Self-care has never been higher on the agenda, and incorporating wellness into your routine is no longer considered an indulgence but a necessity. Finding time
to unwind is not always easy – but by creating a serene sanctuary within your home, you’re far more likely to carve out that ‘me time’. And the great news is, creating a spathroom needn’t mean major remodelling: with these simple changes, you can transform a busy bathroom into a soothing oasis in a matter of hours.

Keep Calm & De-Clutter

There’s no denying that cluttered surroundings are the exact opposite of calming, so first and foremost, organise and edit your bathroom contents. Go through your toiletries and throw out empty, expired bottles and potions you don’t use. Sort through your towels, ditching the frayed and the stained, fold and stack what’s left in colour and size, then put away all but the daily essentials. This may require investing in extra storage – under-the-vanity drawers, tall corner cupboards, open shelves or towel ladders so you can display a few key pieces in a pleasing arrangement.

Go Organic

Connecting with nature is always therapeutic, and adding warm, organic materials to your bathroom will instantly soften the hard surfaces that dominate bathrooms. Think wicker baskets for toiletries, rattan laundry hampers, linen drapes, hardwood shelves or cabinets, or decorative bowls of seashells and pebbles.

Plants

A sure-fire easy way to balance out the sometimes clinical feel of a bathroom is to bring in some life with plants. The low light and high humidity of most bathrooms won’t suit all plants, but orchids and ferns are two that thrive in such conditions, while philodendrons and pothos plants tolerate most environments. If counter space is limited, opt for a trailing plant that can be hung, such as English ivy – this one is a great air purifier and absorbs moisture from the air, helping to prevent mildew.

Cool Palettes

A small change that can make a big difference is altering the colour palette. Painting the walls is one option, but even simply replacing towels, curtains and mats with sets in matching colours will add a sense of order and cohesion. Stay away from plain white walls and opt for a soft cream or earthy beige, which will be elevated by those vibrant green plants, or opt for ocean hues – powder blue, sea moss, or pale green – that are instantly relaxing.

Set the Mood

Use lighting to create the right atmosphere. Installing dimmer switches is a simple way to soften bright overhead lights and create an intimate space for serious self-care. While mirrors will make up for a lack of natural light by day, wall sconces and lamps are less harsh than ceiling lights at night. And if bath time is after dark, doing so by candlelight feels oh-so indulgent.

Fragrance

Our sense of smell is highly evocative, so it’s no surprise spas are filled with gorgeous, luxurious fragrances. So go big on the scented stuff: reed diffusers, air diffusers, aromatic candles, and soaps will all add layers of aroma that smell divine and are known to alter your mood. Opt for essential oils like lavender, jasmine, and ylang-ylang for natural stress relief or mandarin and citrus to reinvigorate and boost energy levels.

Spa treats

It is the final touches that make the most difference. Aside from the treatment you receive, the appeal of going to a spa is all those luxurious extras: the silky robes, the extra-fluffy towels, the mellow background music, and those beautifully presented, high-quality toiletries that both look and feel indulgent.

Bring all of these into your bathroom, and you’ll be well on your way to having a serene, spa-like space you can escape to daily.