Transform your bathroom into a soothing, Zen-like retreat (it's easy!)

With the rest of life increasingly crazy-hectic, there are few things I look forward to as much as my morning shower-that five to ten minutes alone and away from it all can be incredibly restorative. There are plenty of things you can do to make the experience even more indulgent, and none of them require a significant investment of time or money. Here's all you need to do to create a blissfully relaxing, spa-like environment right in your own home:

Do a clean sweep. Your bathroom shouldn't look like a drugstore. Stash your toiletries and cosmetics out of sight, instead of leaving them out on your countertop-it's hard to feel calm if you're surrounded by clutter. Anything that's left in sight becomes a display item, so make sure it's pretty. Try decanting your shampoo and conditioner into sleek, uniform bottles, which not only makes your shower look more streamlined, but also allows you to buy in bulk. A dainty porcelain saucer from the flea market could double nicely as soap dish. If you have to leave toothbrushes out, try housing them in a silver mint julep cup.

Create a signature scent. Spas have a way of smelling soothing and refreshing. Treat yourself to some aromatherapy at home by adding a scented candle in a light, crisp, naturally-de-stressing scent like lavender or chamomile. Particularly if the room is compact, choose a petite candle or votive instead of a full-size pillar to make sure you're not going overboard with the perfume.

Turn down the lights. Though it's important to have a bright light in the bathroom for moments when you really want to be able to see what's going on in the mirror, installing a dimmer gives you the option of creating a gentler, low-lit environment for occasions when you really want to unwind in the tub.

Make it bloom. It never ceases to amaze me how much impact fresh flowers can have on a room. It's especially good to have a little greenery in a bathroom, to combat the sterile feeling that comes with all the cold tiles and metal fixtures. You don't need much either-even a single blossom in a petite, clear glass bud vase would feel so luxurious next to your sink.