Creativity has already reached its peak during the lockdowns and D-I-Ys were everywhere; so, thinking of creating your own D-I-Y spa at home doesn't sound like such a bad thing.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a lot of concerns and most of them were life-changing. While bigger problems have yet to be solved, a few of us still can’t get over the fact that some of our favorite establishments and stores closed down. Some establishments worth mentioning that fell casualty to the lockdowns were spas.
True, spas aren’t really considered to be an essential part of life, but if it was one of the things that kept you together during times of distress, it’s valid to say that it was something you needed. So, what do we do to cope with the loss of our beloved stress relievers? We create it at home.
Creativity has already reached its peak during the lockdowns and D-I-Ys were everywhere; so, thinking of creating your own D-I-Y spa at home didn’t sound like such a bad thing. One person tried it then everybody just followed suit. D-I-Y spas at home might seem like an expensive venture, but since it’s a way to recuperate and care for yourself, think of it as an investment. You’ll be having more spa days than ever, and it only makes sense to invest in it.
How to Transform Your Bathroom Into a Spa
Your bathroom more than likely doesn’t give off the same vibe as a spa simply because it wasn’t designed to be like one. However, this doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying one at home. “Normal” people, meaning those of us who aren’t influencers and don’t have unlimited amounts of cash, have posted all sorts of mood boards and D-I-Y before-and-after pictures to prove that anybody can do it. Set your heart to it and consider it as a passion project that you and your self-care routine deserves.
Just fair warning though...creating your own spa doesn’t mean you will be renovating the entire place because that’s a whole different story. In this D-I-Y, you’re just simply going to shake up the interior and add a bit of glitz and glam to transform it into a spa.
Here’s an easy to follow, step-by-step guide on how you can get started:
1. Clean your bathroom
A great spa is a clean, good-smelling spa. You won’t have a classy spa at home if it’s not clean and refreshing to be in. Cleaning a bathroom simply gives you an idea of where you’re really starting with this project. For example, are you dealing with broken faucets or extremely stained tiles? Is this something you can remedy with a D-I-Y?
The answers to these questions may slow down the process; however, they are essential to its success. Be patient, take a deep breath, and do everything outlined below you need to do. After your initial assessment, before you even begin to do anything related to the project, get on your hands and knees and start cleaning. Yes, we know it’s not the start you expected, but your hard work will pay off once you see the results and the area(s) are squeaky clean.
Don’t forget to add your favorite aromas or scents for a finishing touch.
2. Set a strict budget
As mentioned, bringing the spa home can potentially be an expensive venture and this project can unintentionally get out of hand if you’re not careful. This is why it’s important that you establish your limits when it comes to finances—especially while we are still in a pandemic; anything could happen.
Ideally, you should be spending “extra” money, so set a limit to how much you’re comfortable spending. Consider whether this money will be needed anytime soon and always have a considerable amount of cash left on hand for emergencies. This project is designed to help you feel relaxed and alleviate stress, not add additional financial strain on you. Moreover, your budget should guide you on what you need to buy. With your list in hand, any items that make you spend more than you planned should be reconsidered and ideally swapped for something more budget friendly.
Stay firm on this because it can be challenging.
3. Discover an interior design you want to follow
Regardless if you D-I-Y is your bathroom, or a den in your home you’re turning into a spa, bombarding the room with all sorts of plants and rugs, or making it have the oriental look you usually enjoy in natural spas, is entirely up to you.
Many celebrities and influencers have posted theirs online, but this doesn’t mean you have to follow these looks down to the last detail. Find an inspiration that is feasible for what you currently have and what you’re currently willing to buy—remember the budget.
From the design you’ve chosen, identify the things that you need to add to get the look. At this point, you'll also start to get an idea of how much everything is going to cost before you even spend a dime.
4. Buy everything you need
Prioritize the items you need to manifest the design. Once you’ve done that, you can move on to the things you might have to occasionally replenish, such as candles, essential oils, scrubs, lotions, and all the other items you need.
