My Top 6 Bath Must Have Products: The Ultimate Self-Care Experience

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of unwinding after a long day. Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of bath products that transform my bathroom into a retreat. From soothing candles to aromatic oils and even a fluffy towels, these items create an environment of relaxation and rejuvenation. Today, I’m sharing my favorite bath accessories that elevate my space—because everyone deserves a little indulgence.

1. Candles: Setting the Mood

A bathroom isn’t complete without the gentle flicker of candlelight. Candles do more than just illuminate the room—they set the tone for a peaceful, calming experience. I love using candles with natural, soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood to help me unwind. The soft glow of the flame immediately puts my mind at ease, while the fragrance fills the air with tranquility. Some of my go-to brands include Paddywax (especially the Apothecary collection) and Get A Whiff, Co. because they burn cleanly and last longer, giving me that extra moment of relaxation. I also prefer candles with wooden wicks as they create a comforting crackling sound, which adds to the ambiance. The best finds are when I go to a winery and they have a local vendor make candles out of old bottles, typically will buy one every time!

2. Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp: Natural Beauty and Healing Properties

One of my favorite bath accessories is a beautiful Himalayan salt rock. Not only does it add a touch of natural beauty to the bathroom, but it also offers a number of wellness benefits. The salt rock can help purify the air by emitting negative ions that counteract the positive ions from electronics. This creates a more relaxing and energizing atmosphere. While more scientific research is needed to fully confirm some of the health benefits associated with Himalayan salt rock lamps, many people report feeling calmer, more energized, and less stressed when using them. Whether you’re looking to purify the air, improve your sleep quality, or simply enjoy a calming ambiance, these lamps can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home. You can even get aromatherapy versions if you do not want to light a candle but still have a scented affect without the fire hazard. My top essential oils include lavender for its calming effects and eucalyptus for a refreshing and invigorating feel. I also love blending a few drops of rosemary oil, which is known for its invigorating aroma and its ability to enhance focus and mental clarity. It’s the perfect way to clear my mind and set the tone for a restful evening.

3. Castor Oil: The Skin’s Best Friend

It’s also about nourishing your skin! One product I swear by for hydrating and rejuvenating my skin is castor oil. This rich, plant-based oil is packed with fatty acids that deeply moisturize and soften the skin, making it an ideal addition to my routine. It’s also great for promoting hair growth, so sometimes I’ll massage it into my scalp and let it work its magic while I clean house before I shower. Plus, adding rosemary oil to my scalp helps strengthen the hair roots as well. The nourishing properties of castor oil leave my skin and hair feeling silky and soft long after I have rinsed off.

4. Turkish Towels: Luxurious Softness

No bath is complete without the perfect towel to wrap up in afterward, and for me, Turkish towels are the ultimate luxury. Made from high-quality cotton, Turkish towels are incredibly soft, absorbent, and lightweight—perfect for a spa-like experience. The fabric gets softer with every wash, and they dry quickly, making them ideal for post-bath moments. What I love most about Turkish towels is their versatility. They're not only great for the bathroom but also perfect for the beach or pool. With their beautiful patterns and colors, they add a touch of elegance to my bathroom, elevating the whole experience. Whether I'm lounging after a bath or wrapping up after a swim, these towels always feel indulgent.

5. Hooks for Storage. Versatility meets Function

You can install multiple hooks in a compact space, providing more hanging options without overwhelming the wall. Hooks are versatile, accommodating towels, robes, bags, washcloths, clothing, and more, reducing the need for additional storage solutions. With the ability to be placed at various heights, they offer adaptable storage for everyone and everything. Towels hung on hooks dry more efficiently, as they benefit from improved air circulation compared to being folded on a bar. While towel bars are functional in many bathrooms, hooks offer enhanced flexibility, space-saving benefits, and superior drying performance. They also bring both style and practicality to your bathroom.

6. Sugar Scrubs: Gentle & Effective

I love a good sugar scrub day. Using sugar scrubs in your skincare routine offers numerous benefits for the skin. They can effectively remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin. Regular use of a sugar scrub can improve the texture of your skin, making it feel softer and more even. Promoting healthier skin and a natural glow, sugar scrubs often contain moisturizing ingredients like oils (e.g., coconut, olive, or almond oil) that nourish the skin. It will leave the skin hydrated after exfoliation without feeling dry or tight. Unlike harsher exfoliants, sugar is a gentler option for exfoliation. The natural crystals dissolve in water, reducing the risk of microtears or irritation. This makes sugar scrubs suitable for sensitive skin. My favorite is Dr. Teal’s Shea Sugar Scrub in Prebiotic Lemon Balm. It smells amazing and makes my skin feel so clean and fresh.

With these simple yet luxurious bath products, I’ve created a self-care focused bathroom that helps me unwind and recharge. The combination of flickering candles, natural healing salts, fluffy Turkish towels, scrubs and storage options creates the perfect environment for relaxation.

