Serenity NOW!
Who doesn’t like a trip to the spa? It smells good. Sounds are gentle and subdued. The colors are easy on the eyes. The temperature is comfortable. The environment is a full sensory experience that does both the mind and body good. But a spa appointment every day—or even every week—is out of the question for most people. Here’s how you can bring that serenity into your own bathroom:
Sight:
- Stick with soft, muted, nature-inspired color for walls, linens, and decor.
- Swear off clutter by tossing out old toiletries, organizing most of what’s left into drawers and cabinets, and putting your go-to items such as cotton balls and soaps in matching glass or porcelain containers on the counter.
- Store toothbrushes in cabinets, if possible.
- Avoid stainless steel toiletry holders unless you’re prepared to give them a daily wipe-down.
- Add a linen shower curtain in a solid color—white or very light color.
- Hang fluffy, matching towels.
- Keep some current magazines and books in an enclosed basket or cabinet near the tub.
Sound:
- Always have a selection of instrumental music or nature sounds at the ready.
- Add an iPad (or other MP3 player) docking station to your bathroom if you can.
Touch:
- Switch out your old showerhead for a new rain showerhead
- Invest in a heated towel rack
- Keep some soft, thick spa robes on their own hooks near the tub or shower
Smell:
- Set essential oils, bubble baths, and washcloths in a stand or basket near the tub.
- Keep scented candles on hand, and don’t forget to keep a lighter stowed nearby.
- Use an odor-neutralizer or very subtly-scented deodorizer in the room around-the-clock.
Taste:
- Warm up a cup of tea or pour yourself a glass of wine before you head in for a soak.
- Nobody ever said you can’t have chocolate in the tub!
Often cited as one of the few places in a home where people can get some alone time, the bathroom should be decorated with serenity in mind. As you can see, even a quick shopping trip to the bed and bath store can get you a lot closer to that spa-away-from-spa feeling in even a sorely outdated bathroom.
