Have you ever been to someone’s home, used their bathroom and thought, “How on earth does it smell so good in here?” Sure, hosts might pull out more stops if they’re expecting guests, but the truth is, some people just have fabulously scented bathrooms all the time. So, what’s their secret?
We got some tips from designers and luxury hotel pros, who said if it’s spa-worthy aromas you’re after, the key is creating a cohesive story (and feeling) that will set the tone for your day. “Storytelling is really important to us,” says Steve Carbajal, manager of spa operations at Disney’s The Grand Floridian Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. That involves paying close attention to scent in order “to create a holistic experience.”
Choose a story, or theme, and let it inspire your bathroom’s scent. “For example, if your sanctuary is woodsy and decorated with rich colors, go with a fragrance that has cedar, sandalwood and green leaves,” says Jim Reding, CEO of Aroma Retail, which creates scents for hotels across the United States.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Not sure where to start? No worries; we’ve rounded up a bevy of options to suit every nose, whether you prefer bold scents or lighter fragrances.
More scent-sational reads:
Amp up the mood
One of the easiest ways to transport your space (and mind) is by integrating an uplifting fragrance that brightens your mood. “If your sanctuary is minimalist and modern, go with a fragrance that has amber, light florals and perhaps a tangy citrus,” advises Reding. Citrus is a key component of The Grand Floridian’s signature scent (described by Carbajal as a sweet orange); the spa also uses a “citrine orange blossom” fragrance to evoke a positive energy, or good vibration.
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
“My go-to Nest scent is Bamboo,” he says “which provides an abundance of floral and lush green notes.” This set includes the diffuser, diffuser liquid refill and liquid soap in the same fragrance.
Or, calm things down
For a soothing rather than energetic effect, opt for a complex fragrance with at least a couple of therapeutic notes, “like lavender, eucalyptus, any kind of mint, cedar or pine,” says Reding. At the Four Seasons Whistler Spa, the signature scent includes notes of cedar and sandalwood.
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
Luxuri-fy linens
You can even experiment with giving your towels and robe a scent to keep the aromatic party going. “We have towels that are infused with eucalyptus and then stored in a refrigerator for a cooling, calming effect following the steam room or other wet areas, like the whirlpool,” says Carbajal.
Amazon
Amazon
Eliminate unwanted odors
Of course, bathrooms are for taking care of business, so we’d be remiss not to include a remedy for off-putting smells. Your guests (and housemates) will appreciate having a stench-masking solution within arm’s reach — and there are so many scents to choose from, depending on your preference.
Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
