Not all of us have space for a watsu pool, salt grotto or crystal steam room. But a few simple touches can help turn your bathroom into a sanctuary within your home. A restorative retreat where you can cleanse body, mind and soul, and boost your sense of wellbeing.
Set the scene
A relaxation space should be uncluttered, says Chris Musangi, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) UK. Very few things should be visible. Put what you can in a cupboard. A few decorative pieces can help set the ambience. A plant or two, candles or fragrance sticks.
Even the way you store your towels can make a difference. Have a couple of luxe towels on display, rolled with care, as they are presented at the spa. Assign some shelving space for your towels.
Brighter colours lend the space a fresher, cleaner feeling, while darker colours can be more serene and soothing on the senses. Chris recommends a mixture of both. Timbers are often used to soften spaces like treatment rooms in spas, while wet areas tend to use porcelain and stone. Dimmable lighting is a must, giving you the option to adjust the ambience according to your mood.
Engage the senses
Incorporate elements that refresh and relax all your senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and sound included. Set the mood with comforting music. Instrumental songs without lyrics will help your mind to focus, free from distraction. A subtly scented candle and dimmed lights will add to the serenity.
Wrap yourself in a soft and luxurious bathrobe. And remember to have a refreshing drink nearby, such as a glass of mint and cucumber water.
Load up on hot towels.
A facial to cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your skin is a great way to wind down and refresh. Facial steaming, a homoeopathic remedy that involves placing a towel over your head to envelop your face in a cloud of steam, helps to clear out clogged pores and soften the skin.
Rather than running back and forth to the sink, load up on soft cotton towels. Soak them in hot water, then wring them out until they’re slightly damp. Hot or cold, they can then be used to cleanse your face and wipe off any product, leaving your skin feeling supple and refreshed.
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Enhance your bath and shower
Make your bath even more inviting by adding a bath salt to help treat sore muscles and relax your body, preparing you for a tranquil night’s sleep. A few drops of an essential oil such as lavender will help calm body and mind, or plump for a more sumptuous oil which will further soften your skin.
Turn your shower into an experience. Larger shower heads, including some hand showers, allow you to adjust the spray, giving you different water jets and mists. Some even have scents. All you have to do is unscrew the shower head and replace it.
Leave your technology outside.
However you choose to indulge, those messages, alerts and calls can wait. Give yourself a moment to escape the demands of daily life. Calm your mind, body and soul. Boost your wellbeing.
People Also Asked
How do I make my bathroom feel like a spa?
Transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat by focusing on calming colours, soft lighting, and luxurious textures. Incorporate plush towels, scented candles, and natural elements like plants or wooden accents. Keep the space clutter-free and add a rainfall showerhead for an indulgent touch.
How do I make my bathroom smell like a spa?
Create a spa-like aroma in your bathroom by using essential oil diffusers or scented candles with calming fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or jasmine. Place reed diffusers strategically, and use natural air fresheners like bamboo charcoal. Consider adding fresh flowers or herbs for a subtle, natural scent.
How to make a bathroom feel luxurious?
Elevate your bathroom's luxury factor by investing in high-quality fixtures and premium materials. Install a statement mirror, upgrade to a rainfall showerhead, and add plush bath mats. Incorporate metallic accents, such as gold or brushed nickel taps, and display high-end toiletries in elegant dispensers.
Can you turn a normal bath into a spa?
Yes, you can transform a normal bath into a spa-like experience. Add bath oils or Epsom salts for relaxation, use a bath caddy for essentials like candles and a book, and play soothing music. Upgrade your shower curtain to a sleek glass panel and invest in fluffy, hotel-quality towels for a luxurious feel.
How to create a spa feeling at home?
Extend the spa feeling throughout your home by focusing on sensory experiences. Use soft, ambient lighting, play calming music, and incorporate natural textures like wood and stone. Create cosy nooks with plush throws and pillows, and maintain a clutter-free environment to promote relaxation and tranquillity.
What makes a bathroom relaxing?
A relaxing bathroom combines soothing colours, soft textures, and calming scents. Opt for a neutral colour palette, incorporate plants for a natural touch, and ensure good ventilation. Adequate storage to minimise clutter and dimmable lighting for ambience are key elements in creating a serene bathroom environment.
What scents do spas use?
Spas typically use calming and invigorating scents to enhance relaxation. Popular choices include lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, citrus for energy, and peppermint for rejuvenation. Other common spa scents include jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla, often used in blends to create a unique, soothing atmosphere.
What is the best scent for a bathroom?
The best scent for a bathroom depends on personal preference, but fresh and clean fragrances are generally favoured. Citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit offer a clean, invigorating aroma. Lavender provides a calming effect, while eucalyptus can create a spa-like atmosphere. Ocean or linen scents are also popular for their fresh, clean notes.
How to make your home smell luxurious?
