San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
LIVING IN THE POCKET
C reate private spaces that help you unwind
A home can be a personal sanctuary—a comfortable refuge from the rat race outside and everyday pressures. But the truth is that many areas of our home aren’t as conducive to peace of mind and relaxation as we’d like them to be. That’s why experts recommend designating niche areas for taking a load off and getting away from everyday concerns, especially if you lack square footage or an obvious space for this goal.
“More people are valuing private spaces and seeking comfort areas in which to unwind because we’ve gone primal in the last couple years due to increased stress. Homeowners are imagining the safety of a cave or nest, (which) in times of stress is as natural and understandable as curling up into the fetal position,” says Kimberly Friedmutter, an interior designer and hypnotherapist in Las Vegas.
Mark Castley, chief operating officer with Luxury Property.com in New York City, subscribes to that theory.
“Especially as the pandemic continues, it’s more imperative than ever for homeowners to feel secure at a time when being near other people can have catastrophic health consequences,” he says.
One of the key factors behind this trend of wanting to create personalized sanctuary spaces and unwinding niches is the growing acceptance of remote working and remote schooling.
“Stay-at-home parents in particular feel overwhelmed and touched out after a long day of remote learning. A spouse who now works from home after previously enjoying a morning train ride feels this, too, as does an overstimulated teen who misses her
friends and needs to get away from younger siblings she may share a room with,” explains Taran Conwell, an Oak Lawn, Illinois-based blogger/owner of Undomesticmom.com.
Creating a getaway space in your home doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you lack a spare bedroom or other spot where you can close the door.
“The first step is to find a suitable space. One good area, for example, could be a corner of your master bedroom. The bedroom is typically only used when you get up or get ready for bed, so it can be a nice, quiet area,” suggests Marco Bizzley, a certified interior designer in San Francisco. “I recommend putting special furniture in that spot to help you relax, including a seat that allows you to melt into it and stretch out. You want to get rid of all the clutter in that area, perhaps paint it with cool, calm colors such as olive green or browns, place plants or flowers around the area to increase relaxation, insert throw pillows, throw blankets, and shades you can pull down during the day, and equip the zone with things to help you relax – books, television, a soothing hobby, or yoga gear.”
Castley recommends choosing an area of your basement or attic—if you have one—or even an enclosed space you could set up in your backyard.
“The ultimate goal should be to create an area that is comfortable and let you seclude yourself from any distractions,” he says. “If it’s an interior space, pick one of the brightest corners of your home where you will get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. A comfortable chair and desk are essential, but feel free to get creative here, perhaps with an armchair, beanbag, or recliner. I would also think about adding wall decor like comforting artwork or your favorite photos.”
In general, any low-traffic area that provides privacy can get the job done; for example, maybe it’s a large closet under the stairs that you can convert into a nesting niche.
“I like the proportion of feeling small and cozy in a space, so I use fabrics to warm walls and employ oversized lighting fixtures as well as large furniture in small spaces,” suggests Friedmutter. “Textured rugs can help set a calming mood, too.”
Keep in mind that your need to create a private getaway space can change or evolve over time, so opt for a room or area that can be flexed and reworked in the future. And avoid the impulse to overspend and overcommit your resources.
“Permanent walls and expensive flooring aren’t necessary to create a personal oasis. Inexpensive paint is a simple way to spruce up this area without a lot of added cost. And an affordable room divider is the perfect way to get privacy without calling a contractor,” adds Conwell.