Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary

Cleanliness is godliness, so the saying goes, so why not create your own little slice of heaven and keep your bathroom clean, organized and clutter-free?

• Lighting is imortant. Use a softer bulb. Soft lights can help create the right ambience for a relaxing bath. Also, artfully-placed candles can add to the spa feel and provide flattering lighting for just about any skin type.
• Use light hues like white, pale blue and beige, or light-coloured wood to make smaller bathrooms appear larger. If you can't replace tiles or repaint the room, at least choose new accessories in lighter shades.
• Install a new shower partition. This can be done without much trouble, and it works wonders, especially in older bathrooms.
• Clear out the clutter: the only things that belong in open storage are those you use every day.
• Store towels in the bathroom closet if space is limited. Or for a chic, yet practical solution, roll them up, secure each with a ribbon and place them standing up in a basket by the bathtub.
• The bathroom is the perfect spot for exotic, humidity-loving greenery like bonsai trees and tropical plants.
• Add upholstered furniture to create a trendy, inviting place to relax. Stools with terry cloth seats are moisture-resistant and provide a comfortable chair while you paint your toenails or moisturize your skin.
• Bring in some soothing scents like lavender, orange and vanilla in the form of aromatherapy candles, lotions or a scent diffuser for even more relaxation.
• Keep a clock in the bathroom — especially one that can be attached to the tiles with suction cups or hung from the showerhead — so you can always keep an eye on the time as you get ready in the morning.
• Get a water-resistant radio if you like to start your day with music.