Long day at work, a frustrating day at work. Your feet are tired, your eyes barely stay open. You think back to that holiday, it went by too quickly. The spa hotel, the resort life, the relaxation, the stress just melting away.
Most people think that this bathroom oasis can only be achieved with a lot of money. Or an occasional stay at a 5-star luxury hotel. However, you can make it happen without a need for a second mortgage. To transform your bathroom into a den of tranquillity and relaxation, consider these essential elements.
Find the Right Shower Head
The relaxing bathroom oasis stands and falls by one simple thing: the shower head. If everything is perfect, but your shower head provides nothing but a measly and pathetic trickle of water, the experience just won’t be the same.
There are many types of shower heads and picking the right one is different for each household. Just make sure you don’t skimp on quality when making your choice; most high-quality options are quite affordable, so this isn’t where you should cut corners.
Heated Towel Racks and Floors
The quickest reminder that you’re not at a luxury resort is when you step out of that shower or bath and you feel that sudden cold shock from icy floor tiles. Instead of snapping out of your spa dream, why not invest in a heated floor to go with a heated towel rack?
If you don’t already have a radiator installed, underfloor heating is very much a viable and affordable option. One of the biggest myths is that they’re cripplingly expensive to run; the truth is that they’re generally cheaper than a traditional radiator-based system. Not only that, they’re the eco-friendly option.
Clear That Clutter!
Clutter is detrimental to the mind and body. It can worsen stress and anxiety levels, even affecting sleep and focus. Our brains feel best when there is order in our surroundings, giving that sense of calm and peace.
In a 2011 study, for instance, neuroscientists found that clearing clutter around the house directly led to improved focus and information processing, with increased productivity as a result.
If your bathroom has all the mod cons but is simultaneously full of stuff, you won’t get that relaxing escape from your daily grind. Instead, you may just make it worse. So go full Marie Kondo and clean that clutter.
Lots (And Lots) of Green
Research shows that plants are good for you. The more, the merrier. There’s not a room in the house that looks worse after inserting a little bit of green, and perhaps a splash of color.
There are several ways you can add plants to your bathroom oasis. For example, ferns are a great choice, as they can easily survive in low-light rooms. Even if you don’t have a window, ferns will thrive.
If you have the space, add an entire shelf that is dedicated purely to plants, ideally placed in view of your bath. That way, you can take it all in as you take that well-deserved bath, surrounded by greenery and perhaps a few candles!
Focus on the Lighting
The old-school Abercrombie & Fitch stores did this in overdrive mode, but they did know one truth: mood lighting matters. Your bathroom should ooze tranquillity with low-level, high-quality lighting. Ideally, have a dimmer switch and several options.
For your makeup/getting ready in the morning, brighter is clearly better. But when you want to unwind, the last thing you need is a high-wattage lighting solution. To add that extra dab of class, invest in luxury candles.
The Devil Is in the Detail
When you finalize your dream bathroom, don’t forget to give a little bit of attention to the details. It’s the small touches that really set good apart from great, and the good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
For example, opt for fluffy high-quality towels. Robes are also a great choice, giving your bathroom that spa vibe. Invest in a bath mat that leaves you feeling like you’ve just stepped on a cloud, rather than a cheap scratchy cotton number. It’s these small details that will really make a difference!
The Bathroom Is Yours, Not for the Joneses
Our final piece of advice is to remember that this bathroom oasis is entirely yours, not for anyone else. Not for your neighbors, your mom (who seems to have an opinion on everything!), or your many Instagram followers.
Instead of thinking about what others would appreciate, focus 100% on you and your family. Cherry-pick the bits of advice that fit with your specific needs and requirements, ignoring what just doesn’t fit.
Every bathroom oasis is different, add your personal touch and let your creative juices flow. Just remember, you deserve a little R&R your way after a long and stressful day at work!
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