Many of us lead busy, hectic lives; whether that’s due to work or family commitments, a busy travel schedule or a packed programmeof hobbies and activities.
For this reason, it’s important to find time to relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Our bathrooms are often the first room we use in the morning and last thing at night, and it’s one room of the house where we can take a few private minutes to ourselves.
A relaxing bathroom space can be invaluable and provide a calming oasis in the middle of our fast-paced lives. You don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your bathroom either; often a few small touches such as indoor plants or candles can make all the difference and cultivate a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. So, if you’re looking for some ways to create your own relaxing spa bathroom at home, see below for our handy guide full of design tips and tricks.
The number one relaxing activity in a bathroom is arguably indulging in a hot, long bath and there are plenty of health benefits to be gained from soaking in the tub. Taking a bath can help to soothe your muscles, joints and bones, which is particularly beneficial if you do a lot of exercise or have a condition such as arthritis.
The steam from a bath also has a positive effect on your breathing and can help open up the chest and lungs to clear your sinuses. The warm water also helps soothe irritated or dry skin and the act of taking a bath can help lower general stress levels and encourage deeper sleep.
As you can see, taking a relaxing bath has many benefits, but it’s difficult to want to spend a lot of time in your bathroom if the space doesn’t give off a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to help create a soothing oasis in your home, so see below for our design tips to make your bathroom a relaxing, zen space.
Nothing says luxury like a freestanding bath, so if you’re thinking about an upgrade then they’re definitely worth considering. Freestanding baths tend to be larger than regular built-in tubs, making them perfect for relaxing in at the end of the day. Despite being larger, the open area beneath the bath can actually give the illusion of more space, making them perfect if you have a smaller bathroom and want to make it feel less cluttered.
Adding some greenery is one of the simplest ways to instantly create a soothing atmosphere in your bathroom and plants also provide welcome splashes of colour if your bathroom is otherwise minimalist. Varieties of bamboo, succulents or aloe vera look stylish but require little maintenance, or if you’re not green-fingered in the slightest go for a fake plant (we won’t tell anyone).
Colours can have a profound effect on our moods, often without even realising it. Blue is overwhelmingly considered the calmest colour and it makes a great choice for a bathroom as it reflects the natural colours of a blue sky or calming sea. Choose blue bathroom tiles or bathroom accessories for a subtle splash, or go for all blue walls to surround yourself with the calming colour.
The colder months can make the thought of getting out of bed and stepping on cold floor tiles highly unappealing, but underfloor heating can drastically transform the feel of your bathroom. A heated floor under foot gives a luxury, spa-like feel and also ensures you stay cosy during winter. Installing underfloor heating isn’t as expensive as you might think and these systems can be very energy efficient in the long run.
Bathroom flooring can sometimes be overlooked but adding luxury floor tiles can instantly transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Vintage patterns in black and white look instantly stylish and expensive, or choose plain marble or natural stone tiles for that spa feel. If you’re worried about tiles feeling too cold, add thick rugs or bath mats to keep things comfortable and inject some extra individual style into your bathroom.
Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses and particular smells can instantly recall memories of certain people or places. Certain smells also trigger different emotional responses, so adding calming scents to your bathroom can rapidly transport you to a place of calm and relaxation. There are many scented products available for your bathroom, including scented candles, oil diffusers, bath oils or incense sticks.
The scents you choose will depend on your personal taste, but calming smells include pine, lavender, chamomile, jasmine, vanilla and peppermint.
Placing a bath ‘shelf’ or tray horizontally across your bathtub is an easy way to enhance your bathing experience and ensure everything you need is within reach. You can purchase shelves made specifically for this purpose or you can easily make your own with a simple plank of wood. These shelves are the ideal place to store any beautifully packaged products like body scrubs or soap and it’s also a handy way to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea in the bath.
A messy bathroom simply isn’t relaxing, so take the time to de-clutter and throw away any empty bottles, rusty razors or old toothbrushes. Smart storage solutions are essential for a calming space and a bathroom cluttered with products spilling out of the shower or all around the bath simply isn’t relaxing. Use small wicker baskets to store items like shampoo or body wash and keep them neat, or install shelves above the sink or bath to display luxury products or plants.
A vanity cupboard with a mirror also keeps any little-used products like medicines or plasters out of sight but ensures everything is in one place when you need them.
Natural materials like wood, stone and slate are timelessly stylish and add to the ‘calm oasis’ feel. Many people feel instantly calmer when amongst nature, so why not bring some of these natural elements into your bathroom. Add reclaimed wooden shelves, slate floor tiles or even something as simple as decorative pebbles around the edge of the bath.
Don’t underestimate the power of candles to instantly create a relaxing atmosphere; for one, candlelight is much less harsh than overhead lighting and scented candles can give off the relaxing scents discussed above. Add as many or as little as you like on shelves and around the edges of the bath and sink, then simply lay back, relax and enjoy.
One of the main appeals of a luxury spa or hotel are the luxurious fluffy towels and dressing gowns that somehow feel so much better than those at home. But who’s saying you can’t introduce these elements into your own bathroom, so donate or recycle any old threadbare towels (animal shelters usually want old towels for bedding) and invest in new, thick fluffy ones.
There are many ways to transform your bathroom, but it can be hard to feel relaxed if you have cracked floor tiles or worn-out vinyl flooring. If you’re looking for an upgrade for your bathroom floor, get in touch with the team at Cooper & Williams Ltd. We’ve been providing flooring for satisfied customers for 50 years, so you can rest assured that we have a high-quality solution for you. Whether you’re after tiling, luxury vinyl, wooden flooring or carpet, we have a wide range to suit all styles and requirements.
To discuss your bathroom ideas or find out more about our range of flooring products, give us a call today or visit our website.
