Carving Out a “Calm Space”
I need a spa day….like…every day. My guess is that at the end of the day, after running around to soccer practice or doing the huge C-suite thing, you will probably feel the same way. A weekly trip to the spa seems impractical, but creating an end-of-the-day oasis in your home is possible and can be very beneficial to your mental (and physical) health.
Quiet Rooms, Yoga Studios, and Peaceful Spots
If you have an extra space, even one that is small, it's the perfect place for a quiet room. An unused bedroom is great, but even a section of a heated basement can work. I have a Manhattan client (think limited space), for whom we removed the doors of a closet to create a zen-like sanctuary.
When I create a quiet space, I often use a chaise or a comfy, long, poofy floor cushion, a sheepskin rug, and a simple piece of soothing art. Meditation, herbal tea, spiritual readings, or even just some waterfall soothing sounds on your earbuds can help you de-stress and slow your heart rate. In a space like this, omit strong color and bold contrast. Keep the space subtle, soft, and muted. Use a calming neutral tone on the walls, and avoid patterns. This is not the place for bold wallpaper. Add an aromatic diffuser with your favorite essential oils, and unwind for 15 minutes a day in your sanctuary.
Bedroom Sanctuaries
If you don't have that extra nook for a spa room, I suggest turning your bedroom into your own oasis. When I want a client’s bedroom to feel like a spa, I eliminate clutter and use restraint. I keep the art minimal and soft. Family photos can be streamlined by placing them all in the same type of frame. For a contemporary, uncluttered look, I use acrylic frames with no border. I try to use lighter paint colors in these calming bedrooms, and find the best ones are soft blues (not too intense,) or calming beiges. Try Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster, OC-129 or Phillip Jeffries Glam Grass collection.
The key to any bedroom sanctuary is to limit clutter as much as possible, and to keep the fabrics natural and the pattern to a minimum. Solid linens for drapes or roman shades, and an upholstered bed or one made from a natural fiber work perfectly. I love creating a de-stress place; an end of the day sanctuary for my busy, active clients to make them happy and at peace.
