Sometimes the bathroom is the only quiet place in the house (and even then I get the inevitable “Where’s mom?” up and down the hallway), but regardless of the chaos in your home may be, your bathroom should always be a place where you can escape the monotony of the day.

A few simple items can completely transform your bathroom.

Before anything else, make room in your bathroom by throwing away any products (cleaning, toiletry, makeup, whatever) that are empty or down to the last drop or that you haven’t used in the last month (unopened items are always desperately needed at shelters and food pantries). Also, if there is anything that doesn’t belong in the bathroom, take it to the appropriate room. Limit children’s bath toys to one small plastic basket outside the tub (unless you enjoy playing with the rubber duckies too).

If you use bar soap, a wooden soap dish adds a decorative touch, and it keeps the bar from just laying on the sink or side of the tub.

Replace your shower head with a rainfall type shower head for more soothing showers. Even better is a combination rainfall shower head and hand held shower massager. A curved shower rod makes the smallest shower seem much larger. They are surprisingly easy to install.

Invest in some Egyptian cotton towels, some thick, absorbent rugs, and a natural sponge and back scrubber.

Now all you need is some candles and your favorite bath and body goodies to turn your bathroom into a sanctuary.