There’s no question that these are stressful times for many people, but non-stop worry isn’t good for your health or your mood! Since several of you have asked, here are some thoughts for making your bathroom a place where you can relax and rejuvenate.
When we think of getting away to relax, we often think about going to a spa. I spent a few days at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires several years ago and it was fantastic! Of course, most of us can’t afford that kind of luxury retreat on a regular basis (as I said, it’s been several years!), but we can create our own private retreat in our own homes. From high-end luxury bathroom renovations with jetted tubs, marbled floors, and crystal chandeliers to modest enhancements such as fragrant soaps, fluffy towels, and a massaging showerhead, we can all create our own private oasis of calm and serenity.
The key to creating the perfect spa-like bath is to make sure that all five senses are taken into account and caressed.
Sight
You want to select colors and finishes that say “calm” to you. Monochromatic, neutral, or earthtone color palettes are generally considered the most calming to the senses. Bright reds or vivid yellows can be overly stimulating, as can lots of different colors mixed together. Muted tones and low contrast materials (matte finishes on cabinetry or fixtures) will add to an overall sense of calm. Simplicity can add to the calm quotient too, so consider the minimalistic design of a single-handle faucet.
Bathrooms are workspaces and you need good quality task lighting for safety in the shower and for applying makeup or shaving. Installing dimmer switches gives you the flexibility to have both task and mood lighting as you need them!
Sound
Installed speakers or a portable iPod player can help relax you with soothing music or even nature sounds (plus block out exterior noises such as cars, kids, or commotion). I love the sound of running water and find it very soothing. A small countertop water fountain provides a nice background without continually running the tap!
Smell
This is an area that is very personal. For some, a simple, clean smell with a hint of cleaning product is comforting. For others, it’s scented candles and potpourri—a virtual wall of scent. Generally, for the most soothing and calming effect, soft fragrances such as lavender, vanilla, ginger, and lemon are great choices. Stick with natural oils for scent- and soy-based candles, as they are least likely to cause allergic reactions; but again, it’s personal. Also, remember that scent is a powerful memory trigger, so if your high-strung, cheek-pinching auntie from childhood always smelled of vanilla, it may not be the scent for you! On the other hand, if the memory was that of a warm home filled with love and cookies, then you will be relaxed in no time and possibly even hungry, which brings us to …
Taste
In a word—chocolate. Is there nothing more decadent than lounging in the tub with a good book or primping at the vanity while indulging in a few sweeties? (BTW—that scale is not calm inducing and should be relocated!). A nice glass of Pinot Grigio may also do the trick—just don’t over indulge!
Touch
Our bodies and skin are the largest areas attached to a sense, so touch is probably the most important aspect of creating a spa-like retreat. From the feel of a fluffy towel, to a warm floor, to a hot bath, how we “feel” things in a tactile sense makes the most impact on how relaxed we are. Don’t have an in-house masseuse? How about a massaging showerhead? From a hard blast to a soft rain shower-like spray, you can have what you need, when you need it.
In the end, what says “calm” to you is personal—so give some thought to your five senses and take the plunge. Your heart rate will thank you for it!
