Right, let’s be honest, who doesn’t dream of escaping to a luxury spa every now and then? But the reality, for most of us, is that those trips are few and far between. So, I decided to investigate how we can bring the spa experience home, without emptying our wallets. That’s where Chelsea comes in, a self-confessed DIY devotee who’s transformed her humble bathroom into a personal sanctuary. I managed to grab a cuppa with her to pick her brains.
“So Chelsea,” I started, balancing my mug precariously, “tell me, what sparked this whole DIY spa journey?”
Chelsea laughed. “Well, I was feeling really stressed, and those fancy spa days just weren’t cutting it on a budget. I realised I needed something more regular, a way to unwind after a long day. And the bathroom seemed like the obvious place to start!”
Her first piece of advice was all about scent layering. Apparently, it’s not just about lighting a single scented candle. It’s about creating a multi-sensory experience. “Think about it,” she explained, “you want different scents that complement each other. I usually start with a base note – something grounding like sandalwood or cedarwood in an essential oil diffuser. Then I’ll add a citrusy candle, like grapefruit or orange, for a bit of zing. Finally, maybe a floral bath soak with lavender or rose. The key is not to overwhelm your senses; think subtle and balanced.”
Chelsea’s Scent Layering Guide:
- Base Note (Diffuser): 3-5 drops sandalwood, cedarwood, or frankincense essential oil.
- Middle Note (Candle): Citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon), floral (rose, lavender, chamomile).
- Top Note (Bath Soak): Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree (use sparingly!).
Next up was mood lighting. No harsh overhead lights allowed! Chelsea’s big on candles, obviously, but she also uses fairy lights draped around her mirror and a small Himalayan salt lamp. “It’s all about creating a warm, soft glow,” she said. “The dimmer the light, the more relaxed you’ll feel. And don’t underestimate the power of a good playlist. I have a curated spa playlist full of calming instrumental music.”
And of course, no DIY spa is complete without some homemade treatments. Chelsea swears by her homemade bath bombs and soaks. “They’re so easy to make, and you know exactly what’s going into them – no nasty chemicals!” she said, beaming.
Chelsea’s DIY Lavender Bath Bomb Recipe:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup Epsom salts
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- Dried lavender buds (optional)
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A few drops of food colouring (optional)
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Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly. Be careful, as it will fizz!
- Add dried lavender buds and food colouring, if desired.
- Pack the mixture firmly into silicone moulds.
- Let them dry for at least 24 hours before removing them from the moulds.
She also shared her simple recipe for a relaxing milk bath. “Just add 1-2 cups of powdered milk (like dried goats milk or coconut milk powder), a handful of Epsom salts, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil to your bathwater. It’s so soothing and leaves your skin feeling amazing!”
Beyond just the treatments, Chelsea emphasised the importance of decluttering the space. “Get rid of all the unnecessary stuff – the half-empty shampoo bottles, the random bits and bobs cluttering up the shelves. Keep it clean, simple, and calming. A few strategically placed plants can also work wonders.”
She even touched on how the benefits of a home spa environment extend beyond just the bathroom, mentioning how creating dedicated spaces for activities like yoga is vital for overall wellness. She noted how an orangery, with its natural light and connection to the outdoors, could be an ideal setting for such practices, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. The key is to have a tranquil space where you can fully immerse yourself in the activity.
So there you have it. Creating a DIY home spa is all about using your senses to craft an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Start with scent layering to create an aromatic sanctuary, use soft lighting to set the mood, and indulge in homemade bath treatments that are kind to both your skin and your wallet. Don’t forget to declutter and personalize the space with elements that bring you joy. A dedicated space for relaxation, whether it’s a corner in your bathroom or a sun-drenched orangery for yoga, can significantly enhance your well-being and turn your home into a true haven.
