Decorating tips to create a peaceful escape!

Your home is the ultimate reflection of who you are as a person. Think about it – every design decision you make in your home is a direct reflection of your personality and lifestyle. 

It doesn’t take much to create a more relaxing space in your home. A few changes to the layout of your own bathroom, the addition of certain elements, and an emphasis on the use of natural light can transform even the most hectic living environment into a retreat from the daily grind. 

When it comes to designing a bathroom, most people think in terms of practicality. You need space for the majority of your bath products and you want to give yourself enough room to feel comfortable while taking a bath. That’s why most bathrooms are designed with functionality in mind.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun when designing your bathroom as well. Bathrooms can be an oasis of calm too so why not take advantage of the space? 

A zen-inspired bathroom is perfect for those who value their time spent taking baths and want to design a space that is as relaxing as possible.

Keeping with this theme, we have come up with 15 tips that will help you transform your bathroom into a tranquil space where you can unwind and relax after a long day. To get started, check out our guide below.

1. Lighting is key!

The lighting in your bathroom isn’t just there to set the mood, it also has a practical function. It’s important to have bright, but not harsh lighting. Low-wattage bulbs that emit UV-filtering light are ideal for this area. 

Ideally, your bathroom should have a light source directly above the toilet, which helps to illuminate the entire area evenly. Outdoor lighting can also make a big difference to your bathroom’s mood. You don’t need to make your entire yard into a garden to get the benefit of natural light; just installing a few outdoor fixtures can make a huge difference.

2. Match your colours with your mood

The vibrant hues and textures of your bathroom’s decor should match the rest of your home, which makes it a great place to experiment with colour. If you’re decorating your bathroom in a neutral colour palette, it’s a great opportunity to make a bold statement with other parts of the home. 

Alternatively, you can choose colours that are more in line with the ambience of your daily routine, such as the colours of your favourite clothing items. Making your bathroom the place where you experiment with your colour palette adds an element of creativity to your daily routine. 

To create the right mood, think about how you want to feel when you’re in your bathroom. Is it a space where you want to relax, or are there other areas of your home where you want to create a certain feeling?

3. Decorate accordingly

One of the best ways to create a more relaxed atmosphere in your bathroom is to use the same colour scheme as in other parts of your home. If you have a colourful bedroom, a soothing bathroom colour scheme will help to create a feeling of calm in this room. 

You don’t need to decorate your bathroom in a particularly unconventional way, but make sure that you don’t stray too far from the rest of your home’s decor. You can also use your bathroom decor to reflect your own personal style. 

As an example, you could decorate your bathroom with vintage items if you have a love for them. Alternatively, if your style is more minimalist, you can instead use your bathroom decor to reflect this.

4. Use natural materials for a cosy feel

Natural materials such as wood and stone look absolutely beautiful in a bathroom. You can use them to create a cosy feel by installing a wooden tub surround or a wooden cabinet instead of a stainless steel one. You can also choose to use tiles and accessories made from natural materials to create a natural look. 

Natural materials will help tie in the natural element and add to the feeling of cosiness in your bathroom. Natural materials also have their benefits. Wood can be installed on either the inside or outside of your bathroom to help with moisture retention and air conditioning. If you choose to install it on the outside, make sure that you have it installed correctly so that it doesn’t become damaged by the elements.

5. Use plants to bring in the green element

Plants are a great addition to any room in the home and they are especially good for bathrooms. The space is usually very dry and plants can help to combat that. 

If you want something a little more minimalistic, you can also try installing a hanging basket. These are great because you can create a relaxing setting without having to worry too much about flowers. If you are looking to add a little greenery to your bathroom, try installing a dwarf or an indoor plant.

6. Double vanity zen

Keeping the double vanity zen bathroom design in mind, you can see that it can be used in almost any design setting. Furthermore, it can also work in a minimalist space. If you have a huge bathroom or a small one that is bursting at the seams, a double vanity zen bathroom design can come in handy. 

The double vanity zen bathroom design has a theme of cleanliness, as it is paired with stainless steel double vanities. But to make it even more zen, you can use all-white vanities, with a few pops of colour, like a vibrant flower pot placed on top. In addition, you can also use colourful towels and toiletries to bring some more life to your bathroom.

