How to Create a De-Stress Zone at Home
Design pros weigh in on the essential elements of a home meditation space to get your year off to a Zen start
With a new year comes a new opportunity to leave past stresses behind and start fresh. And for homeowners who are resolving to bring more peace and tranquility into their hectic lives, experts say an at-home space dedicated to meditation or relaxation can work wonders.
Opt for a secluded space
A huge house isn’t necessary to carve out a peaceful place, but ideally, the spot you pick will feature some degree of privacy.
“Spaces that are away from the most heavily trafficked areas are best for meditation,” says designer Rob Esterley of Sacred Living interior design. “The whole idea is to know that the space is always ready to be enjoyed and that upon entering it the energy shift occurs instantly.”
That might mean identifying an upstairs bathroom as sometimes off-limits to kids or other family members with a lock and a “Do Not Disturb” sign, or it might just mean sectioning off a guest room with a folding divider or clearing a roomy out-of-the-way closet for the task. If your space is outdoors, that same sense of secluded shelter or protection can feel comforting. Kupper says she’s installed features like glass windbreaks for past clients who wanted a special outdoor space but needed an additional buffer against the elements.
11 simple tricks to make Your house feel more Zen
A huge house isn’t necessary to carve out a peaceful place, but ideally, the spot you pick will feature some degree of privacy.
“Spaces that are away from the most heavily trafficked areas are best for meditation,” says designer Rob Esterley of Sacred Living interior design. “The whole idea is to know that the space is always ready to be enjoyed and that upon entering it the energy shift occurs instantly.”
That might mean identifying an upstairs bathroom as sometimes off-limits to kids or other family members with a lock and a “Do Not Disturb” sign, or it might just mean sectioning off a guest room with a folding divider or clearing a roomy out-of-the-way closet for the task. If your space is outdoors, that same sense of secluded shelter or protection can feel comforting. Kupper says she’s installed features like glass windbreaks for past clients who wanted a special outdoor space but needed an additional buffer against the elements.
11 simple tricks to make Your house feel more Zen
Keep it minimal
Any relaxation space needs at least a place to comfortably sit or lie down, though the pros say it’s smart not to crowd it with much else.
“A cluttered space clutters the mind,” says interior designer Deborah DiMare of DiMare Design.
A simple cozy chair, floor cushion or collection of pillows can anchor the space. Elsewhere, keep distractions to a minimum. Feng shui specialist and designer Carole Shashona of Carole Shashona Modern Designs suggests skipping mirrors, strenuous workout equipment, harsh lighting or colours, electronics and even family photos in a meditation space, as they can steal focus from the decompressing the room is designed for.
Keeping the space tidy is also essential. Esterley compares the importance of an organised space to the experience of entering a well-appointed hotel room: “One is instantly relaxed and calmer knowing there are fresh linens, towels and all the surfaces are clean,” he says.
Any relaxation space needs at least a place to comfortably sit or lie down, though the pros say it’s smart not to crowd it with much else.
“A cluttered space clutters the mind,” says interior designer Deborah DiMare of DiMare Design.
A simple cozy chair, floor cushion or collection of pillows can anchor the space. Elsewhere, keep distractions to a minimum. Feng shui specialist and designer Carole Shashona of Carole Shashona Modern Designs suggests skipping mirrors, strenuous workout equipment, harsh lighting or colours, electronics and even family photos in a meditation space, as they can steal focus from the decompressing the room is designed for.
Keeping the space tidy is also essential. Esterley compares the importance of an organised space to the experience of entering a well-appointed hotel room: “One is instantly relaxed and calmer knowing there are fresh linens, towels and all the surfaces are clean,” he says.
Stimulate the senses
All four pros agreed the best de-stressing spaces incorporate details that engage multiple senses. Soothing sights like warm white or soft green or blue walls and natural or dimmed lighting set a relaxed tone. Sound considerations can either block out everyday noise or add auditory stimuli such as wind chimes, music or natural sounds like rain or running water. Candles or diffusers add pleasing scents.
