Since much of the past two years has seen us house-bound and searching for ways to replicate our favourite luxurious surroundings within our walls, it’s really no surprise that spa-inspired bathrooms are topping interior trend charts as a consequence.\nAnd, what’s not to love about having a spa-style bathroom at home? For starters, relaxing surroundings can help us to better manage – and reduce – feelings of stress and anxiety. Then, there’s the fact that spa-inspired design schemes tend to be totally timeless, so whilst it may not be in your nature to hop on a trending interior aesthetic, this particular one has the bones of a look that’ll feel sleek and stylish for years to come.\nSo read on to learn exactly how you can recreate a spa-style bathroom in your own home. And, as if you needed another excuse: consider how much you’ll save by booking a self-care appointment in your own suite as opposed to an actual spa…\nOpt for a neutral colour palette\nThe foundation of a spa-inspired bathroom scheme is the colour palette. Neutral hues and those found in nature (think: graphite, sand, stone, and ecru) create a space that’s calming and grounding, and encourages ease of mind. We recommend our \nWhite 04\n, \nBeige 03\n, or \nGreige 02\n for your spa-like bathroom walls.

Mood lighting is a must\nHarsh lighting may be helpful for applying concealer and cleaning the toilet pan, but it’s going to do nothing in the way of facilitating a serene atmosphere in your bathroom. Instead, consider dimmable lighting options, so you can soften the light to suit the aesthetic or, if that’s not achievable, opt for candles to create a warm and calming glow whilst keeping the main light source off.

Pay attention to texture\nA key element of spa-inspired bathroom schemes is texture – it adds dimension, and keeps pared-back interiors from feeling clinical. Natural textures, such as wood, marble, stone, rattan, and cotton are ideal for replicating the spa look, since they’re associated with the tranquility, homeliness, and slow-paced nature of, well, nature. Consider incorporating wooden furnishings or panelling into your design, along with marble, slate, or stone tiles, and finish the look with plush, fluffy cotton towels.

Don’t neglect your nose\nWhen styling a spa-inspired scheme, consider how you want the surroundings to interact with your senses – including your sense of smell. Aromas such as lavender, jasmine, chamomile and ylang-ylang have calming properties, so a candle or essential oil featuring any of those scents will help to enhance the relaxing ambiance of the room. You can also incorporate bundles of fresh eucalyptus or potted plants into the design for a fresh and soothing aroma, even when you’re simply brushing your teeth.

Step up your toiletry game\nYou needn’t invest in high-end toiletries if that’s not your thing, but there are easy and low-cost ways to make your bathroom faves look a little prettier. Decant shower gel, shampoo and conditioner into (matching) glass bottles with pump lids, and pop your toothbrush in a little bamboo case (which also comes in handy for travelling) if you can’t store it in a vanity.\nDeclutter and upgrade storage\nClutter is sure to kill the serene, spa-like vibe, so consider storage solutions for any items you don’t want on show (remember that spa-inspired bathrooms tend to be fairly pared-back). If floor space is at a premium, shelving and storage boxes could be a simple solution – and don’t forget to go through your stash of toiletries, clearing out anything you no longer use.

Don’t skip the finishing touches\nThe trick to pulling this look together is being mindful of the minor details – the towel hooks, loo roll storage, and any accessories you have on display, for example, and ensuring they all suit the space. You can also add a little luxury by mimicking spa and hotel behaviours, such as decanting toiletries into travel-sized bottles for visiting overnight guests, and folding towels in that trademark boutique-hotel way.\nNow that you’re all set to create the ultimate bathroom for indulgence, why don’t you check out our \n10 self-care tips to try at home\n (some of which can be enjoyed in your new, spa-inspired bathroom). 

You’ll likely have considered, at one point or another, how your online environment affects your mental wellbeing – how you feel after spending the day in front of a screen, and the kinds of social media posts that leave you uplifted, as opposed to anxious. But, have you thought about how your physical environment impacts your mental wellbeing?\nOur homes are intended to be the spaces we feel safest and most at ease in. However, if they aren’t set up to suit our very personal needs, they can end up becoming a stressor. So, to help you style your very own sanctuary, here are 7 interior tweaks that require little effort but provide a big mental boost.\n  \n1. Refresh the colour palette\nColour can have a huge impact on your state of mind, so if you’re finding it hard to relax in certain areas of your home, consider opting for a new hue. \nInterior Stylist and Art Director Pippa Jameson\n recommends checking in with yourself during day-to-day activities to observe how you feel in certain environments. ‘Whether you are out and about visiting exhibitions or walking in the countryside, make a mental note of how the colours around you make you feel. Which shades make you feel calm, and which have the opposite effect?’\nNeutral tones and those found in nature, such as blues and greens, are associated with feelings of calm and tranquility – ideal for bedrooms and living spaces, whilst bright and bold tones are more stimulating.\n‘Paint your ceiling in either a light blue or light pink,’ says \nTash Bradley, our Director of Interior Design\n. ‘Light blue is mentally soothing and can improve sleep quality. Whilst light pink is gentle and nurturing, making you feel safe.’

