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If you have ever spent time in a spa, you probably remember the atmosphere of pure tranquility. There is nothing better than wrapping yourself in a warm towel and enjoying a foot massage (not from a partner) while the scent of fresh eucalyptus is in the air. It makes you feel like an ancient Greek goddess. Unfortunately, you can’t recreate a spa experience in your own bathroom – or can you?
Anything is possible with a little ingenuity. For help, we turned to the elite interior designer and decorator Margarita Bravo. She gives Women’s World six simple tips on how to easily turn your bathroom into a spa. The only problem? Masseuses are not included.
Creating the right atmosphere is important when designing a spa-like bathroom. Incorporating natural elements will help induce a sense of relaxation – and what better natural decoration than plants? “Plants are not only good for the eyes, but they are also known for their positive effects, from air purification to relaxation,” says Bravo.
“The good news is that plants are easy to find—you can find what you need at your local grocery and hardware stores,” says Bravo. She recommends finding opportunities to sell larger plants and use them as a combination with smaller (and more affordable) bathroom plants. You should also keep an eye out for beautiful planters that complement your chosen color scheme. “The plant shelves and unique planters really add drama and depth to the space,” says Bravo.
A key part of spa treatments are fabulously soft towels and bathrobes that will pamper you. To recreate this experience at home, you need to find a similar rich and luxurious consistency to enliven the spa atmosphere. “The combination of thick textured bath mats, towels and robes creates an immediate feeling of luxury,” says Bravo. “The good news is that thin towels tend to be just as expensive as thick ones!” After you’ve spent your money on a few good towels, wash them with white vinegar and baking soda to keep them smelling fresh and fluffy for a long time. time.
When it comes to color, Bravo prefers simplicity. “Choose white or pastel solid color towels to keep things flowing,” she says, noting that muted tones without prints or patterns can reduce visual clutter and suggest relaxation. If you’re looking for a particularly soothing flavor, a neutral blue might be perfect for your spa décor; we psychologically associate blue with calmness, and when picked up by ganglion cells, it can actually lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate.
Smell is an important part of relaxation. A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that smell can act as a cure for anxiety by affecting our brain chemistry in a way that mimics the action of prescription drugs like Valium or Valium.
Bravo recommends hanging fresh eucalyptus sprigs in the shower for a natural aromatherapy effect. “Shower steam activates the eucalyptus,” she explains. “It also looks luxurious… and is easy to find.” What’s more, eucalyptus is relatively inexpensive (compared to other fresh herbs and plants), retains its shape, and looks beautiful even after air-drying.
Candles are another great way to make your bathroom more peaceful. Find your favorite scents in extra-large containers to last longer, and get even more bang for your buck by filling beautiful decorative containers with “Fancy Candles,” budget-friendly versions from craft and dollar stores. (Bonus: You won’t have a whole bunch of little candles cluttering up your bathroom.) You can also learn how to make your own candles. “Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and you’ll have candle-making tools at your fingertips,” says Bravo. Try the DilaBee DIY Candle Making Kit ($27.99 on Amazon).
Lighting is a subtle thing, but it can make a big difference. Upscale spas rarely have harsh overhead lighting, opting for fixtures that emit a soft, soothing glow instead. “Lamps are one of the easiest ways to spruce up your interior without going broke,” suggests Bravo.
A multifunctional dressing table is a good option – look for a light fixture with a clean design that can be mounted horizontally above the mirror or vertically on either side of the mirror (this JoosenHouse fixture, $29.88 on Amazon, for example). Wall lights mounted on either side of a bathroom mirror are another great option. (Try Keener Armed Bell Bras, $71 at Wayfair.) “Search the Internet; we know that there are really affordable gems in the Facebook market,” advises Bravo. “Local yard sales, second-hand shops, and antique shops can also have amazing finds.”
Another consideration is hiring an electrician to install dimmable lights in your bathroom. There are different layers of light to choose from – on the dimmer and on separate circuits – allowing you to switch between bright light for cleaning or applying make-up and low light for relaxation. Consider your intentions too: for example, if you plan to spend a lot of time soaking in the bath, the waterproof lights in the bath will flicker in the water, making you feel incredibly calm.
Chances are your bathroom is much smaller than a public spa. Adding mirrors can help create the illusion of a wider space. Bravo recommends updating the frames, painting them gold, adding lacquer, painting or aging (to make them look more antique or worn if you don’t like the more modern aesthetic).
If you want to splurge, try a Dimmable Anti-Fog LED Mirror ($269 from Lowes). LEDs are the most energy efficient type of lighting and can save you money on your energy bill. They also last much longer than regular light bulbs; The average life of LEDs is about 50,000 hours. For a more natural look (and less on the wallet), consider a wood-framed mirror ($49 at Lowe’s).
Decorative hooks are another fun way to add unexpected spa details to your space without spending a lot of money. “I love Turkish towels hanging from recycled brass hooks,” says Bravo. “It’s very functional – and it’s the key to enjoying your space.”
Consider which silver stainless steel, gold or black hooks work best with your bathroom color scheme. Wayfair has a great selection of inexpensive decorative hooks to hang clothes or towels on, or you can try something a little more whimsical and wild like colorful raindrop hooks (from $3.99 on Etsy) or brass hooks at art deco style (from $7.16 on Etsy, ebay).
We hope these tips will set you on a path to serenity and enlightenment from the comfort of your bathroom.
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Post time: Dec-17-2022