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For many, if not all, of us the bathroom is a fairly integral part of our day. Depending on our unique daily routines it can be where we both start and finish the day and it is for this reason I strongly believe it should be a place where we can create and feel a sense of Zen.
We don’t need to entirely remodel the space, there are things that we can do to create the feeling we want, without having to break the bank, tear down walls and re-do the piping scheme.
I have broken this down into key components to consider when creating your haven, and how you can achieve serenity in this fundamental space in your home.
Appearance
When I talk about appearance, I essentially mean color schemes and the gorgeous ornaments we can use to create the atmosphere we want.
Neutral tones create a feeling of calm and relaxation as well as bringing us back to nature and natural earth – colors like sand and stone can be both warm and cooling and provide a sense of timeless elegance.
A darker painted ceiling works well with the neutral tones, creating a cozy and welcoming space and an intimate feel. These shades will not be going out of fashion so once you’ve created your style, chances are you won’t have to change it anytime soon!
When we think of “Zen”, pebbles and stone features come to mind, a feature wall made to resemble pebbles could be installed in the shower area – watching water trickle over the stone creates a sense of peacefulness and stills the mind.
To create a real sense of clam, less really is more. A minimalist bathroom, clutter-free, encourages the mind to do the same. Bamboo or wicker storage can be neatly tucked away so you can have everything you need easily accessible but out of the way, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility created by the open space.
Exotic flowers, dark smooth stones and floating candles scattered sparingly will add to the neutral color scheme and provide complimenting and contrasting colors.
Sensation
Further to how the bathroom looks, just as important is how it feels. Sounds crazy I know, but just think of how certain sensations make you feel, flooring underfoot and water splashing down on you.
Bamboo mats on the floor or beside the sink to protect surfaces and bring the rainforest into your bathroom, not only do they add to the look and feel but they are durable and long-lasting. The strong bamboo can provide a massage sensation underfoot, releasing tension.
The shower, is the focal point of the bathroom (in my opinion!). A large rain shower-head can provide an all-over body warming and relaxation sensation. Choosing the right one for you can be difficult, especially as it can often depend on your level of water pressure.
Sound is also important, music or other noises can enter our minds and help to clear them of stressful or difficult thoughts – try streaming music, or sounds of nature into your bathroom to encourage yourself to empty your mind for a few precious moments.
Lighting is essential to creating an intimate, relaxed atmosphere; too bright and it could feel like a hospital theatre, too dark and you’ll be feeling your way around the bathroom! Up-lighting with a soft bulb can create a warming and serene glow, providing ample light to see, but not so much that it becomes harsh and intrusive.
Aroma
Smell is unique to each individual, so I’m not going to tell you what to have in your bathroom, but I would absolutely encourage incense or scented candles.
Both of these fit well with the décor and you can find a multitude of classic incense holders with granite-like appearance that blends nicely with the neutral tones.
Scented floating candles provide beautiful aromas, a warming glow and look great placed in corners to add a little burst of flower-like color to your space.
Room fragrance sprays are also a good idea for when you are not using the space. A quick spritz in the morning will ensure your bathroom retains its aroma throughout the day, ready to welcome you home at the end of it.
Popular and relaxing fragrances include lavender, lemongrass and patchouli, but if you know what you love and what works for you – use it, this is all about creating a haven that provides peace and tranquility for you.
Of course, to round off your spa-like bathroom experience, it’s all about the towels; the bigger and fluffier the better!
Nothing better than stepping out of a nice warm shower and wrapping yourself up to enjoy the atmosphere, if you have or can install a heated towel rail then even better – I’d suggest chrome, to compliment the rest of your color scheme.
So, there you have it, a few considerations to create a “Zen-like” bathroom; go on, treat yourself – you deserve it!
