Whereas bathrooms used to be a spot for a quick visit in the midst of your busy day, they’re becoming focal points in your home. People spend more than two years of their life in the bathroom. If you implement some of these bathroom ideas, you’re going to want to spend more time in yours too. Whether you’re seeking a spa-like experience or want to make your morning routine more efficient, you will feel the uplevel.

Natural Counters and Flooring

Gone are the days of vinyl floors and Formica countertops. Natural materials are making a comeback. Teak, wood and marble are showing up on shelves, vanities and flooring. Even the most expensive flooring like hickory and mahogany are in style for bathrooms. These species of floor require a bit more care, but spice up the room tremendously.

Additionally, natural stone tile in the shower makes you feel like you’re standing under a waterfall. A smooth river-rock floor offers a simple way to make your bathroom feel luxurious.

Neutral Colors

In the past, the bathroom was a place to test out bold colors. But we’re already so overstimulated that we bring our cell phones in the bathroom with us. It’s time to create a space that lets you relax a little more.

Neutral colors are serene and laid back. They complement any décor without overpowering your senses. Light colors even make your bathroom look bigger. Maintaining a neutral color palette will also make your bathroom look less cluttered.

Consider using warm hues with subtle peach, tan, gray and sienna tones in them. This trend works well with natural elements, like marble and greenery.

Real Plants

Your bathroom is the perfect place in which to work on your green thumb. You have no excuse for forgetting to water your plants when you can simply turn on the sink.

Incorporating plants in your décor scheme brings the outdoors inside. It can make you feel like you’re bathing in a tropical rainforest.

Plants have other benefits. They help you feel calm and purify the air. Putting some plants in the bathroom gives you a clean, environmentally friendly and affordable way of decorating. If you don’t have floor space, consider hanging plants from the ceiling to balance the space and draw the eye upward.

Attractive Toilets

Your toilet doesn’t have to be an afterthought. It’s one of the most important parts of the bathroom.

Toilets have advanced in form and function. Upgrading your toilet can improve the aesthetics of your bathroom as well as the size of your water bill. Many of the best toilets feature low-flow flush mechanisms that have optimal power but use less water. Comfort-height toilets are easy on the knees.

Some modern toilets come with lots of bells and whistles, such as:

Self-cleaning functions
Bidets
LED lighting
Heated seats
Deodorizing systems

Instead of buying a standard toilet, do some research first. You may be pleasantly surprised by some of the options that are available.

Freestanding Tubs

There’s something especially romantic and luxurious about a freestanding tub. This type of fixture gives you flexibility because you can place it anywhere in the bathroom; it doesn’t have to be against a wall. This provides the illusion of extra space.

Freestanding tubs also enhance the room the way a piece of furniture would. They come in a wide variety of silhouettes and styles, allowing you to customize your bathroom décor fully.

Vintage Elements

To give your bathroom a lived-in feel, consider adding some vintage elements. An accent chair can hold towels. You can swap out a standard vanity for an antique one. Incorporating lighting with a vintage feel softens up the harsh textures of the bathroom.

Create Storage

Let your bathroom do double duty as a closet by establishing some storage space. Built-in, recessed shelving adds plenty of room without minimizing floor space. Hanging shelves can support all of those new plants that you bought for your bathroom. Towel warmers lie flat against the wall, keeping your towels dry and out of the way.

Shower Screens

Shower screens keep water where it belongs without being intrusive. These large panes of glass enclose the shower or tub areas. They are often frameless, giving you the perception that they’re floating in space. They’re easier to keep clean than shower curtains, and they make your bathroom look bigger.

Smart Bathrooms

Technology is getting smarter throughout the home, including in the bathroom. Smart toilets are more compact, hygienic and efficient. Interactive LED mirrors let you know the time, weather and news while you get ready for the day. Smart showers allow you to control the water temperature and flow rate, saving you money and preventing burns.

Whether you’re renovating your entire bathroom or transforming a few elements, incorporate some of these trends for an upgrade that you’ll be happy about for years. Modern bathrooms are more functional than their predecessors, but they’re also more relaxing. Make your bathroom a place in which you’ll want to spend more time.