This may also include going to several different stores and shops until you find ones that are the best for your budget. Don’t go buying anything and everything you like because that will only burn through your cash.
Instead, compare prices until you find the best choice. Once you have a final list, start buying what you need.
Also keep in mind, you don’t have to buy everything at once. Sometimes, it’s better to buy items little by little to see if you really need them, or you just like the way they might look on Instagram.
5. Start decorating
Once you’ve brought home—or received, if you shopped online—everything you need to start, it’s time to get creative!
Revisit your inspiration or mood board and decorate accordingly. Try not to get so locked in to the design you’ve chosen that you forget to add your personal touch. Feel the energy and improvise along the way if you need to, and before you know it, you have your own spa at home!
6. Enjoy!
After you finish decorating, it’s finally time for you to enjoy what you’ve created. Run the bath, slip into your favorite robe, and light some candles!
Self-care is more important than ever in these trying times. Take all the time you need in the world because you deserve this!
Tips for Creating Your Own Spa
D-I-Ys are fun and are a great avenue for you to show just how good you are when it comes to things like these.
A few tips to make it an even better experience are listed below:
Tap Into Resources First
For decisions like switching your normal light bulbs to halogen bulbs, start checking your home supply first. Or perhaps your parents or your friends may have some extra bulbs on hand. If so, perhaps they would be willing to sell them to you for less than the retail price.
Unless you’re 100% sure that the only way for you to get the items you need are from the store, looking into different resources that are available to you is a great way to save money on your D-I-Y project.
Add a Personal Touch
Following a mood board or finding inspiration can be an easy route to follow and it is fulfilling to see the picture come to life. However, it’s also important for projects like this, you remember to add your own personal touch.
After all, you’re doing it in your own home and you’ll be the one enjoying it for years to come. Add your mark, do something that's personal to you; make the spa truly yours for a fulfilling experience.
Don’t Get So Pressured by Instagram
Let’s be honest here...the baths you see on the internet will always look better because they’re designed to be. There’s a reason why they’re posted and why you’re admiring them—they are there to attract attention.
The main reason you’re creating your own spa at home is for you to enjoy; not anyone else. So be happy with your design and spruce it up your way.
D-I-Y Spa Ideas You Should Explore
So, you’ve finally set up the ideal spa for you and you’re ready to indulge in some spa time! Now what?
The ideas suggested below aren't your conventional spa-day activities and setup, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something different, especially nowadays. Who knows, you might even find something you love more than your usual spa routine. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. These ideas are great on their own, but they get even better when you spice them up in combinations.
These spa ideas are just some of the things that people around the world enjoy. They don’t follow one single criteria and more importantly, they are not a one-size-fits-all type of idea. What works for others may not work for you. Just simply have fun experimenting and before you know it, you’ll come up with the perfect D-I-Y spa for yourself.
Play Some Bossa Nova or Jazz
There’s nothing like listening to some mellow music while you’re taking your sweet time, relaxing in your bathtub. And while you’re playing music in the bathroom, you’ll get that surround-sound sensation because the tiles will naturally bounce the acoustics of your music back.
It’s not usual for spas to play bossa nova or jazz, but these are two genres of music that fit the bill when it comes to a relaxing mood and ambiance. Choose playlists that feature slow to medium-paced songs so you can move to the music, but not enough to rock your heart out.
Light Candles to Set the Mood
Candles have been popular for centuries, but the pandemic has elevated its status considerably. More and more people appreciate the simplicity of candles and the quality of the smell they bring.
Candles in scents like Lavender, Fresh Bamboo, and Eucalyptus are perfect for spas since they’re naturally soothing with a fresh, light scent. It is also said that these aromas tend to be calming and relaxing.
But don’t be afraid to buy some vanilla or other types of fragrant candles. It’s your spa, so light up what you think is best for your mind, body, and soul!
Caution: Be aware of your surroundings and make sure not to place the candles under or near anything that might burn. Including your hair!
