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We all need a private sanctuary, a place to relax, and refresh. It matters little where your stress comes from, career, family or both; one of the best ways to unwind is in a hot bath at the end of the day. Imagine yourself, in a tub of warm soothing water, scented with aromatic oil, or bath salts. As your muscles relax and your mind wanders, the tension of the day simply floats away.
Equally important to the process of relaxation are your surroundings. Design your bath in a way that it becomes an escape, a mini-vacation from day to day worries and concerns. With minimal expense, and a lot of imagination, you can transform your bath into a Swedish spa, where you can pamper and soak your troubles away.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think the words “Swedish spa” is natural; wood, stone, and a neutral pallet. Start with your walls. Beadboard paneling in a golden oak tone is a wonderful choice. The look is all natural, yet warm and inviting. Trim your paneling with molding and baseboards in a creamy white shade.
Once you have finished the walls, your next decision is flooring. Many people are more comfortable with carpet. This is fine, and will work well, if you choose a carpet in a neutral tone, perhaps a Berber or even sisal carpeting. Whle carpet is warm and convenient; a floor of natural quarry tile, in a terra cotta or even a soft dove gray would look great. If warmth is a concern, remember all the lovely bath mats and area rugs available.
While staying within the boundaries of a neutral pallet, consider your fixtures. White is the natural choice. When choosing your lavatory, simple clean lines work best with this look. Many of the new pedestal sinks are both functional and attractive. Faucets and towel racks in chrome, perhaps with white porcelain detail, complete the theme.
Finally, to enhance the look, consider your accessories. That old saying “God is in the details”, certainly applies to decorating. Your choice of accessories is the rope that binds the whole concept together. In keeping with the neutral theme, choose accessories of a natural design. A clear, glass bowl piled high with sea sponges looks great in one corner of the bathtub. Consider a small three-tiered shelf in chrome, these are available at many bath or linen stores. Situate the shelf near the tub, stock one shelf with assorted bath oils, salts, and glycerin soaps. Fill the other shelves with fluffy, white towels, bath brushes, and loufahs. A single chrome hook mounted on the back of the door, is a great place to hang your favorite, white terry robe. Don’t forget to use several sizes and shapes of white beeswax candles. They look great scattered randomly in groups.
Now, run a warm soothing bath. Light your candles, add your favorite oil, or salts, and pour yourself a glass of wine or perhaps a cup of tea. Let the worries of the day float away on a cloud of bubbles!
You will emerge relaxed and refreshed, ready to tackle anything!
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