Let’s think deeply for a minute; how often do you actually, genuinely find the time to simply relax and unwind? With life now defined by several screens simultaneously on-the-go, often whilst you’re on-the-go, it’s become so tough to truly kick back and de-stress.
The only time this feels possible, it seems, is when we’re in the bathroom, away from the ebb and flow of normal life and alone with our thoughts.
Accordingly, your bathroom should be a haven of relaxation and invigoration that can fuel your busy lifestyle. Because when the door’s locked and you’re alone in the tub (or, let’s face it, on the can), anything is possible!
By upgrading your bathroom and adding some simple touches, you can transform it from an overlooked room into a place to truly unwind and enjoy. With that in mind, here are 7 design ideas to make your bathroom a wellbeing sanctuary.
Build In Spaces For Candles
There’s no denying that a scented candle can improve a room’s ambience; you can’t beat the flicker of one and its characteristic aroma, after all.
However, one thing that isn’t calming – worrying about the candle you’ve precariously perched on the edge of the bath and thinking that at any moment your shower curtain could go up in flames. Or, that all the hot wax will spill everywhere if said candle accidentally gets knocked over.
Instead, if upgrading your bathroom takes precedence over burning it down, consider adding some open shelving to your bathroom, positioned in such a way that your candles will have a safe and permanent home. Bliss.
Read: The quintessential guide to relaxing aromas for every room in your home
Create A Spa-Like Atmosphere With Lighting
If candles don’t feel permanent enough a fix-up, then consider a complete overhaul of your bathroom lighting situation.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambience of any room, and your bathroom is no exception. To create a spa-like atmosphere, consider incorporating a mix of lighting options that cater to different needs and times of day.
Start with dimmable overhead lights that allow you to adjust the brightness according to your mood. Soft, warm lighting can help you unwind after a long day, while brighter lights are perfect for your morning routine. Adding LED strip lights (not the flickering, crack den kind, mind) under cabinets or around mirrors can provide a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the overall tranquillity of the space.
For a touch of luxury, consider installing a chandelier or pendant light above the bathtub. This not only adds a focal point but also creates a sense of opulence. Don’t forget about task lighting around the vanity area; well-placed sconces or backlit mirrors can provide the perfect illumination for grooming tasks.
Things That Smell Nice & Spa Like
Speaking of aroma, there’s nothing more soothing and calming than that scent with slight tropical notes that you find in spas all over the world. Recreate that heavenly spa like-scent and transform your bathroom into an olfactory spa adventure with essential oils. We’re particular fans of electronic aromatherapy diffusers which release relaxing aromas in a measured, sustainable way.
While we’re considering aroma, and while there’s nothing wrong with a cheap own brand bottle body wash and bubble brand from your local supermarket, they do tend to be rather one dimensional in smell and lacking of those relaxing properties inherent in more expensive products.
Luckily, you needn’t spend a fortune on expensive bathroom products – just take a trip to your local Home Sense or TK Maxx and you can nab luxe big brands full of expensive essential oils at a fraction of their true retail price.
Wall Panelling
Transform your bathroom into a serene sanctuary with the addition of wall panelling. Not only does it add a touch of elegance and sophistication, but it also provides practical benefits. Wet wall panels, in particular, are an excellent choice for bathrooms due to their water-resistant properties. These panels are designed to withstand the humid environment of a bathroom, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.
Opt for sleek, modern designs or classic, textured finishes to suit your personal style. Wet wall panels come in a variety of materials, including PVC, acrylic, and laminate, offering a range of options to match your aesthetic preferences. They are also incredibly easy to install, making them a perfect DIY project for a weekend transformation. With wall panelling, you can create a cohesive and stylish look that elevates your bathroom from a functional space to a luxurious retreat.
Read: How to make a small bathroom look bigger in 7 IDEAL steps
Build In A Bluetooth Speaker In The Bathroom
We’ve considered the sensory experience in terms of sight, smell and even touch, but what about the aural experience in your bathroom? It’s certainly not something that should be neglected.
Whether it’s classical music, whale song or even heavy metal that helps you unwind, make access to your favourite tunes streamlined and high-tech by installing a bluetooth speaker in your bathroom.
Though a portable one does the job, they can look a little clumsy and incongruous. Instead, why not install a voice-activated bluetooth speaker in your ceiling (usually, these can be positioned where a light bulb would go). No more fumbling around with wet hands trying to change the track, and no more having your portable speaker lose battery and cut out just as you settle down in the bath for a soak…
‘’Alexa, play some music by Enya’’.
Read: 5 modern and smart upgrades to improve your home
Add A Little Nature To Your Bathroom
Bringing a new meaning to ‘nature calls’, adding a touch of the outdoor world to the design of your bathroom can really introduce an extra level of harmony and relaxation.
Many indoor plants absolutely thrive in the relative humidity of your bathroom and will look superb doing so. Consider aloe vera for its healing properties, as it can help soothe minor burns and combat skin irritation or razor rashes. What better place for it than the bathroom? This is just one plant perfectly suited to that tranquil design you’re after. For more inspiration, take a look here.
Cherish Your Travel Memories
Imagine you’re unwinding after a long and hectic day. Maybe the phone was constantly ringing, and deadlines for projects were stressful and ever present. As you soak in the bath, your thoughts turn to your next holiday, your next great sun-drenched escape, with azure water gently lapping at your feet and the temperature of the sand on your back reassuringly warm. Aaahhhh…
Sorry, we were whisked away for a moment there.
But why not take this time in the tub to also relive the blissful holiday memories that you have? A tasteful and well-placed ornament from that trip you took to a far-flung island or some piece of art from a journey long ago but never forgotten will take your tired mind to a better place and will ensure that you truly stretch out and relax.
In fact, this is simply a form of visualisation, a tried and tested method believed to help reduce anxiety. What better place to practice it than in the bathroom?
The Bottom Line
By transforming your bathroom into a place that you relish going to each day, you create a space for yourself that helps to heal the mind as well as cleanse the body. Light the candles, let the warm water nourish you, and unwind in your own little piece of paradise!
To further improve the comfort of your bathroom, check out these 5 tips to make your bathroom feel like a luxury spa. And with that, we’re off to spend some time in ours!