My skin actually prickled the first time I walked into that hotel bathroom in Bali you know the one, the one with the rain shower pouring down from above while you are sitting amidst the river rocks and bamboo accents, and all of a sudden your ordinary day turns into a meditation retreat. I stood there thinking “why can’t my bathroom at home feel as good?”
After that trip, everything changed. I went back home determined to create that sense of relaxed luxury, but without a five star price tag and without tearing down my entire house. Turns out, spa vibes aren’t necessarily about marble countertops and gold fixtures (although they’re nice if you’ve got the money). It’s about creating moments that cause you to take an unconscious breath.
First things first, I took a shot at color. My old bathroom was builder grade beige. You know the color that awful shade that makes you feel like you are preparing for surgery. I tested a ton of paint swatches for months, showing them off to my friends at different times of the day. Eventually I settled on a soft sage green, the type of green that reminds you of eucalyptus leaves. And let me tell you, the difference was instant. Just walking into my bathroom in the morning felt purposeful again.
However, I learned the hard way how to choose spa colors: they have to work with your lighting. That gorgeous charcoal I loved so much on line? Made my windowless powder room feel like a cave. Cool blues can be amazing, however, if your bathroom gets no sunlight, they could make you appear pale. Warm neutrals think mushrooms, soft clay, etc. tend to be easier to work with.
Natural materials were my next obsession. However, I had to get creative since I was on a tight budget. I bought a teak shower bench that cost me more than my monthly groceries. So, I bought a bamboo stool from a discount store, and applied marine grade sealer. Three years later, it still works perfectly. I purchased a couple of jute bath mats (be careful, they shed like crazy for the first month), a few wooden storage boxes, and a few select plants.
And speaking of plants that’s where I made my largest errors. I killed three different ferns thinking they would absolutely adore the humid bathroom. Apparently, they require light too. Who would have thought? Now, I stick to snake plants and pothos, which it appears will grow regardless of light and/or water.
Fixtures greatly impact the ambiance of a bathroom. However, you don’t need to purchase new fixtures at once. I began with the showerhead I replaced my standard spray showerhead with a rainfall-style showerhead that cost approximately £40. While the water pressure is slightly less powerful, the sensation of warm water raining gently upon your shoulders as opposed to shooting at you like tiny bullets is worth it. After that, I changed the faucet. Since I could not afford to replace the entire sink fixture, I simply replaced the faucet. From chrome to brushed brass, I instantly gave the appearance of an intentional-looking vanity as opposed to a throwaway.
Lighting is perhaps where many individuals go wrong, myself included originally. Those Hollywood-style bulbs surrounding the mirror may look dramatic, however, they produce very unflattering shadows that make you appear fatigued even when you are not. I learned to create layers of different kinds of lighting: soft overhead lighting (I use dimmable LEDs); task lighting for the mirror (wall-mounted sconces are great); and ambient lighting for extended baths.
By the way, the candle thing is legitimate. I used to think it was just another Instagram hoax. But there’s something about flickering light that automatically sends a signal to your brain that it’s time to relax. I place a few candles on floating shelves nothing overly fragrant because competing scents in a confined space can be overpowering.
Storage was my largest problem. Spa bathrooms look serene primarily due to lack of clutter, however, in real life that means face creams, hair products, cleaning supplies, etc. etc. I discovered my peace through hidden storage: a ottoman that opens up to hold towels; floating shelves with baskets; and that one over-the-toilet cabinet that doesn’t resemble a hospital cabinet. The key is to designate a specific area for each item whether that area is behind a closed door or not.
Good towels correctly thick, absorbent towels will completely alter the atmosphere of your bathroom. I spent the money on two high-quality cotton towels in neutral colors as opposed to purchasing six inexpensive towels. They are still as soft today as they were three years ago, and laying them neatly on open shelves actually contributes to the spa atmosphere.
Temperature control is far more important than people understand. I purchased a small heated towel rack (it wasn’t as expensive as I thought) and it’s been one of my favorite upgrades. There is nothing quite as satisfying as wrapping yourself in a warm towel on a cold morning. In the summer, I have a small fan that is quiet enough to not break the tranquil vibe, yet loud enough to prevent the sticky feeling that usually accompanies hot showers.
Scents are subtle but significant. I steer clear of artificial air fresheners that hit you in the face as soon as you enter the room. As an alternative, I use a reed diffuser with a delicate scent something like white tea or soft linen. Occasionally I’ll include a few drops of lavender oil in the cleaning solution. The goal is to have a nearly imperceptible fragrance that causes you to breathe in deeper.
Ultimately, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that spa vibes come from intent, not expense. It is about developing an environment where you unconsciously slow down, where each component serves both function and emotion. I renovated my bathroom over two years one change at a time. Some of my experiments turned out perfectly; others taught me what not to try next time.
Each morning when I turn on that rainfall shower, feel the warmth of the towel rack, and view those healthy plants growing in their little corner, I receive a little taste of that Bali experience. Not exactly the same my apartment does not overlook rice fields but similar enough to remind me that luxury is frequently based upon the elements we can control, not our budget.