2. Declutter\n‘A clean house is a happy house.’ says \nSam Bramley, our Lead Colour Consultant\n. ‘When you’ve decluttered your home and done a spring clean, this can really help you feel calm and rested. It’s one of the most rewarding tasks you can do in your home.’\nClutter causes distraction and serves as constant, visual reminders of our to-do lists, so if you can keep on top of it (easier said than done, we know) you’ll find it easier to unwind at home. Take this opportunity to invest in nifty storage solutions too, so it’s easy to keep belongings out of sight.

3. Style a sociable space\n‘Use furniture to create areas of connection and conversation,’ advises Tash. ‘It's all too easy to come home from work and plonk yourself in front of the TV, but it’s really important for wellness that you create a space that invites moments of connection with others. When you're looking at the placement of your furniture, for example in a living room, ensure it is not all facing the TV. Instead, try investing in seating that’s lower to the ground, round, curved, or facing each other – all of these factors work together to encourage conversation and help create a welcoming feel in any room.’

5. Create a tech-free zone\n‘Create a space in your home that encourages you to be away from technology – a retreat space that’s just for you,’ says Charlotte. ‘It could be a reading corner, a space for yoga or meditation, or it might just be a seat with a view outside.’ Regardless, try to keep this space totally free from tech to allow yourself to be present, and calm.

4. Bring the outside in\nExposure to nature has been linked with decreases in stress and anxiety (just ask\n Dr. Daniel Maughan\n), so consider how you might be able to incorporate elements of the great outdoors in your home. ‘Introduce natural materials, textures and colours – rough exposed materials like stone or clay, natural textiles like linen or cotton, and colours that remind you of the outdoors, such as greens, blues, earthy neutrals, and warm clays,’ says \nCharlotte Cropper, our International Colour Consultant\n.\n\nOpen windows and window dressings throughout the day to get as much natural light and fresh air as possible into your home and, if you’re green-fingered, fill your pad with plants too.

6. Relocate your workspace\nWith many of us working from home since the pandemic kicked off in 2020, our homes and their purposes have evolved. It’s really important for your mental wellbeing that you separate work from rest, and by ensuring there’s a physical barrier between your work and rest spaces, it’ll make it easier for you to mentally switch off from the day’s tasks, too.\n\nIf you don’t have the luxury of an office, begin a ritual of packing away your work items at the end of every shift and tucking them out of sight so you aren’t at risk of being distracted by them and, consequently, reminded of work to-dos when you’re supposed to be resting.

7. Style an ideal sleep environment\nQuality sleep (or \nsleep hygiene\n) is imperative for good mental health, so to ensure you’re getting the best kip possible, pay attention to your bedroom environment. Try investing in black-out curtains and a white noise machine to block light and sound pollution, and make the room a strictly tech-free zone. Dress your bed with natural fabrics – linen, cotton, or bamboo, for example – for comfort, and pop some lavender essential oil in a diffuser for a soothing and calming aroma to aid sleep.

Speaking of sleep hygiene, why not check out our \n5 top tips for a better night’s sleep\n? And now that you’ve got some easy home update ideas to help you create your very own sanctuary, check out these \n10 self-care tips to try at home\n. 

Earth day is all about the preservation and protection of our health, families, and our livelihoods. And of course, planet earth. Over the last couple of years, the physical and mental health benefits of getting outdoors and reconnecting with nature have never been more apparent. That’s why earlier this month we spoke to Dr. Daniel Maughan, Medical Lead for Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre and member of Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry, on why we should be getting outdoors not just on Earth Day, but every day.\nAccording to Dr. Maughan, “nature helps us all by helping us to get some headspace from all the busyness of day to day life, and it's proven to be effective”. He continues;

There are multiple wins in getting outside and embracing what nature has to offer; it's free, it's good for your physical and mental health, it can help us to meet others, and it's carbon neutral.

