Ever wish that getting ready for bed at night felt as relaxing as a trip to the spa? We're here to let you know that with a few simple tricks and design choices, you can transform your bathroom — no matter how small — into your personal at-home spa. Read on to learn how to use simple (often inexpensive) methods to create your mini oasis.
Give your shower an instant refresh by adding some eucalyptus. Try hanging the eucalyptus from your shower head, where it will be misted but not soaked by the water. This will add some lush jungle vibes to your morning shower, and the steamy environment will help bring out the plant’s calming scent.
Scent and lighting are two important considerations when creating a restful environment. That’s part of why we love candles so much — they help calm our senses with our favorite peaceful scents and add a warm glow to the room.
While choosing a nice bath mat might seem like a small decision when designing your dream bathroom, we can’t overestimate how wonderful it feels to step out of the shower and onto a soft, plush mat. Give yourself this simple luxury — you won’t regret it!
It’s no secret that certain scents help relax us. Adding aromas like eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary can help give your bathroom an instant spa-like feel. Incorporate candles, essential oil diffusers, and aromatic shower bombs to help calm your body and mind.
Nothing says “luxury” like lounging in a bath! Add some extra comfort with a bathtub caddy, which will help keep your fave spa day items (think: candles, books, and tea) within reach.
When designing your at-home spa, keep it calm with your color scheme. By choosing neutral colors like whites, creams, or soft blues and greens, you can create an environment that promotes rest and rejuvenation.
Greenery in the bathroom? Yes, please! Adding a few plants is an easy way to add jungle vibes to your bathroom, turning it into a peaceful escape rather than somewhere you just brush your teeth. Many moisture-loving plants will thrive (so long as you have a window or provide proper artificial lighting). Try adding green friends to the tops of your cabinets, the floor, or even hanging in the shower!
We all know that being in a messy, cluttered space doesn’t help promote relaxation. The more toiletries scattered about your sink, the less time you’ll probably want to spend in your bathroom. Even if you’re just throwing small items into your cabinets or hamper, try keeping your bathroom clutter-free for a more relaxing experience. Outta sight, outta mind.
Do you like to listen to music or podcasts during your morning routine or soak in the tub? If having something to listen to helps you relax, treat yourself to a better audio experience by adding a small speaker to your bathroom. There are even waterproof speakers that you can purchase to safely live in your shower or bath.
If you’re lucky enough to have a big enough bathroom, having somewhere to sit (that’s not the toilet) is a must for that at-home spa feel. Take a seat and relax while you brush your teeth, blow dry your hair, or paint your nails.
Try upping your mid-cleanse relaxation with some in-shower seating. Not only will a bench provide extra storage for your essentials, but it makes a great place to rest while you wash your hair or shave. Pro tip: Add a humidity-loving plant for a pop of green.
One of the best parts of going to a spa, in our opinion? The extra soft, extra plush towels and robes! Thankfully, you don’t need to wait for your next spa day to bring that coziness into your life. Treat yourself to your own spa-worthy towels — you deserve it.
Rugs and wet bathroom floors may not seem like the perfect match, but adding a soft, cozy rug will add an unexpected element of luxury. Use a larger area rug or runner to add color and texture to your tiles.
Nothing’s worse than a harsh overhead light, especially when you’re looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror or trying to have a relaxing bath. Instead of flipping on that overhead switch, use lamps and candles to create warm, peaceful lighting.
Keeping your bathroom essentials organized is tricky, even with decent cabinet space. Use woven baskets to keep your toiletries and washcloths tucked away. The natural woven material will add to the overall aesthetic of your bathroom and create a spa-like feel. If you feel extra fancy, dedicate a storage basket to your favorite special soaps or extra soft towels.
Many of us often forget how easy it is to customize our showerheads, but this seemingly small detail can make a world of difference in your daily routine. Customize the water pressure, water filter, and even color to give you the most relaxing shower possible.
OK, this tip isn’t necessarily as “easy” of a tip, but regularly cleaning your bathroom can make a huge difference in how zen you feel in that space. If you can, set a bi-weekly reminder to at least wipe down your mirror and sink, or make a habit of putting away loose toiletries when you brush your teeth at night.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — when it comes to designing a space, good lighting is key. In addition to adding a warmer glow with lamps and candles, adding a few more mirrors will help reflect any natural light coming through.
There's just something about using natural materials that enhances your relaxation routine. Try incorporating items like bamboo storage racks, wooden cabinets, doors, and dried plants to create a sense of grounding.
Filling empty walls with artwork is a no-brainer when designing your dream space. Take into consideration the type of aesthetic that you are trying to achieve, but most importantly, choose pieces that you enjoy looking at!
Britt Ladin is a freelance writer, editor, and plant enthusiast living in Brooklyn, New York. By day, she works on the production team for a biophilic design company. Britt is most likely thinking about her cats right now.
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