Whether you want a room for inspiration, meditation or relaxation, these expert tips will help you carve out a haven in your home.
“It’s important to have a space in your house where you can retreat, and that has intent,” says Peggy Francis of Francis & Alexander, a California-based spa development and management company committed to creating green-friendly spas. “Once you have set it up and given it purpose, then somehow, when you go to that space, your body and brain will intuitively know what that place is for—whether it’s to relax, create, work out, or just be. So by the time you enter, half the work is done.”
Since this is your haven, stresses Francis, it should be the cleanest and greenest space it can be, and one that caters to all five senses. Here, she and other experts share tips for building your bubble—whatever you need it to be.
Pick a Place
Whether you have an entire room available or need to carve out an area from an existing space, the important thing, says Francis, is to pick a specific place, give it an intent and stick to it. “Even if you just put a dresser in an alcove and dedicate it to your yoga gear,” she says, “your mind and body will know what you are there for.”
If you do have more room to choose from, look for somewhere with natural light that is as quiet as possible, and where you will be assured some privacy. Take the temperature into account, too; warmth helps create a comforting, cocooning atmosphere, while cold is more stimulating and energizing. And since this is going to be your safe place, above all, pick somewhere that makes you feel at ease.
Breathe Easy
Once your location is set, you’ll want to make sure it is as clean as possible—and we’re not just talking about dirt or clutter. A sanctuary is a place where you will breathe deeply and often, so make sure the air you are taking in is clear of allergens, dust and other toxins. Blueair (us.blueair.com) makes a range of sleek air purifiers designed for smaller spaces; several use HEPASilent technology to work thoroughly and quietly, while models like the ECO 10 have a low-carbon output.
If you aren’t using green cleaning products already, make sure to start, to keep the air toxin-free once it’s been filtered. Finally, make sure to use the cleanest house paint possible, as the chemicals in most brands can often cause side effects like headaches, sore throats and respiratory issues. Look for paints without volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical solvents, toxic fumes (HAPs), reproductive toxins, crystalline silica (which can hurt the lungs), and ethylene glycol (a common ingredient in paint—and antifreeze). Colorhouse Paint (colorhousepaint.com), one of the cleanest brands around, has a comprehensive chart on what to avoid, and details on those no-no ingredients, on its website.
Set the Tone
The next step is to set the mood. “Color is the best way to carve out different spaces,” says Puji Sherer, Chief Color Nerd (aka top color specialist) for Colorhouse Paint. “If you don’t have a lot of space, don’t be afraid to use a bold color or all one shade to set a distinct tone, or use color just on an accent wall to create a focal point—wherever you put it, it draws focus.”
The color you choose depends on the purpose of your haven. “Warm colors are more active, and cooler ones more restful,” explains Sherer. Remember that “color is most affected by lighting,” warns Sherer, so if you have natural light in your space, be sure to look at paint in those conditions first—and if you don’t, then choose the appropriate type of lighting (ideally, lamps with dimmers) to ensure the right mood.
Give it Meaning
Now that the basics are covered, it’s time to infuse your space with intent. “Everything that goes into that room should be meaningful and have a purpose,” says Francis. For many people, icons that speak to their philosophies are also an important part of a sanctuary—but if you are not sure of a specific icon’s significance, be sure to ask, and choose wisely. Buddha statues, for example, mean different things depending on the pose; the Serenity or Meditation Buddha, with crossed legs and folded hands, is for those seeking calm and peace, while the pose with crossed legs, the right hand pointing to the earth, and the left hand in the lap signifies the Buddha’s moment of enlightenment.
Finally, says Francis, the space “should contain things to stimulate or calm all the senses, depending on your needs.” Play the appropriate music (or sounds of water or nature if the aim is to relax), or add soundproofing if silence is the goal. Pick comfortable, supportive furnishings in breathable, natural fibers, and choose natural fragrance sticks or candles in scents that you find pleasing—and that make you feel centered and present, which should be the goal of any sanctuary.
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