A large proportion of the time spent in your bathroom is for rest and relaxation purposes. Whether you're enjoying a hot soak in the bath, an invigorating shower or a pamper in front of the mirror, when you're in this part of your home, it's all about you.
As a result, you need to ensure that you make the most of your space and it's quite easy to incorporate a relaxing feel to your bathroom without breaking the bank. In fact, you can create your own personal spa without spending too much at all.
Here are a few tips that should help you on your way.
Lighting
Of course, if you're going for an ambient feel, then the last thing you want is a single source of bright light to help you see what you're doing.
While this is still a necessity for when you're not on chillout time, you should ensure there are plenty of alternative sources of light for when you want to unwind.
For example, having multiple candles around your bath or on your shelves can create a great effect when they're all lit. This can also be perfectly complemented by the moonlight flooding in from a natural window - so bear this in mind when designing your room, if you have the option.
If you are worried about having a naked flame or two in the bathroom, then you could always invest in solar or battery-powered candles instead.
What colours should I use in my bathroom?
The colour scheme of any room can have a profound effect on its ambience and the bathroom is no exception.
Because of the feel you are aiming for, you should try to decorate this part of your house using a palette that promoted tranquility and calmness. Why not dabble with shades of blue, which is known for its peaceful connotations, while its connection with water makes it an ideal solution. Turquoise, cyan and pastel blues are all a great place to start.
However, you shouldn't just limit yourself to variations of one colour. Neutral greens can create a restful atmosphere, while peach, cream and yellow can also achieve a similar impact.
Accessories
Candles aren't the only items you can use to improve the feel of a bathroom.
Flowers can add much to a space - no matter how small it is - not only aesthetically, but also by their delightful fragrances. If you've got a keen eye for detail, you can even match them with your colour scheme!
Another accessory that can certainly add an extra level of comfort to bathtime is the humble bath pillow. Whether this is simply a cushion that props your head up or one with a built-in massage function to really help you relax, this extra luxury is inexpensive but highly effective.
Finally, you might like to consider adding artwork to your walls - although consider if they are likely to be damaged by the humidity before moving them in!
Fixtures and fittings
If you have the space in your bathroom, then one option is to add some extra fixtures and fittings to the space to improve your overall relaxation experience.
For a start, investing in a towel warmer could be a great idea, especially on those cold winter nights when all the good work of sitting in a hot tub of water feels instantly undone as soon as you step out!
Another addition to your bathroom could be a small table that you can position so that when you are enjoying your bath, you have easy access to a glass of wine or beer and nibbles, along with somewhere to put your book.