Understanding Timelines for Kitchen and Bath Remodels: Why Patience Pays Off

When it comes to kitchen and bath remodels, many homeowners are eager to get started and see quick results. After all, we’ve all seen those home renovation TV shows where dramatic transformations happen in just a week or two. However, the reality of remodeling is far different from what’s portrayed on television. For a professional, high-quality remodel that meets your vision and stays within budget, timelines are a crucial consideration—one that’s often longer than the quick-turnaround projects you might expect.

Here’s a breakdown of what to realistically expect for your kitchen and bath remodel, the factors that influence timelines, and why choosing quality work over a rush job can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Timelines for Kitchen and Bath Remodels

• Kitchen Remodels: Typically, a kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks., depending on the scope of work.

• Bathroom Remodels: A bathroom remodel generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the scope of work.

• However, if you're reconfiguring the layout or making structural changes, the timeline can extend. There’s a lot of coordination involved to ensure everything is done properly and on time.

Scope of Work Affects the Timeline

While these general timelines are a good starting point, the scope of work plays a major role in how long your remodel will take. If you’re planning a full-scale renovation—complete with significant changes like moving walls, updating plumbing, or rewiring electrical systems—expect the timeline to be on the longer side. These tasks require a series of inspections, approvals, and the expertise of multiple skilled professionals.

• Major Construction Work: If your remodel involves structural changes or requires permits for plumbing, electrical, or load-bearing wall alterations, the will take longer. Waiting for permit approvals, ordering specialized materials, and scheduling inspections can add additional weeks to the timeline.

• Small-Scale Updates: Conversely, simple updates like replacing countertops, updating backsplashes, or switching out faucets and fixtures will take less time.

Why Remodels Take Time (And Why It’s Worth It)

You’ve probably seen those fast-paced, high-energy home renovation shows on TV, where designers and contractors pull off stunning transformations in what seems like a few days. While entertaining, these shows often give a misleading impression of what a professional remodel truly entails. The reality is that quality renovations require careful planning, attention to detail, and coordination between multiple experts, all of which take time.

Here are a few reasons why a kitchen or bathroom remodel cannot—and should not—be rushed:

1. Proper Planning and Design Take Time
   A successful remodel begins with thoughtful planning and design. The layout, materials, finishes, and functionality of your space need careful consideration to create a result that works for your lifestyle and looks cohesive. A designer or project coordinator works with you to make sure every detail is accounted for, from choosing cabinets and countertops to coordinating the right lighting fixtures. Rushing this process can lead to poor decisions and design regret later on.

2. Material Lead Times and Availability
   Homeowners often underestimate the amount of time it takes to order and receive materials. Certain items—like custom cabinetry, specialty tiles, or high-end fixtures—can have lead times of several weeks, and delays in shipping or availability are common. Even if you’ve made your selections, waiting for everything to arrive and be ready for installation adds time to the project.

3. Coordinating Skilled Trades
   A kitchen or bath remodel often requires a team of specialists: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and installers. These skilled tradespeople need to be scheduled at the right time for their specific tasks. If a project is rushed, you risk either delays due to poor scheduling or having to deal with subpar work. Good tradespeople may already have busy schedules, and getting them on-site at the right times is essential for keeping the project on track.

4. Ensuring Quality Workmanship
   Professional remodels take time because of the attention to detail required to deliver high-quality results. The installation of cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and more requires skill, precision, and time to get right. A rush job can lead to mistakes, issues down the line, and even costly repairs.

The Dangers of Rushing Your Remodel

If you’re considering hiring a handyman or someone who promises a quick turnaround, be cautious. A common tactic used by unqualified contractors is to promise fast timelines—often just a week or so—for a kitchen or bath remodel. While that might sound tempting, these rushed timelines often come with hidden costs and risks, including:

• Subpar Results: Speeding through the remodel process often leads to compromises in craftsmanship and quality. A quick fix may not fully address underlying issues like outdated plumbing or structural flaws, leading to future problems.

• Last-Minute Decisions: Handymen or contractors may push you to make quick decisions about products, finishes, and design choices. This pressure can lead to rushed, uninformed decisions that you may regret later. Major design elements, such as tiles, countertops, and cabinets, require careful consideration, especially when some products may have long lead times.

• Budget Overruns: With less planning and coordination, costs can quickly spiral out of control. Rushed projects tend to overlook certain details, resulting in unexpected expenses to fix issues that weren’t anticipated.

• Delayed Timelines: When contractors promise a speedy turnaround, it’s common for delays to occur as they rush to get everything done in a short time. This could leave you living in a partially renovated space for much longer than you expected, with a higher likelihood of issues during the installation process.

Why Professional Remodels Take Longer but Are Worth the Wait

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that a quality remodel takes time. While it’s tempting to choose the handyman who promises a quick job, you’re ultimately investing in your home and your comfort. A professional design and project coordination team ensures your remodel is done right—the first time.

When you work with a reputable contractor or designer, you can expect clear timelines, thoughtful planning, expert craftsmanship, and a finished product that reflects your style and functions beautifully for years to come. While a remodel might take 8-12 weeks for a kitchen or 4-8 weeks for a bathroom, that extra time will result in a space you’ll be proud to show off—and one that will stand the test of time. So, trust the process, and remember: good things take time!