He suggests that “a better quality physical environment can lead to improvements in psychological well-being, social relationships, performance in school, and a reduction in anxiety and depression”. So, in case that didn’t have you convinced to peel yourself away from your desk and take yourself on a stroll, here, in a nutshell, are some of the top mental and physical benefits of getting outdoors.\n\nMental health benefits of getting outdoors \nBeat the blues\n“The importance of interaction with the natural environment for achieving good mental health has been well recognized”, says Dr. Maughan. In fact, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of mental health issues can be reduced by spending more time outside. If you’re suffering from any of these, sometimes leaving the house can feel like the last thing you want to do, but in reality, it’s what your mind is truly crying out for. Try it out and note how you feel different before and after.\n\nReduce loneliness  \nWith more people than ever are working from home, if you live alone as well, there can be days where you feel as though you don’t talk to a single human being. According to Dr. Daniel Maughan; “direct contact with nature leads to a greater sense of connectedness to the community”. By getting outside, just for a coffee or even to volunteer at your local park, it can reduce those feelings of loneliness and create a sense of community.

Better brain function \nTime spent outdoors is also linked to higher levels of concentration, creativity, and mental clarity. Again, take yourself on a head-clearing stroll and see if you can notice the difference when you return.\n\nHelp take a time out \nWhether you’re in the office, on your laptop, or at home with the children, turn your notifications off and take a time out. Whether you’re on a walk, listening to a podcast, or watching the kids play in the park: be present.\n\nPhysical health benefits of getting outdoors \nImproved sleep\nOne of the key physical benefits of getting outdoors is improved sleep. Our circadian rhythms and production of melatonin are both linked to access to direct sunlight. So, if you can get yourself outdoors first thing in the morning, not only will it help wake you up but it will also help put you to sleep at night.\n\nA boost of vitamin D\nNot since the eradication of scurvy has a vitamin received such praise as Vitamin D in recent years, thanks to its immune-boosting properties. It can also help aid bone growth, and prevent heart attacks and strokes to name a few. And where does it come from? The sun, of course.


Improved vision\nEver spend so long staring at a screen your eyes feel like they’re going fuzzy? There’s a name for that: Computer Vision Syndrome and it can cause strain on your eyes, double vision, and headaches. The good news is there’s a simple remedy: spending some screen-free time outdoors.\n\nLower blood pressure\nIf you’re staring out the window and a cold and rainy day remember that studies have shown that exposure to the cold can lead to a stronger immune system, more energy, and lower blood pressure. That’s right, unfortunately, the ‘you’ll catch a cold’ excuse doesn't cut it any longer.\n\nReduced stress \nStudies have shown being outdoors lowered levels of cortisol, a hormone that’s a marker for stress. Some scientists believe that this is in part due to exposure to ‘fractals’, a geometric shape that can only be found in nature, stating that they activate certain areas of the brain which are responsible for regulating stress.

One of the main reasons that we find ourselves not getting outdoors enough is because we simply don’t have time. But, with such an endless list of both mental and physical benefits, it could save you time in the long run. Time saved on doctor’s visits, time saved on not getting ill, and time saved thanks to increased productivity. So, what are you waiting for? Put down your phone, close your laptop, and get outdoors.

All images via Unsplash\n\nBe it our home, our planet, our staff or our customers—wellbeing is at the core of almost everything we do as a company. That’s why we’re here to do a little mental health check. How’re we all doing? Here are 10 self-care tips that you can practice at home any day of the year.\nSelf care tip #1: move \nOne of the best ways to change your mood is to change your state. Get up off the sofa, up from your desk, and \nmove\n. The most important thing is to do something you love. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do a 5k—put on your favourite tune and Dad dance around the living room. Do a dynamic yoga class in your living room or cycle around your neighbourhood. The key is to get your heart rate going and get those endorphins pumping.

Self care tip #2: get outdoors \nIt’s not just the Scandi decor style we’re trying to replicate, it’s their way of life. Practice that Scandinavian mantra of "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." and get outdoors. With many of us working from home, it should be easier than ever to find the time to get outside, yet the reality is many of us find ourselves chained to our desk. There are few things more rewarding than coming back in from a run in a rainshower followed by a long hot shower. Even a short 15 minute walk around the block does wonders at clearing away those cobwebs.

