Coronavirus lockdown is a stressful time for many; money worries, health concerns, kids at home, home working, food shortages and concerns for vulnerable relatives all play their part in heightening our stress levels before we’ve even left the house for our daily one-form-of-exercise. Now, more than ever, is the ideal time to start creating the perfect home sanctuary to retreat from the concerns of daily life. These tips will help you get started on a project that will save your sanity through quarantine and beyond.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 1:
Dedicate a space
Those who live alone in small spaces like studios or one-bed apartments may wish to just turn their entire living space into their own little sanctuary. Others will need to claim a space in the family home that’s just for them. The most adventurous will even consider building an extension, garden room or conversion designed for purpose. Whichever category you fit in to, it’s important to have a space dedicated to your sanctuary before you begin the design process. If you live with others, it’s important they know not to disturb you when you’re in your sanctuary – this will be your time.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 2:
Make it soft and comfortable
Your interior design should be geared towards soft and comfortable if you want to create a relaxing environment. Choose gentle colours that compliment each other and don’t clash, such as soft pastels, cream and magnolia. Avoid bright colours, fabrics and bold prints both on your walls and soft furnishings. Choose soft fabrics which make you feel calm and cosy. Consider soft carpet instead of hardwood floors or invest in a nice fluffy rug.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 3:
Get the lighting right
The perfect sanctuary will have plenty of natural light to lift your mood and create the illusion of space. If you are creating your sanctuary from scratch with a brand new garden room, extension or conversion, consider the most ideal location, as well as the right windows and doors, to maximise natural light flow and duration. Skylights, big patio doors that let the light in and bi-folding doors that open onto the garden are great additions. If you need to create your own light, consider using dimmer switches, lamps and candles to set the mood. These things work especially well at night-time and during the darker winter months.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 4:
Create the perfect scent
Scents go a long way to creating the perfect atmosphere. Open your windows daily to prevent stagnant air or stale smells. Use a combination of scented candles, aromatherapy oils and incense. Experiment with different scents until you find one you love. Some are well known for relaxation, like lavender. Make sure you use scents that compliment each other if you’re using more than one and clean your space regularly so it stays fresh including bedding, throws and cushion covers.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 5:
Be mindful about what you bring into your space
Most people relax better in clean spaces with fewer things around them. When creating the perfect sanctuary, it’s best to take a minimalist approach. This doesn’t necessarily mean no things are allowed, but rather that you should be deliberate about each item that makes the cut. Try to keep your space clutter-free and only include items that improve your mood, which may be things like family photos, calming pieces or art and ornaments that invoke happy memories of times gone by. Whatever you bring in, keep it positive and make sure it serves a purpose.
Creating the perfect sanctuary Tip 6:
Keep the noise out
It’s important to ensure noise is eliminated in your sanctuary. If you live in a noisy area, such as by a main road, busy street or train line, make sure do what you can to minimise it. If you are designing a designated sanctuary from scratch, prior to the build stage consider sound proofing measures in your plans. This might include double glazing and soundproof walls. If you have to work with what you’ve got, invest in noise cancelling headphones, play relaxing spa music or nature sounds. Speakers can help to drown out the outside noises; consider making a go-to relaxation playlist to help you unwind.
Following these tips will help you get started creating your perfect sanctuary at home and make your lockdown experience as calm and relaxing as possible.