The Affordable DIY Way To Join In On The Spa Bathroom Trend

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Decorating your bathroom like a wellness retreat doesn't have to break the bank. Indeed, creating a relaxing "spathroom" is easier than it sounds and can be achieved on a budget by any DIY level. One of the biggest secrets is to simply incorporate natural elements that will bring the outdoors in and create a sense of calm. This can include adding plants, like eucalyptus, ferns and peace lilies, as well as bringing in various earthy touches, from jute baskets to a marble soap dish.

Weaving in wooden elements is also key to achieving the spa bathroom trend. Specifically items made of teak, which is naturally water-resistant — making it the perfect choice for bathrooms. Because teak actually repels water, it is well suited to the moist environment of your bathroom and can be incorporated into your design both outside the shower in the form of a teak shower mat and directly inside it in the form of a teak shower stool or bench.

The addition of a teak bench paired with teak wall tiles can make all the difference in transforming your space into a zen den you'll never want to leave. Teak wood wall panels can easily be applied using tile adhesive and are available for around $74 for a 12-pack that covers about 12 square feet. Based on your budget, you can choose to tile the entire shower, just one wall, or even small accents to add a touch of spa-approved luxury.

Teak tiles are a simple way to elevate any bathroom, and installation shouldn't take more than a few hours. Start by giving the surface a thorough clean and allowing it to fully dry before getting to work. Next, coat the back of your first tile with industrial glue or tile adhesive, press it firmly into the upper left-hand corner, and wipe off any glue that may seep out the sides. 

Continue applying tiles in a single line until you reach the right-hand corner, keeping in mind you may need to cut the final tile to size using a table saw or hand saw. Moving on to the row below, you can choose to perfectly align your tiles, or place them slightly off-center for added visual interest. Continue until you reach the floor, or you've finished covering your desired portion.

As an added bonus, such spa-like bathroom features can actually boost your home's value, so consider taking your project further by adding teak flooring as well. As @mrgregshowto showed off on YouTube, interlocking patio deck tiles are a quick and cheap way to do this, as they simply snap into place. What's more, they can be cut to size using and they can easily be removed for regular cleaning.

Once finished, complete your shower spa makeover by swapping in some ultra-plush towels. For a real five-star experience, search for Egyptian cotton with a GSM of 650 or higher — the standard for luxury hotels.