Self care tip #3: meditate\nThis one might not be for everyone, but if you have a meditation practice (or you’d like to start one) simply pop yourself on your nearest chair, sofa, or rug and begin. You don’t need any fancy gear or app subscriptions, just close your eyes, and breathe.\n\nOne helpful hack is to count your inhalations and exhalations up to the count of 10. Repeat this 10 times (you can use your fingers to help). This should take you roughly five minutes, depending on the length of your breaths, and it’s a really easy introduction to meditation. It's all about taking a moment for yourself, shutting out all the noise, and being present.

Self care tip #4: create \nMaybe you’re more of a creator than a meditator. From cooking up a storm in the kitchen to getting crafty with clay, fabrics, or paints, using your hands to make something is a proven way to boost your mood. Again, it’s about choosing an activity that speaks to you, whether it’s nourishing yourself and others with a meal made with love or getting in touch with that inner child inside of us all, through arts and crafts. If you like the sound of it or have always wanted to give it a try—what are you waiting for?\n\nTake a look at our blog on \nwhat to do with your leftover paint\n for some crafty eco-friendly ideas.

Self care tip #5: log off\nNow more than ever, our lives take place in front of a screen. And the long term health effects aren’t great. From disturbed sleep to neck and back problems, there’s never been a better time to do a little digital detox. We know you probably need to be logged on for work, but why not start with an evening of no tech. Once you’ve finished your working day, turn your laptop off, keep your TV off, put your phone on airplane mode, and revel in the time you have for other things. Be that getting cosy on the sofa and ploughing through your book, getting your friends over to chit-chat over some wine, or finally making some headway on that knitting project you started during lockdown.

Self care tip #6: bring some colour into your home\nOur homes are incredibly emotional spaces—they bear witness to some of our highest and lowest moments. That’s why we, at Lick, place a huge importance on the power of colour and how it affects our mind. Known as \ncolour psychology\n, our Lead Colour Expert, Tash Bradley explains how it “can help us to understand how colour can influence our mood, our behaviour, how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others”. \n\nThe long and short of it is that surrounding yourself with uplifting colours can have a positive impact on your mental health. A quick and easy way to do this is by bringing some bright and colourful flowers into your home, or some of the great outdoors in the form of indoor plants. Especially in the long, dark winter months, this expression of colour or nurturing something living can feel like an act of rebellion. \n\n\nFind out the best indoor plants according to your decor style\n.

Self care tip #7: journal\nIf writing is your thing, then put pen to paper. As the modern philosopher Alain de Botton describes it, the act of journaling is to “download your thoughts”. It’s a 21st-century way of explaining something that humans have done for centuries. But there’s a reason it helps to keep track of where we’ve been and where we’re going. It can put everything into perspective. If you’re time-stricken (who today isn’t) bullet journals are a popular modern day hack, whilst  keeping a gratitude journal is a proven way to feel, well, more grateful.

Self care tip #8: breathe\nAnd if all else fails just… breathe… No really. The science is in on the benefits of breathwork and the results are unanimous. Not only does it help you relax but it reduces the effect of the stress hormone cortisol on your body, as well as lowering blood pressure and your heart rate: to name a few! Practices like the Wim Hof method have become really popular thanks to their instant results.\nSelf care tip #9: take a cold shower (or a long hot bath)\nAnd if you’re going in for Wim, why not try an ice cold shower whilst you’re at it. Just like cold water swimming, taking an ice cold shower in the morning boosts your mood, stimulates the vagus nerve (which is linked to regulating stress in the body) as well as decreasing the body’s inflammatory responses. Though it’s probably the last thing you feel like doing first thing in the morning, just note the difference in your physical state before and after you try it. Don’t worry, you’re allowed to finish with a couple of minutes on hot. If cold water immersion really isn’t your thing - try a hot bubble bath. Light those candles, pour in those epsom bath salts, put some calming music on, then sit back and relax.

Self care tip #10: rest\nAnd finally, if you’re really feeling it, make like your Mum would have done back when you were a toddler and ask yourself “does somebody need a nap?”. If sleep were a drug it would be known as the ultimate miracle cure. A good night’s sleep will improve your mood, lower blood pressure, improve brain function, as well as help your body’s repair process overnight. So, if you haven’t got the time or the energy for any of the above, just get yourself to bed by 9pm and bank some Zzzs. \n\nTake a read of our \ntips for better sleep hygiene in your bedroom\n to find out how.

We hope these self care tips have inspired you to carve out some much deserved \nyou \ntime. Try even one of them and we know you'll feel better for it. If you're in a rut, try reaching out to your family, friends, co-workers, or seek professional help. Sometimes, talking is the best medicine.