Create Your Own Facial Mask
Why buy expensive, disposable masks when you can create one from your own pantry? Go back to the traditional way of using masks and watch your skin glow!
Some mask recipes you can do at home are listed below:
Honey Mask
This honey mask is suitable for people who currently suffer from acne breakouts. If you see way too many pimples in a certain area, this mask is for you. Honey has natural healing and antibacterial properties that help calm down the breakouts you’ve been having.
Start off by taking 1 tablespoon of manuka honey, or raw honey. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of salt. Mix all together and leave on your face for about 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Avocado Mask
Is your skin dehydrated and flaking? An avocado mask with honey and oats will work wonders on your skin! Avocado is packed with ingredients that your skin will love. The oats and honey work wonders in moisturizing your skin, retaining much of the moisture it gets from the environment.
To make this mask, take half an avocado and mash it. Once fully mashed, mix in a tablespoon of honey and enough oats to have a semi-clumpy mixture. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
Yogurt Mask
Yogurt is such a wonder ingredient that it has uses for all aspects of life, especially for beauty purposes. Yogurt gives you supple skin while improving its texture and tone. It contains lactic acid that exfoliates your skin gently, removing all the unnecessary impurities and revealing the radiant skin underneath. The yogurt mask is simply made with a tablespoon of natural, plain yogurt, a tablespoon of honey, and a tablespoon of turmeric powder. Mix them together and slather on your face for at least 20 minutes.
With the turmeric, don't be surprised if you notice a slight stain. It eventually wears off after a few washes.
Try a Body Scrub
Body scrubs are often enjoyed by people who want silky smooth skin, clean of all the dead skin cells. The satisfaction they get from rubbing a good amount of a body scrub on their skin and feeling how soft their skin is immediately after, makes it easy to understand why it’s a staple in most beauty routines.
There are a lot of body scrubs out there that you could buy, but you could also create one on your own. Similar to D-I-Y face masks, these should be easy to make as well.
Coffee Scrub
A coffee scrub is simply made from used ground coffee beans that you directly place on your skin. Make sure that the ground coffee beans are cool enough, then start scrubbing. Only use light pressure and let the scrub do its work!
Salt and Honey
Salt is a common ingredient in scrubs. Paired with honey, you’re not only gently exfoliating away dead skin cells, the salt will also moisturize your skin and ensures the honey doesn’t have a drying effect on your skin, as well.
To make this scrub, mix a cup of salt and ⅓ cup of honey together until you get a slightly runny consistency. Similar to the coffee scrub, add light pressure and let the scrub do its wonders.
Drink Some Tea, Juice, or Wine
Spas often have a complimentary beverage of your choice, usually tea or fruit juice, during each visit. It’s probably one of the services that you miss the most, and you’ll be glad to know you can recreate at home.
If you have a bathtub board or something similar, use it to take the experience to the next level. Make sure it’s sturdy and well-supported. You’re free to choose any beverage you like because it’s your spa.
Add Flower Petals to the Tub
Have you seen those pools in Bali filled with flower petals? Yes, that’s what we’re talking about. Now, this isn’t the most practical spa treatment in the world, but it’s worth trying it at least once in our lives!
Note that you don’t really need a tub full of petals, just enough to say you’re in a petal bath. Add a few drops of essential oils to the water, give it a little mix, and you’re good to go!
Takeaways
The pandemic has indeed forced us to say goodbye to the day spas and treatments we’ve loved for so long. It wasn’t an easy parting and a lot has been missed. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, to recreate the experience for your own pleasure. As discussed above, the steps to creating a relaxing spa at home doesn’t require a huge budget—only the amount you’re willing, and can afford, to spend. Find inspiration and work from there. Also, the tips above are key to helping you become successful in this D-I-Y project.
Lastly, a spa day at home doesn’t have to be mundane and repetitive. There are many ways to enhance your experience, you just need to be creative about it. Mix and match the ideas you wish to recreate and viola! You now have your own spa at home!
