Sarah's Health Notes: Create your spathroom

As Jo said when she first read it: ‘I flipping ADORE a “spathroom”!’ Creating your own bathroom/spa hybrid is the brilliant idea of Chloe Luxton, founder of Bramley, the British brand inspired by the countryside (and yes, those delicious apples). Bramley’s the brand you find in the best hotels’ bathrooms and spas – and we do love all of those – but, as Chloe says, you can conjure up the same vibe at home, with a few simple, quick and affordable tweaks. I’m rushing off to my own bathroom right after finishing this. My first job? Oh dear, de-clutter…

So here are Chloe’s tips:

1. ‘Good lighting is a spathroom essential, as light has a huge effect on our wellbeing. Natural light, for example, is good for both the mind and bathroom, opening the room to give the impression of greater size and space. If your bathroom is lacking in natural light, add mirrors to reflect light around the room and brighten the space. Dimmer lights and candles are also perfect for creating a soothing ambience when the sun goes down.’ [Our tip: If you have a deskside light box, you could position this in the doorway, for a blast of summer bright light.]

2. ‘Clear the space. A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, so if you want to create a true bathroom sanctuary, you’ll need to make sure the space is clean and tidy. Spend time tidying and organising your bathroom, ensuring all empty and expired products are thrown out and adequate storage is available for what remains.’ [Ouch, this literally hit home. We’re about to go and do a massive de-clutter, Chloe! Promise…]

3. ‘Scent your senses. Fragrance instantly alters our mood, making it a must for any spathroom. You can introduce fragrance in a variety of ways, whether through candles, diffusers, bath salts, or body care. What’s most important is that you look for products formulated using natural and relaxing essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang.’

4. ‘Add a touch of luxe. For your spa-inspired bathroom to be really luxurious, invest in soft fluffy towels and ultra-plush bath robes. These accessories will provide ultimate comfort, giving you that hotel spa feeling in the comfort of your own home.’

5. ‘Add greenery. Plants are proven to improve wellbeing, making them a spathroom must. In addition to delivering a gorgeous bathroom aesthetic, plants also improve air quality, releasing oxygen and reducing the amount of dust in the air. Succulents are a great plant of choice, as they are easy to care for and survive well in most bathroom environments.’

6. ‘The sound of music. One of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform your bathroom into a spathroom is to play soothing music. You can find great sound healing and spa-inspired playlists on Spotify and YouTube, guaranteed to deliver a truly relaxing atmosphere.’ [Or listen to your favourite programme on your radio…]