With our offices, social lives, and everything in between now confined to our homes (specifically our laptops) it's more important than ever to make sure we're thinking about cleaning up our sleep hygiene. Studies have shown that 67% of us have reported worse sleeping patterns during lockdown so, just like we've been creating spaces to 'home office' it's crucial we create a space where we can disconnect and rest. And where better to do so, than the bedroom?\nSleep hygiene – what is it? \nAccording to The Sleep Foundation, good sleep hygiene means "having both a bedroom environment and daily routines that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep". A good night's sleep is vital for our physical and mental health, improving our productivity and quality of life. So how can we get more of it?\n1. Lose the tech\nYes, that includes Netflix. You might want to scroll through Instagram late into the night, but your sleep quality will thank you if you don't. More than any other colour, blue light from our screens prevents our bodies from preparing for sleep, as it blocks our body's sleep hormone, melatonin. By steering clear of our screens for one hour before bed, it allows us to get some good quality hours in. And you know what doesn't emit any blue light? Books.\n\nCheck out our blog on \nhow to feng shui your bedroom\n for a calmer relaxing space.

2. Choose soothing colours\nCreating a calming environment is imperative to good sleep, so it feels pretty intuitive that choosing soothing colours in the bedroom could aid getting a better night's kip. "When it comes to bedrooms, what you want to avoid is any colour that's overly stimulating or highly saturated," says Tash, Lick's head colour specialist. For a more peaceful slumber, she suggests opting for gentle \nblue\n palettes (including \nbaby blue paint\n or \nslate blue paint\n) that remind the brain of the sky and sea (learn about \nthe different shades of blue paint \nand 3\n colours that go with blue\n), natural \ngreens\n, or nurturing \npinks\n – the "colour of cuddles" as Tash calls it. Alternatively, for a cocoon-like effect, you could opt for darker greens, like \nGreen 02\n, \nGreen 03\n or \nwarm Green 04\n. Loving the green? Check out our \ngreen bedroom ideas\n.\n\nCheck out our recommendations for \nthe best paint colours for bedrooms \nand our \nsmall bedroom painting ideas\n.

3. Invest in a good pair of blinds\nThere are few things more irritating than struggling to fall asleep thanks to a bright street lamp right outside your bedroom window, except possibly struggling to get back to sleep after waking up at the crack of dawn. Investing in a good pair of blinds is a sure-fire way to help avoid the summer 4 am sunrises or combat urban living's unavoidable light pollution. Lick recommends a pair of our roller blinds in the bedroom for a better night's sleep and better 'black-out'. Why not colour-match them to your bedroom colour for a seamless finish? Go chic with black roller blinds or calming with white roller blinds or grey roller blinds.\n\nCheck out \nthe best blinds for a bedroom\n and our instructions on \nhow to fit Venetian and roller blinds\n.

3. Get comfy\nThis one may sound obvious, but creating a sleeping space that's above anything else comfortable is essential for good sleep. Lumpy mattress? It might be time to upgrade it. Wake up with a mouth as dry as the Sahara? Your room temperature might be too hot. Competing in a midnight tug-of-war competition over the covers? Why not try adopting the Scandi two-duvet-one-bed system? Don't knock the last one 'til you've tried it!\n\nFeeling comfortable in your room is essential to having good sleep hygiene - read our \ncosy bedroom ideas\n for more tips.

4. Most importantly, keep your bedroom for sleeping, and sleeping only\n...and maybe the odd horizontal tango. If your bedroom is doubling as your office, try and create a dedicated work space and put your laptop away in the evenings. Out of sight, out of mind! Yes it can be tempting to finish off a few emails (or a few episodes) in bed but, unless our brain associates the bedroom with sleep, it makes it harder to achieve.\n\nConsider this: you manage to fall asleep on the sofa, no problem. But the moment you take yourself to bed, you're wide awake. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, it's something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you relate your sleep struggles with the bedroom, it will increase them.\n\nWhy not try a couple of our suggestions and see how you get on? It’s amazing how making just a few adjustments to your bedtime routine can have impressive results. And in a world in which our health and wellbeing is often commodified, sleep is the cheapest and easiest super cure.\n\nSweet dreams!

Check out our lifestyle & wellness articles, which include guides to healthy living and advice from industry experts on how to improve wellbeing.

Wellness

How to style a spa-like bathroom sanctuary in your home

7 easy home updates to improve your mental wellbeing

Doctor’s orders: why you should get outdoors not just this Earth Day, but every day

10 self care tips to try at home

Five tips for better sleep hygiene in your bedroom