Linen Closet
An organized linen closet is essential to ease your mind and create a relaxing bathroom. Start by decluttering and removing any items you no longer need.
Read next for the tutorial: Easy Guide to Organizing the Linen Closet
Next, invest in neutral-toned storage solutions that will keep everything tidy and easy to access. Clear and neutral organizers are all great options for organizing towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.
Linen closet org
Simple and affordable upgrades can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
To keep your linens fresh and fragrant, consider adding scented sachets (my favorite scent) or lavender-filled pouches to your closet.
Not only will this keep your linens smelling wonderful, but it will also enhance the overall spa-like feel of your bathroom.
Splurge Worthy: Kohler’s Spa Innovations
While the main focus is on budget-friendly options, there are a few splurge-worthy upgrades that can take your spa-like bathroom to the next level.
I attended KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) earlier this year to see what’s hot in bathroom design. Both of these are DIY shower enhancements that will add that extra spa-like feel to your bathing experience.
Kohler’s 2024 spa innovations, including the Sprig LINE of shower and home aromatherapy, and Spaviva hydrotherapy shower attachment.
Kohler Sprig
The Kohler booth smelled SO good and spa-like that I went in search of what they were pumping into the air. I was pleasantly surprised that it was something I could purchase and install myself.
The smell was so amazing that I bought a sample set of the bath bombs on the spot and did some mental gymnastics to figure out how I could fit it in my carry-on bag LOL.
If you love the idea of an at-home spa but are working with a smaller space or budget, the Kohler Sprig is a fantastic option.
This easy-to-install system adds skin-loving ingredients and aromatherapy to your shower. Turning your daily shower routine into a spa-like experience.
For more, visit the Sprig product page.
kohler upgrades
Kohler Spaviva
The Kohler SpaViva™ is a cutting-edge cleaning device that takes hydrotherapy to a whole new level.
The Kohler SpaViva™ Two-Function Handshower combines a full-coverage spray with Katalyst® technology for a thorough rinse and a MicroBubble spray for deep pore cleansing.
It includes a versatile all-in-one cleansing device with attachments like facial and body brushes, a scrubber, and a massager, all with adjustable speeds.
The handshower’s extendable handle and rechargeable design offer added convenience, while magnetic docking ensures easy detachment for handheld use.
Kohler SpaViva™ Two-Function Handshower:
- Dual Spray Modes: Features a Full Coverage spray with Katalyst® technology for a drenching rinse, and a MicroBubble spray for deep pore cleansing.
- All-in-One Cleansing Device: Includes four attachments—facial brush, body brush, scrubber, and massager—with adjustable speed settings.
- Extendable Handle: Push-button handle extends to reach difficult areas.
- Convenience & Charging: Rechargeable, with 1.5 hours of usage per charge, and magnetic docking for easy detachment.
For more, visit the Kohler product page.
These new shower spa-like product innovations are perfect if you want to splurge a little on your well-being and create a lasting spa-like retreat at home.
FAQ: Creating a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget
Can I create a spa-like bathroom in a small space?
Absolutely! Focus on decluttering, using light colors, incorporating mirrors, and adding soft lighting to make a small bathroom feel more spacious and spa-like.
What are some budget-friendly ways to update my bathroom?
Painting, updating hardware and fixtures, installing a new shower head, and adding stylish storage solutions are all budget-friendly ways to refresh your bathroom.
For more ideas visit:
What type of lighting is best for a spa-like bathroom?
Soft, warm lighting is ideal for a spa-like bathroom. Consider using dimmer switches, adding ambient lighting, or installing wall sconces for a more relaxing atmosphere.
For how-to visit:
- How-to Install a Dimmer or Light Switch
- ANYWHERE Wall Sconces: No Wiring or Drilling (renter friendly)
Are there any DIY projects I can do to create a spa-like bathroom?
Yes! Paint the walls and cabinets or even the shower. Install new hardware, and adding battery-operated wall sconces are all DIY projects that can enhance the spa-like feel of your bathroom.
For more ideas visit:
How can I make my bathroom smell like a spa?
Use scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or scented sachets to fill your bathroom with calming fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile.
Add a lingering scent every during every bath, with scented bath salts or bath bombs. Or invest in a full shower aromatherapy system like Sprig.
A Spa-Like Bathroom at Your House
Creating a luxurious, spa-like bathroom on a budget is entirely achievable with the right approach.
By focusing on calming colors, soft lighting, smart storage solutions, and a few affordable upgrades, you can transform your bathroom into a tranquil retreat without spending a fortune.
If you’re looking to take their spa experience to the next level, Kohler’s latest spa innovations—like the Effervescent Tub, Sprig, and Spaviva—offer splurge-worthy options that can provide long-term luxury and relaxation.
Whether you’re starting with a few small changes or investing in a complete bathroom overhaul, I hope I’ve given you some help to create the perfect spa-like sanctuary in your own home 🙂
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