As we continue to spend more time at home because of the pandemic, we increasingly miss the places we can’t currently go to. Now, we are looking to emulate the atmosphere of the places we miss and bring that energy into our homes: restaurants and bars, hotels, spas and salons, movie theaters, concerts, and nightclubs. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be giving you tips on how to bring the vibes of these places into your home—an immediate staycation.  

During such stressful times, we’re collectively in major need of self-care. Despite the closures and restrictions, you have to make time to prioritize your wellbeing and take care of yourself. While we can’t offer any tips on giving yourself a haircut (other than to not give yourself a quarantine haircut), we can help you bring the spa vibes to your own bathroom and create the ultimate spa-inspired staycation.

GET COZY

The clothes that you wear have a profound effect on how you feel. Getting into comfortable attire for your spa day signals to a busy mind that it’s time to decompress—you can allow yourself to relax. Splurging on a luxurious pajama set, fuzzy slippers, and a plush robe to wear makes it feel like a special occasion. It’s no longer just lounging in your go-to T-shirt and yoga pants while you put on a face mask in the bathroom—it elevates the experience completely.

SET THE SCENE

Does your bathroom feel like the serene space that you need after a long day? If your bathroom is feeling less Zen and more dreary, it’s probably time for a refresh. When your space is unintentional—when it feels like it just simply exists, nothing more—it isn’t serving your needs. Having rooms without intention creates a dull, monotonous atmosphere; this purposeless energy serves no one. If you want to bring tranquility into your home, you have to see tranquility in your space.

Sticking to a neutral color palette that features off-white, taupe, and grays keeps the bathroom looking polished and cohesive. Avoid bright, overstimulating colors in your oasis. Playing with different textures of tile adds dimension and affects how light bounces around the room. For example, pebble mosaic tiles can ground your space with their natural texture and look, while high-gloss tiles on the walls can help create more light due to their sheen. When these elements come together, the room feels refined yet relaxed.

With all of us spending more time at home and longing for the sanctuary of a sleek space, now is the perfect time to renovate. With our full-service interior design services, we revamp your bathroom from boring and bleak to a spa-like retreat! We manage your project from the initial design concept all the way through to completion—so you all you have to do is sit back and enjoy while we transform your space!

Your space is a reflection of your headspace. A clean, decluttered setting makes for a clean, decluttered mind! Once your bathroom reaches cleanliness (and godliness), it’s time to get zen. Turn on a Himalayan salt lamp to create a warm, rose-tinted ambiance and limit evening light to promote a good night’s sleep. Light a candle or invest in an essential oil diffuser to cultivate a calming space that smells amazing. Smell is one of the most powerful senses; make sure to use fragrances that support your intentions.

• lavender, bergamot, chamomile, ylang ylang, & rose for relaxation

• cinnamon, clove, & holy basil for protection

• spearmint, peppermint & eucalyptus for clarity

• rosemary for focus

• grapefruit & orange for energy
  

SERENITY NOW

Focus on grounding yourself by engaging all of your senses: before you run the bath, prep warm, fluffy towels to hop into afterwards; queue your chillest playlist; take a deep breath and smell your favorite candles burning; prep your bath tray with your favorite beverage, a nice bouquet to admire, and an uplifting book to read. Optional: Add wine.

Adorn your bath with beautiful, handmade (and 100% cruelty-free!) bath bombs and epsom salts from Dolly Moo in Montclair, NJ, or shop their online store.

Whenever I’m alone in a quiet place, I love to use affirmations (yes—actually speak them out loud) to help cultivate a more positive mindset. Personally, it’s extremely empowering and meditative to repeat my affirmations, combating the negative self-talk that everyone encounters throughout their day.

You can support your affirmation practice by using crystals. (Make sure your crystals are water-safe; if not, keep them dry on your counter or on a bath tray).

• black obsidian, black tourmaline, & smokey quartz for protection

• carnelian, citrine, & rose quartz for creativity & self-confidence

• amethyst, & lapis lazuli for intuition

• tiger’s eye & jade for prosperity

• labradorite & clear quartz for manifestation
  

TREAT YOURSELF

Because of the closures, a lot of us are looking for at-home replacements for our favorite spa treatments. Many of these at-home products offer similar results—a brief moment of tranquility, a respite from the stress of daily life. Facial steamers, gua shas, and facial rollers all soothe facial muscles and improve the skin. Recently, I invested in an amethyst gua sha and facial roller from Etsy; since I received them, I have five minutes of guaranteed relaxation everyday when I use them after I shower.

For skincare, there are an incredible amount of options to use at home. Face masks, especially sheet masks, are increasingly popular. I love shopping small, and The Lash Lady based in Caldwell, NJ, is one of my favorite local shops for all things skincare and beauty. Although the salon services are currently closed, I shop via The Lash Lady’s website for natural beauty products, handmade body butters, and insanely good serums.

If you live in Essex County, NJ, make sure to check out our shopping guide that supports local businesses in Caldwell, Verona, and Montclair—you can find bath accessories, candles, crystals, essential oils, flowers, and many of the other products mentioned in this article!

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