The master bath and bedroom is beginning to rival the kitchen for design importance when building new or remodeling an existing home. Many new trends are emerging indicating the desire for more customized and personally appointed areas that are the domain solely of the “masters” of the home. The suite begins at the bedroom door and might include morning mini- kitchens housing coffee centers, sinks and small refrigerators, specialized dressing areas, a wellness area that could have exercise equipment and possibly a place for mediation, relaxing sitting areas, high end custom “power” showers, exquisite tubs, furniture designed cabinetry and even small washer/dryer combinations to expeditiously wash the delicates.

So, how do you go about creating your own unique master pied-a-terre? Begin by carefully reflecting on your wants and needs for the space.

Medical spas, or “med spas,” are cropping up more and more in neighborhoods, shopping malls and shopping districts around the country. These businesses offer pampering, relaxation and help with such cosmetic issues as wrinkles, acne scars, veins, unwanted fat and more.

But what, exactly, does the term mean? Many salons and day spas are now adding “med spa” to their business brand, offering microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments and other heavy-duty beauty boosters to their repertoire. But, are they all really qualified to administer these treatments properly?

The International Medical Spa Association says a medical spa is, “a facility that is operated under the full-time supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.” When considering a treatment at one of these facilities, it’s essential to understand the level of “supervision” the facility actually receives.