Published: May 15, 2008 EST

(ARA) - When is a bedroom not a bedroom? When it's a combination den, meditation room, wet bar, home theater, and spa. Today's homes boast expansive master suites that are oases of comfort and luxury, including extras like mini refrigerators, coffee makers, state-of-the-art televisions, whirlpool tubs, and European-style towel radiators. Oh, and of course, a bed. "The master suite is a retreat for homeowners," says Paula Bush of Zehnder, a company that manufactures towel radiators, zehnderamerica.com. "Homeowners can relax after a hard day at the office, and parents can have private time without the kids."

Whether your tastes run more toward Old World-inspired décor that features heavy, opulent furniture or more a more modern, eclectic style, it's the details that make it special.

While the master suites featured in home magazines tend to be huge spaces that may even include multiple rooms, you can turn your bedroom into a mini-master suite with some special touches.

If you can afford it, consider replacing your old tub with a whirlpool style tub; if that's not in the budget, something as simple as adding a new showerhead to your shower can make a big difference.

For the ultimate indulgence, add a towel radiator to your bathroom. Not only will you always have luxurious, warm towels after a bath or shower, but the radiator will help heat the bathroom as well. Zehnder's popular Janda model is available in three sizes to fit any room and add a dash of European flair.

Many master suites feature a complete dinette setup, with microwave, refrigerator and espresso machine. Get the effect for less by setting up a coffee station in one corner of your room. Cover an inexpensive particle board table with a beautiful tablecloth, a couple of pretty china cups and a personal-size coffee maker.

Instead of an entertainment center that you might find in a designer master suite, you can put a television in a free-standing armoire, and add a portable CD player so you can relax with your favorite music.

Add a comfortable chair where you can read or just contemplate your day wrapped in a cozy throw. Cashmere is nice, but fleece works just as well.

Even if you don't have a million-dollar home, you can have a master suite retreat that gives you refuge from the stresses of daily life.

To see the Janda towel radiator, visit zehnderamerica.com.

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