Done right, a bathroom can be a quick escape from the rush and stress of everyday life. And turning this room into an urban oasis doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re starting from scratch or remodeling a bathroom, the design experts at HGTV suggest a flowing floor plan that blends from one area to the next. You may even want to consider the principles of feng shui, the Chinese art of placement, which focuses on creating a positive flow of energy in the home. While sections may be distinct, the bathroom should not feel divided. Ideally, the bathtub should be placed near a window so you can peer out into nature while soaking in the tub. The view looking in and out of the bathroom should be appealing, and the toilet area should be kept hidden from the doorway. Other suggestions include using neutral colors such as sand, taupe, brown, gray, sea green and black for a feeling of serenity. The materials you use in your bathroom should balance the five elements of fire, earth, water, metal and air. Blend copper faucets and stone sinks with airy rice paper screens. Bamboo laminate countertops and teak wood add a touch of Zen and don’t require major remodeling. In fact, you can simply add a teak stool to the shower and teak floor mats outside the tub.