Relax! Here are 10 tips for your own personal bathroom sanctuary
Claire Logan from bath, body and home fragrance brand ARRAN Sense of Scotland shares her top ten tips for creating the perfect bathroom sanctuary
Calming colourways
Channel salon and spa vibes when thinking about bathroom décor – neutrals, pale blues and serene greens are known to promote a soothing atmosphere. Nature-inspired colours such as earthy browns, soft greys and sage greens give off an organic and calming effect. You can always add a pop of colour with accessories if you like a touch of the brights.
Indulge your olfactory senses
Traditional spa experiences start the minute you step through the salon door with clever use of scents known to calm the senses and de-stress. Jasmine and lavender are renowned for their sleep-enhancing properties, ylang ylang can improve mood, whilst bergamot is great for energising and eucalyptus is invigorating, as well as being a great decongestant in the winter months.
Introduce a reed diffuser or scented candle in the fragrance of your choice or add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to a carrier oil and simply add to a warm bath. Continue the theme with bubble bath, shower gel and body lotion for a luxurious all-over body experience.
Wrap yourself in luxury
There’s nothing worse after a pampering session than drying yourself with a stiff old towel covered in pulled threads, so make sure you invest in top-quality, soft, fluffy towels for the ultimate spa experience.
Treat your feet
A heated floor powered by natural gas is the ultimate treat for your feet and adds an unparalleled touch of comfort. If a heated floor is outside of your budget, make sure you replace old or discoloured bathmats with an ultra-thick and absorbent hotel-quality mat, so you don’t step out of your relaxing bath on to a cold floor.
Scandi-style shower
Swap out your current shower for a rain shower or one with different spray settings – think massage, power, waterfall mist or pulse spray. For a Scandi-style experience, start with a hot bath followed by a refreshing cool shower – an easy and effective way to improve circulation and filter out toxins.
Clear the clutter
Less is definitely more when creating a bathroom sanctuary. It’s much easier to fully relax in a space without clutter, so make sure kids’ toys are tidied away and store items like make-up, hair-dryers and cleaning products out of sight under the sink or in storage baskets. A minimalist style is key for engendering a serene and calm environment.
Bring the outdoors in
Bring a natural element to your bathroom by adding air-purifying plants to help focus your mind. Easy to care for plants, such as succulents, are great for adding a touch of colour, as well as being decorative and helping to create a healthy environment. Try positioning potted plants on windowsills, in corners or over the bath on a bath board.
Choose ambient lighting
Lighting is key to illuminating your bathroom to spa sanctuary level. Under counter lighting adds definition and atmosphere without being too bright, whilst lighting around vanity mirrors creates a five-star hotel vibe and is fantastic for make-up purposes. Flickering candles add a cosy, ambient feeling at bath time, as well as adding scent to the room.
Be eco-aware
Luxury, saving money and looking after the environment don’t often come hand in hand, but ARRAN’s eco-friendly 2 litre refills will help buyers do their bit in helping to look after the planet. Each 2-litre refill is equivalent to six standard size bottles and will reduce your plastic consumption by up to 75%.
Select soothing scents
Pick out your favourite scents and immerse yourself in them. ARRAN’s bath and body collections look great on the bathroom shelf and will also add a touch of wellbeing to your routine. The Glen Iorsa range is a modern twist on a classic lavender blend, while the Imachar range has a natural, calming fragrance, made with essential oils of bergamot and honeysuckle.