7. Incorporate the essentials

There’s no point in creating a relaxing space for you to enjoy if you don’t incorporate the essentials into your daily routine. No matter how tranquil your bathroom may seem, it will be stressful and exhausting when you return home if you haven’t taken care of yourself properly. This includes washing your face, brushing your teeth, and removing any potential odours that may have built up throughout the day. 

You should also make sure that your bathroom is clean and organized. You should do this by removing any unnecessary items, like clutter in your drawers, organizing your toiletries, and cleaning your sink and mirror.

8. Install a standing shower

If you love taking long showers, then consider installing a standing shower. Standing showers enable you to get into the relaxing flow of a long shower much more quickly, which can be extremely beneficial. This type of shower can be installed on a wall or in your bathtub, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have limited bathroom space. 

Furthermore, standing showers are much more energy-efficient than traditional showers, which makes this type of shower an environmentally friendly option as well. Standing showers are great for those who have limited space, as they don’t take up a lot of space at all. When you take a standing shower, you can get into the relaxing flow of a long shower in no time at all.

9. Add a soaking tub

If you love taking long showers but feel that your bathroom could do with some extra pampering, then consider installing a soaking tub. This type of tub allows you to relax in a tub filled with steaming hot water, which is perfect for soothing tired muscles and relaxing your mind. 

Installing a soaking tub is a relatively straightforward DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours. Alternatively, you can select a model that is installed above your existing plumbing, which makes the process even simpler. 

Adding a soaking tub to your bathroom can be extremely beneficial for your well-being. This type of tub is great for relaxing tired muscles and soothes your mind, making it an ideal addition for those who have hectic lifestyles.

10. Keep it clean and simple with white accents

Another thing that you can do to add some balance to your bathroom is to keep it clean and simple. This will help to bring in the white element, as well as provide a clean aesthetic that is great for a bathroom. 

Most bathrooms are exposed to the elements, so you want to make sure that they are kept clean. This means that you can choose to install a tub surround with a ceramic finish or a different finish that can be easily maintained. You can also choose to install a tile that can be cleaned with a sponge or a cloth.

11. Baskets and shelves

A basket is one of the most versatile items that you can use on your zen bathroom shelves. Moreover, a basket can be used to store various items in your bathroom. Additionally, baskets can be used to create a visual anchor that ties your zen bathroom designs together. 

Hence, by using these items in your bathroom, you can have your towels and toiletries organized in baskets, while still adding some colour and life to your space. 

12. Add in some colour with art and accessories

Many people worry that adding in some colour will clash with the rest of their decor, but that isn’t always the case. If you want to add a little colour, you can try installing a coloured light or two in your bathroom. This will add a splash of colour without overpowering the rest of your decor. 

Another option is to add in some art. You can install a decorative piece on the wall above your toilet or the wall beside your bathtub. This will add some texture and detail to a space that is usually very flat. If you want to add some colour to your accessories, you can try adding a splash of colour to your towels. You can also try installing a translucent floating shelf that can help to add some colour to your towels.

13. Use colour and scents

Another creative zen bathroom design idea is the use of colour and scents. For a zen bathroom, this is one of the best design ideas, as it can be used to relieve anxiety and stress. Moreover, you can use a combination of scents and colours, to create a unique scent for your bathroom. 

Using lavender, orange or mint scents is one way to relieve stress and improve your mood. If you have kids, or you are pregnant, you can use aromatherapy, to create a zen bathroom. 

14. Don’t forget the sound of water

When you are thinking of making your bathroom more relaxing, you might not think of sound as an important factor. However, one of the best ways to add in some balance is to include the sound of running water. This can help to calm you and help you to relax. 

15. Balance is essential

Bathrooms are the perfect place to add in some extra balance. In a world where we strive for perfection, it can feel strange to add in some imperfections. Baths can be very calming so if you want to add some imperfection to your bathroom, installing a quirky light or two can help with that. If you are adding a splash of colour, make sure that it doesn’t clash with your other decor. If you are going for something light and airy, a darker colour might be too heavy.

Final thoughts

Bathrooms are challenging spaces to decorate because they are more likely to be shared among family members. If you want your bathroom to feel more like a sanctuary, try incorporating elements of your bedroom and outdoor living spaces into your bathroom’s design. 

With a little creativity, you can make your bathroom a quiet space where you can unwind and relax after a busy day. With a little planning, you can make sure the essentials are included and create a peaceful atmosphere in the room.