The bathroom is the space where most people start and end their day. You wake up, brush your teeth, and get ready for the work day. At the end of the night, the bathroom is the space where you might apply a face mask or serum before bed.
If you work from home, the bathroom is a space you aren’t just using in the morning and at night, but throughout the day on work breaks. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you’re stepping into a spa every time you open the door?
The ideas below will help you turn your bathroom into a space you can truly enjoy every time you walk in. Let’s focus on four of the five senses: scent, sight, sound, and touch.
Sense1: Touch
Not to get too personal, but let’s start with upgrading the items you use every day:
- Towels
- Toilet paper
Fluffy Towels
Cheap towels might feel like a savings initially, but they tend to wear out much faster and aren’t nearly as soft as higher-quality cotton or bamboo towels. If your towels are looking a bit worn, consider upgrading to one of these options:
The New York Times’ Wirecutter ranked Frontgate as its favorite towel option. Their more affordable pick was the Threshold towel from Target.
Although more expensive towels are an initial investment, they tend to last much longer and can be washed repeatedly, making them a better long-term investment.
Towel Warmer Rack
To make those fluffy towels even more enjoyable, consider a towel warmer so you can wrap yourself in warmth every time you step out of the shower. These are also great if you have little kids who don’t like to get out of the bath!
Toilet Paper
There are a surprising number of PFAs and chemicals found in toilet paper. The cost of toilet paper seems to get more expensive by the day, but investing in good-quality toilet paper is better for your health overall.
Although it’s more of a financial investment, Plant Paper makes soft bamboo toilet paper that’s free of toxins. More affordable options include Caboo and Seventh Generation.
Sense 2: Smell
When we think of a spa, a clean, calming scent usually comes to mind. To replicate that, try these options:
Add a Room Diffuser
Diffuser company Pura has designed an ultra-compact diffuser called the Mini that is designed for smaller spaces such as bathrooms, hallways, and offices. It includes Bluetooth technology that lets you control scent strength from an app on your phone. Its sleek design also blends in with your decor. If you’re not a morning person, try citrus or peppermint to wake up your senses in the morning. If you’re a nighttime bath person, try calming options such as lavender, chamomile, or bergamot.
Hotel Collection and Scent Air also have great diffuser options, although they’re a bit larger and will need a designated space on a shelf or in the corner of your bathroom.
Hang Eucalyptus From Your Shower Head
A much cheaper option: hang a fresh bundle of eucalyptus over your showerhead.
- Find the right spot: Hang the eucalyptus bundle from the shower rod or a hook so it is not directly under the showerhead or faucet.
- Let steam do the work: The steam from your hot shower will activate and release the eucalyptus’s aromatic oils into the air every time you turn on the water.
Natural textures, soft neutrals, and simple greenery help create a soothing, spa-inspired atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Invest in Higher-Quality Toiletries
Replace generic hand soap and body wash with products that have natural fragrances. Look for notes of sandalwood, rose, or juniper.
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap are also items we use every day and are absorbed by our skin. These are also easy to cheap out on, but are worth reading the ingredients to ensure your body isn’t absorbing unnecessary chemicals. Using a higher-quality aromatic soap will also make taking a shower or washing your hands far more enjoyable.
Here are some of our favorites:
Oribe
Oribe is the Ferrari of hair care. Super luxurious, smells amazing, but it definitely comes with a price tag. If you want to splurge, it will make every shower feel like you’re at the Ritz.
Kristin Ess
A more affordable option that still smells great, Kristin Ess is sold at Target and other retailers and makes great quality products at a reasonable price.
Room Sprays
Use a natural linen or room spray with notes of eucalyptus and mint to instantly freshen the air and create a spa-like atmosphere.
Sense 3: Sight
All elements in your bathroom should promote a sense of calm. Think natural light, soft colors, and no visual chaos. Opt for a palette of calming, neutral colors such as white, beige, soft gray, or gentle greens and blues.
Minimize Clutter, Maximize Storage
Eliminate clutter in your bathroom by incorporating storage. Use baskets and drawer compartments to keep your countertop clear. This also makes getting ready in the morning a lot easier.
Now that your counter has space, add the following:
Add Natural Elements
Incorporate a few natural, grounding elements. A small bamboo bath caddy across your tub, a wooden stool to hold towels, or a simple wooden soap dish are great natural elements to incorporate. If you have a shower, consider adding a wooden shower bench that gives you a spot to relax and adds a spot to place products.
Add Plants
Plants purify the air, thrive in humid bathroom environments, and incorporate nature into your space. Choose plants that can handle the light your bathroom receives. Even a single vase of fresh flowers or a few high-quality faux plants can make a huge difference.
Simple Shower Curtain
Opt for a shower curtain with one or two colors or a textured linen look. Busy, colorful patterns can be distracting and make the room feel cluttered.
Sense 4: Soothing Sounds
Use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play calming music, nature sounds, or guided meditations. These sounds stimulate the brain’s relaxation response and help lower stress levels. If you’re a bath person, you can also try a white noise machine to reduce distractions and create a soothing ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Draper and Kramer offers a wide range of luxurious apartments with spa-like bathrooms and spacious layouts. If you are preparing to move and would like to schedule a tour of one of Draper and Kramer’s properties, explore our beautiful properties, or contact us today.
