Bring a Scandi-Spa Atmosphere into Your Bathroom

Famous for its long, cold, dark winters, Scandinavia is equally known for its warm, restful saunas and hot springs, which could be described as sanctuaries of self-care offering mental and physical renewal. Scandinavian saunas also hold an important place in history, with roots dating back to 7000 BC in Northern Europe. The first saunas were tents made from animal skins over large rocks surrounded by fire. When the fire went out at night, the stones continued to heat the tent. People learned to pour water over the rocks to create steam, making the tents even warmer and more comfortable.

As the ages passed, the tradition evolved, and Scandinavians retained sauna culture as a means of keeping warm. Over time, people began to connect the sauna environment with health, and the culture spread around the world.

Today, saunas, hammams and thermal springs are like inseparable siblings. The newest member of the group is 'friluftsliv', or 'forest bathing', a trend in Norway. In Denmark, 'saunagus' is very popular. Combining the elements of a traditional sauna with aromatherapy and mindfulness, saunagus is a prominent spa-related wellness trend in Scandinavia.

We may not be able to recreate a dream Swedish landscape as our natural surroundings, but there are practical ways to turn the bathroom into a therapy space:

• Create a calming, soothing atmosphere for clear, easy-on-the-eye elegance and comfort. A cluttered bathroom, for example, is no place for a peaceful therapeutic experience. Set up storage that is as functional as possible and put away accessories that distract the eye. For those seeking a natural-looking, comprehensive bathroom furniture range, we recommend Kalebodur's Edge series. Offered in three colour combinations—anthracite and mink, anthracite and mocha, and anthracite and walnut—Edge includes a vanity unit and tall cabinet alongside a wide range of modules such as square shelves, side cabinets with doors and rectangular shelves.

• Mental ease comes through natural materials and nature-inspired colours. Use materials such as wood, ceramic, terracotta, wicker and linen in your bathroom, and choose a neutral palette drawn from earth, sand and stone.

• Buy a unit with drawers and wheels for your favourite spa pleasures, such as body-scrub salts, essential oils and body moisturisers. Pull it close when you shower, then move it into an out-of-the-way corner once your aromatherapy session is over.

• Awaken your sense of smell and relax body and mind with essential oils featuring notes such as violet leaf, lemon, grapefruit, sweet vanilla, sandalwood, sea salt, musk, blackcurrant, iris and plum blossom.

• Choose lighting whose intensity can be softened with a dimmer. Scandinavia is known for its darkness, so adjustable light sources can complete the northern spirit. This is therapy for the eyes too.

• Large mirrors not only help you get ready, care for yourself and appreciate yourself after a relaxing bath, but also reflect light and a sense of space. Give your Scandi-spa a large mirror.

• Do not forget to add a towel warmer near the shower or bath so you can enjoy the soothing pleasure of warm towels at the end of your bathing ritual.

• Most importantly, allow steam to build up in your bathroom, provided you can clear it whenever you wish. Create a sauna-like environment and increase circulation along with the room temperature.