Right, let’s talk pampering! I recently had a lovely chat with Jack, a huge fan of turning his orangery into a personal wellness haven. Articles about wellness and how you can use your own house for exercise are so important to me and I wanted to explore this with Jack. We dove deep into DIY home spa treatments, and how an orangery (or any sun-drenched space, really) can elevate the entire experience. Forget expensive spa days, we’re creating our own affordable oasis!
The Orangery Advantage: Natural Light and Connection
First things first, why an orangery? Jack emphasised the importance of natural light. “It’s a game-changer,” he said, “Those huge windows flood the space with sunlight, which instantly boosts your mood. Especially during the gloomier months, it’s like a dose of vitamin D straight to the soul.” He pointed out how the light is perfect for seeing what you are doing when you are working on your skin but equally helps you get into the correct mindset for relaxation.
He also raved about the connection to nature. “Being surrounded by plants and greenery, even if it’s just through the windows, is so calming. I often open the doors slightly (weather permitting, of course!) and let the fresh air in while I’m doing a face mask. It’s incredibly grounding.” It’s this sensory experience – the light, the scents, the sounds – that truly transforms an orangery into a spa-like retreat.
DIY Pampering: Budget-Friendly Bliss
Now, let’s get down to the treatments. Jack’s a big believer in using simple, natural ingredients for DIY spa days. He shared a few of his go-to recipes, and I’m already planning my own pampering session!
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Oatmeal and Honey Face Mask: “This is a classic for a reason,” Jack told me. “It’s incredibly soothing and hydrating, especially for dry or sensitive skin.” To make it, simply mix 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of honey and enough warm water to form a paste. Apply to your face, leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
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Coconut Oil Hair Mask: Jack swears by coconut oil for healthy, shiny hair. “Warm a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on your hair length) and massage it into your scalp and hair. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Shampoo as usual.”
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Epsom Salt Bath Soak: “This is my go-to for sore muscles and relaxation,” Jack said. “Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a warm bath, along with a few drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender is always a winner). Soak for at least 20 minutes.”
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Hand and Foot Scrub: Combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a few drops of lemon juice. Gently massage onto your hands and feet to exfoliate and soften the skin. Rinse with warm water and moisturise.
Creating the Spa Ambiance: Furnishing and Decorating
So, you’ve got your treatments sorted, but how do you transform your orangery into a truly relaxing space? Jack had some great tips:
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Comfortable Seating: “Invest in some comfortable seating,” he advised. “A plush armchair, a chaise lounge, or even just some floor cushions will create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.”
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Soft Lighting: “Avoid harsh overhead lighting. Opt for dimmer switches, candles, and fairy lights to create a soft and calming glow.”
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Plants: “Bring the outdoors in! Plants not only look beautiful but also help purify the air and create a sense of tranquility.”
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Soothing Sounds: “Play relaxing music or nature sounds to create a peaceful ambiance.”
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Temperature Control: An orangery can get quite warm, especially in the summer. Jack recommended having good ventilation and blinds or shades to control the temperature. “A fan can also be a lifesaver!” he added. In winter, underfloor heating creates a cosy experience, perfect for some yoga.
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Essential Oils: Diffusing essential oils can really enhance your wellness routine, Jack suggested. Lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are all great options for creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Yoga at Home:
Many houses lend themselves perfectly to Yoga. Whether its at the crack of dawn, at lunch or in the evening. It’s a good way of unwinding and exercising. When people use a house for Yoga the space needs to be uncluttered, and the flooring needs to be level. If these two criteria are met the Yoga can commence.
Benefits of Exercising At Home
Convenience is the most important factor for exercising at home, whether its Yoga or any other form of wellness, having your own space to do this is a great benefit. You can relax knowing that you have all the items you need at home and no need to prepare for travelling anywhere. So overall it can be a win win situation when you exercise at home.
Creating your own home spa doesn’t have to break the bank. By combining the natural beauty of an orangery (or any bright and airy space) with simple DIY treatments and a few carefully chosen furnishings, you can create a truly relaxing and rejuvenating escape. It’s all about creating a space that promotes well-being and allows you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. So, go on, treat yourself – you deserve it!
