1. AVOID CLUTTER
For a soothing space, declutter, says interior designer Darlene Molnar. ‘Bathrooms inevitably accumulate toiletries, worn out towels, etc. By streamlining products you reduce visual clutter which is just plain stressful,’ she says.
2. EMPLOY COLOR PSYCHOLOGY
Color influences mood, so pick a bathroom color palette with relaxation in mind. ‘Color psychology shows earth tones like varying shades of blue, purple and green to be especially conducive to relaxation,’ says Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors.
3. OPT FOR ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING
Bathroom lighting is key to the mood of the room and can change the atmosphere from get-up-and-go to relax-and-unwind. ‘Adjustable lighting, like dimmers and soft LED lights, has become a staple for creating a spa-like experience, and pairing it with the gentle glow of scented candles – my favorites being lavender and chamomile – adds an extra layer of tranquility,’ says interior designer Arpit Jain of McLine Studios.
4. THINK TEXTURE
A bathroom necessarily contains many hard surfaces so focus on adding in contrasting, tactile elements. ‘Invest in plush towels, bathrobes, and soft bath mats,’ recommends Mina Lisanin, founder and international award-winning designer of ML Interiors in NYC. ‘High-quality, luxurious textures can add a touch of comfort and contribute to the overall relaxation experience.’
5. BRING IN STONE
Natural stone is a top choice for a bathroom that’s all about spa-style relaxation. But don’t just focus on incorporating the material: think about its color, too. These are the options Rassan Grant, director at Norstone US suggests. ‘Opt for soft whites, beige, grays, and blues found in nature,’ he says. ‘These colors promote calmness and tranquility.’
6. ADD NATURAL ELEMENTS
Stone isn’t the only ingredient that can make a bathroom a more soothing space to enjoy. ‘The addition of natural elements, such as plants and wooden accents, brings a touch of nature indoors, contributing to an overall sense of peace,’ says Arpit Jain.
7. EMPLOY AROMATHERAPY
We’ve talked about aromatherapy in relation to plants for the bathroom, but there are other ways to enjoy its potential. ‘Introduce aromatherapy through scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or bath salts,’ says Mina Lisanin. ‘Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are known for their calming properties.’
8. PLAN FOR RELAXATION
If you’re designing a bathroom, there’s the opportunity to build in elements that make it a soothing retreat. ‘If in the planning stages and the bathroom layout is flexible, consider creating a nook area for the bathtub,’ says Darlene Molnar. ‘It creates a sense of enclosure without being totally closed off.’
9. SWAP THE DOOR
Why does swapping a door have the potential to make a bathroom more relaxing? The answer is improved soundproofing. ‘One of the keys to a more relaxing bathroom is creating a serene atmosphere free from distractions and household noise,’ says Jennifer Renaud, SVP at Masonite. ‘Replacing your old bathroom door with a beautiful new solid core door can help transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat.’
10. FOCUS ON THE SENSES
A bathroom that feels relaxing focuses on the senses, according to interior designer Kristen Mills, founder of Inch Projects. ‘For example, with sound, incorporating music (even if not built into a custom space, you can add with Sonos or portable speaker) and catering to your personal choice of music helps you unwind from the day,’ she explains.