BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com
When you've had a long day at work, what do you feel like doing when you get home? If your answer is "sleep", why not try taking a luxuriously relaxing bath instead?
Many people take their bathrooms for granted, which is why when a house is bought (either a subsale or from a new housing project), that area does not usually gain the amount of attention that other areas such as the bedrooms or the kitchens do.
However, anyone can benefit from one that is carefully designed and fitted, and it isn't hard to do at all! Here are some of our favourite ideas on how to turn your bathroom into the ultimate relaxation spot.
1) Set the mental mood
Regardless whether you have a bathtub or a shower stall, the first step is to decide where it is that you wish to 'float off' to. It could either be a pristine beach or a blooming garden, where the type of mood you intend to reflect throughout your bath time allows for you to plan the next steps.
If you're planning to completely remove yourself from the mental stresses of the day, this method will allow you to prepare your body for the relaxation process that comes next.
2) Disconnect, then connect
By disconnecting, you need only unplug from the real world and incessant notifications from our gadgets. This means no laptop, smartphone, tablet, phablet, what-have-you.
The one exception to this rule would be your music player. Connect and play your favourite tunes (preferably relaxing) to keep the blissful mood going. Make sure it's turned down low so that it only serves as background music for you to float away on.
3) Stimulate the senses
You can bring a delicious beverage into the bathroom with you, like a cold refreshing glass of juice to help awaken your dream of being on a private beach.
Making your bathroom smell positively heavenly is also another method. The sense of smell is located in the same part of the brain that affects emotions, memory and moods, so the usage of aromatherapy bath oils, bath bombs or bubble bath liquids is definitely a great idea!
4) Lights, candles, action
Mood lighting is a simply wonderful way of bringing the ultimate bath time together. If you've got the budget, then you can install some special lights that can be adjusted in intensity.
You could also opt to turn off the lights altogether and strategically place multiple candles (in safe spots) to create a romantic atmosphere.
5) Textures, textures, textures
For the grand finale, ensure that you have a clean supply of fresh cottony towels, soft bathrobes and fluffy slippers to envelop yourself in a safe and warm cocoon. You wouldn't want to be blasted with cold air the minute you stepped out, that would ruin the entire experience.
Make sure that good quality linens are bought so that you don't end up covered in lint, or have to deal with loose fraying ends in a short span of time.
In order to complete your experience, make yourself a hot cup of something rich and creamy, like chocolate or coffee. You'll be sure to have a huge grin on your face and feeling like you've gotten a lot of weight off your shoulders!