Create a luxurious scent profile in your home by using high-quality essential oils or premium room sprays. Layer scents with candles, diffusers, and linen sprays. Choose sophisticated fragrances like sandalwood, jasmine, or fig. Simmer herbs and citrus peels on the stove for a natural, upscale aroma.
How to make a spa bath at home?
Craft a spa bath at home by adding Epsom salts for muscle relaxation and essential oils for aromatherapy. Use a bath pillow for comfort and set the mood with candles and soft music. Prepare a tray with luxurious body products, a glass of infused water, and perhaps a good book for the ultimate relaxation experience.
How to spice up a bathroom?
Revitalise your bathroom by adding bold accents through colourful towels, a striking shower curtain, or vibrant artwork. Install statement lighting fixtures or a unique mirror. Introduce plants for a fresh, lively feel. Consider temporary wallpaper or peel-and-stick tiles for a quick, impactful change without major renovations.
How to keep a bathroom smelling great?
Maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom by ensuring proper ventilation and regular cleaning. Use an essential oil diffuser or reed diffusers for constant fragrance. Place odour-absorbing materials like activated charcoal or baking soda in discreet areas. Regularly wash bath mats and shower curtains, and consider an automatic air freshener for consistent freshness.
How to decorate a bathroom like a spa?
Decorate your bathroom with spa-inspired elements such as natural materials like wood and stone. Use a calming colour palette with whites, greys, and soft blues. Add plush towels, a teak bath mat, and elegant storage solutions. Incorporate plants, display high-end toiletries, and use soft, ambient lighting to complete the spa-like atmosphere.
Is there a difference between a spa and a hot tub?
While often used interchangeably, spas and hot tubs have subtle differences. Spas typically offer more therapeutic features like targeted jets and are often built-in or part of a pool complex. Hot tubs are usually standalone, portable units primarily designed for relaxation and socialising. Spas may have more advanced water treatment systems and a wider range of features.
How to make a bathroom cosy?
Create a cosy bathroom atmosphere by incorporating warm lighting with dimmer switches or candles. Add soft textures through plush bath mats, fluffy towels, and a comfortable bath pillow. Introduce warm colours through accessories or paint, and consider adding a small, comfortable seating area if space allows.
How to do a girls' spa night at home?
Organise a girls' spa night at home by setting up DIY beauty stations with face masks, nail polish, and hair treatments. Create a relaxing ambience with scented candles and soothing music. Prepare healthy snacks and infused water. Offer comfy robes and slippers, and plan relaxing activities like guided meditation or gentle yoga.
How to create a spa-like bedroom?
Transform your bedroom into a spa-like retreat by using a calming colour palette and soft, luxurious bedding. Add blackout curtains for optimal sleep, incorporate aromatherapy with a diffuser, and use soft, ambient lighting. Keep the space clutter-free, add plants for a natural touch, and consider a white noise machine for peaceful sleep.
How to make spa water at home?
Create refreshing spa water at home by infusing water with fresh fruits, herbs, and cucumber. Popular combinations include lemon and mint, cucumber and lime, or strawberry and basil. Use filtered water for the best taste, and let the ingredients infuse for at least an hour before serving. Serve chilled in elegant glass pitchers for a true spa experience.
How to create a spa shower?
Transform your shower into a spa-like oasis by installing a rainfall showerhead and adding a handheld option for versatility. Use a shower filter for softer water, hang eucalyptus branches for natural aromatherapy, and invest in luxurious shower products. Add a teak shower bench and use plush, oversized towels for post-shower comfort.
What are relaxing colours for bathrooms?
Relaxing bathroom colours typically include soft, muted tones that promote calmness. Light blues reminiscent of water and sky create a serene atmosphere. Soft greens bring a natural, refreshing feel. Warm neutrals like beige and light grey offer a soothing backdrop. Crisp whites can make a space feel clean and spa-like when paired with natural textures.
How to create a zen bathroom?
Design a zen bathroom by embracing minimalism and natural elements. Use a neutral colour palette with touches of natural wood. Incorporate plants and natural stone for texture. Choose simple, clean-lined fixtures and furniture. Add a water feature like a small fountain for soothing sounds, and use soft, diffused lighting to create a calm atmosphere.
How do I make my house smell like a spa?
Infuse your home with spa-like scents by using essential oil diffusers throughout the house. Choose calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood. Simmer herbs and citrus peels on the stove for a natural fragrance. Use high-quality scented candles, and place reed diffusers in bathrooms and bedrooms. Regularly air out your home and use natural cleaning products for a fresh base scent.
What oil do spas use?
Spas typically use a variety of essential oils for their therapeutic properties and pleasant aromas. Common choices include lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for respiratory benefits, peppermint for invigoration, and tea tree for its antiseptic properties. Citrus oils like lemon and orange are used for their uplifting scents. Many spas also use blended oils to create signature scents and unique therapeutic experiences.
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