The stresses of modern life can creep up quickly, and people are increasingly looking to spa-like bathrooms to seek refuge, as a recent Bath Trends report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association noted. In fact, 90 percent of the designers they surveyed believe that the primary bath will increasingly be viewed as a “personal sanctuary.”

Incorporating nature-inspired and therapeutic elements is the essence of spa-like bathrooms, such as a rain showerhead, which can recreate that calming, natural rainfall experience. To take it up another level, hang eucalyptus from your showerhead for an infusion of aromatherapy. As for tubs, Soaking tubs are becoming increasingly popular as they allow for longer, more comfortable relaxation, especially if you add aromatherapy oils.

Other spa-like bathroom features might include houseplants, natural wood, such as a wood ladder to hang plush towels on, or pebble flooring to enhance the connection to nature. Also, maximizing natural light, such as with a skylight, and using reflective surfaces, such as glass doors, mirrors, and glossy or polished tiles, can make your bathroom feel bigger. Layer lights with vanity task lighting for functionality, and a heat lamp to keep you warm after a shower.

To promote feelings of calm, a neutral or soft colour palette is best, as well as sufficient storage, such as medicine cabinets, and decorative bathroom decanters for soap to minimize clutter.

Simplified maintenance with products like self-cleaning toilets and large tiles with a pencil-thin grout means you can spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing!

Fire Safety Awareness Month is a reminder to us all of everything we need to do around our homes to help prevent a tragedy from happening. Here are some reminders:

• Test your smoke detectors monthly, replace if they are expired, swap out batteries every spring and fall, ensure you have one on every floor and in every bedroom.
• Don’t leave cooking or burning candles unattended.
• Keep flammables away from heat, such as cooking oil.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and ensure that members of your household know how to use it.
• Empty your dryer lint trap after every use and clean your dryer vent annually.
• Avoid plugging more than one appliance into each outlet (and make sure it's grounded).
• Don’t plug extension cords or power bars together; instead, plug them directly into a grounded outlet.
• Have heating systems, including chimneys, serviced and cleaned annually.
• Keep lighters and matches away from children.
• Keep potting soil moist, which can be highly flammable, especially when dry. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
• Replace damaged electrical cords.

Even with all the preventative measures in place, tragedies can still happen, so it’s also important to have a fire escape plan in place and review it with members of your household twice a year. Keeping an escape ladder handy can also be a lifesaver if other exits are blocked by smoke or fire.