Turn your bathroom into a zen like home spa:
* When visiting a nice spa or high end hotel one of the best perks is the plush robe. Relax at home a la Rachel Zoe and splash out on cushy robe for yourself (two if you're part of a couple) and hang on a decorative hook on the wall or back of the door. The same goes for slippers...forget the ratty bunny slippers you think are cute. Look for shearling scuffs or slipper slides you can easily get in and out of. For warmer months open toe slides are great for keeping your feet cushioned but not sweltering.
* Bath linens can get pricey if you go for the really great stuff. If you can only splurge on one thing do yourself a favor and find the BEST bath mat you can. A thick, soft and absorbent mat feels so great on the tootsies when stepping out of the bath or shower.
* Look for banana leaf trash cans and mother of pearl or stone bath accessories to hold hand soap and toothbrushes instead of plastic or stainless steel which can read cold. Natural fiber baskets on shelves can hold extra towels or even rolls of toilet paper.
* Look for banana leaf trash cans and mother of pearl or stone bath accessories to hold hand soap and toothbrushes instead of plastic or stainless steel which can read cold. Natural fiber baskets on shelves can hold extra towels or even rolls of toilet paper.
* Room fragrance is key to providing atmosphere. Some spas go for warm, vanilla based scents for a cozy feel while others go for a clean and fresh scent. If using candles choose soy based candles as they burn cleaner and are non toxic and non hazardous. Paraffin wax candles contribute to indoor air pollution, contain a derivative of petroleum and thus help to support our dependence on oil. If you don't want to deal with an open flame opt for something like the Method Aroma Pill plug in which uses essential oils to gently scent your room - plus the design is clean and modern.
* Spas are required to keep their supplies clean and sterile for their clients so take a cue from that industry and invest in pretty lidded jars to house cotton swabs, cotton pads or balls and other implements such as cuticle nippers, clippers, makeup brushes, etc. A large jar filled with small natural sponges is not only a beautiful and spa like decoration but a functional place to store the spa staple.
* Select natural and/or organic beauty products for your zen spa like bath bombs from Lush, body wash and creams from Burt's Bee's or Origins and hair care from Jason. Yes To Carrots (and Cucumbers, Tomatoes) offers facial masks that address most skin issues and are packed with good for you ingredients.
* If you have the ability to install a dimmer for your bathroom light go for it...dim, mood lighting goes a long way to creating a relaxing bath environment while still providing bright light for applying makeup when you need it.
* Select natural and/or organic beauty products for your zen spa like bath bombs from Lush, body wash and creams from Burt's Bee's or Origins and hair care from Jason. Yes To Carrots (and Cucumbers, Tomatoes) offers facial masks that address most skin issues and are packed with good for you ingredients.
* If you have the ability to install a dimmer for your bathroom light go for it...dim, mood lighting goes a long way to creating a relaxing bath environment while still providing bright light for applying makeup when you need it.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
* For a truly zen feel stick to natural fibers and textures.
* Stick to a soothing palette. Many spas go for bright white but that can be hard to maintain when it comes to linens and walls. A light beige or sky blue mixed with white or cream elements takes some of the pressure of maintenance off.
* Calming stock images of nature are pretty standard in spas but if that reads boring to you choose black and white images of your favorite things such as flowers, vacation spots or artistic family shots. The clean black and white palette keeps everything calm and uniform while allowing you to customize your vista.
* Calming stock images of nature are pretty standard in spas but if that reads boring to you choose black and white images of your favorite things such as flowers, vacation spots or artistic family shots. The clean black and white palette keeps everything calm and uniform while allowing you to customize your vista.