Not your average outhouse.

The bathroom is one of my favorite rooms in a house. It’s certainly more fun to design than a living room. And between you and me, I spend more time in the bathroom than I do in the kitchen. I mean, think about it…what’s more personal than a trip to the bathroom? Why shouldn’t it be a sanctuary?

Nobody really has much time to bathe these days, but we all like to pretend we do. I’ve gone to great lengths to secure salvaged claw foot tubs in every single one of my renovations even though I’ve taken about 5 baths in the last 10 years. The bathtub is the ultimate home sanctuary fantasy. (Although mine is the toilet.) How many people get Whirlpool tubs or Japanese soaking tubs only to use them a couple of times? But it’s nice to have.

More practical is the steam shower. But since I can’t afford it, I’m a hater. It’s an unnecessary luxury.  A low flow shower head will do the trick of getting me clean. If I need a massage, I can get a one every week for the same price as some of these showers. If I need to open my sinuses, a pot of hot water or neti pot will do the trick.

So let’s get to my favorite: The Toilet.

I want a two seater.

I want a throne.

I want a work of art.

Of course the overall feel of the room should engage all senses.  Tranquil wall colors and good natural light. Perhaps some dimmers, candles or sconces to set the romantic tone (bath sex). Aromatherapy. A towel warmer. Soaps that are nicer than your average Bronners. An ipod deck or whatever you dinosaurs use for music. You get the point?

All this talk of sanctuaries makes me wish my bathroom wasn’t a mold filled, cat pee stinking room in need of renovation. Ok, back to reality.

Ehow: Goofy French Spa Bathroom