When it comes to touch, DiMare says she’d lean toward soft, natural materials and textures and a setup that offers some sense of movement, like a swing or rocking chair.
Which scent diffusion method should you be using?
All four pros agreed the best de-stressing spaces incorporate details that engage multiple senses. Soothing sights like warm white or soft green or blue walls and natural or dimmed lighting set a relaxed tone. Sound considerations can either block out everyday noise or add auditory stimuli such as wind chimes, music or natural sounds like rain or running water. Candles or diffusers add pleasing scents.
When it comes to touch, DiMare says she’d lean toward soft, natural materials and textures and a setup that offers some sense of movement, like a swing or rocking chair.
Which scent diffusion method should you be using?
Connect with nature
Again and again, the idea of forging a connection with nature stood out as an important pillar to a peaceful space. If possible, a space that allows you to be outside year-round comfortably or has access to the outdoors is ideal. These types of places can add to the relaxation factor with water features, greenery and other natural elements.
Again and again, the idea of forging a connection with nature stood out as an important pillar to a peaceful space. If possible, a space that allows you to be outside year-round comfortably or has access to the outdoors is ideal. These types of places can add to the relaxation factor with water features, greenery and other natural elements.
If outside isn’t an option, even a view of nature makes a mental difference. In the garden Kupper and her team created shown here, the homeowners wanted a serene view, so Kupper converted a wall to floor-to-ceiling windows, hung bird feeders and packed the area with lush plantings.
If a scenic view isn’t an option, even faux plants and images of nature or animals can boost a room’s laid-back vibe.
Make it uniquely calming
Beyond the general features that can make a room feel meditation-ready, thoughtful personalised touches may help homeowners let go even further.
“We always are more relaxed when we feel that our environments reflect us,” Kupper says. “The more [the room you’re in or the outdoor space you’re in] reflects not only your design sensibilities but even aspects of who you are, that’s so comforting to us.”
Tapping into those customised design choices may even give the designated space an added layer of meaning. One client Kupper worked with, for example, enlisted her help on a dramatic backyard transformation following a devastating divorce. Kupper intentionally changed every corner of the landscape.
“The backyard really gave her power and it also cleaned away all that negative energy because we scraped it out,” Kupper says. “It didn’t have anything similar to how it was. It was really healing for her.”
Beyond the general features that can make a room feel meditation-ready, thoughtful personalised touches may help homeowners let go even further.
“We always are more relaxed when we feel that our environments reflect us,” Kupper says. “The more [the room you’re in or the outdoor space you’re in] reflects not only your design sensibilities but even aspects of who you are, that’s so comforting to us.”
Tapping into those customised design choices may even give the designated space an added layer of meaning. One client Kupper worked with, for example, enlisted her help on a dramatic backyard transformation following a devastating divorce. Kupper intentionally changed every corner of the landscape.
“The backyard really gave her power and it also cleaned away all that negative energy because we scraped it out,” Kupper says. “It didn’t have anything similar to how it was. It was really healing for her.”
As an advocate of humane design, DiMare also points out that incorporating elements that align with your personal beliefs or philosophies, such as vegan fabrics and products or eco-friendly paints, can boost positive energy.
Ultimately, a meditation or relaxation space should embody the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere that feel most relaxing to you, the pros say.
“If you have a view of a dog park and you love that dog park, I would make your meditation space there,” DiMare says, “because when you do go into or come out of your meditation you have something beautiful that gives you peace and joy.”
TELL US
What elements make up your perfect relaxation space? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
MORE
Say Om to 16 Meditation Spots for Homes Big and Small
Ultimately, a meditation or relaxation space should embody the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere that feel most relaxing to you, the pros say.
“If you have a view of a dog park and you love that dog park, I would make your meditation space there,” DiMare says, “because when you do go into or come out of your meditation you have something beautiful that gives you peace and joy.”
TELL US
What elements make up your perfect relaxation space? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
MORE
Say Om to 16 Meditation Spots for Homes Big and Small
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“If you have a spot, it’s just a reminder that it is not only OK to let go of that stress but that it’s important to let go of the stress,” says Ketti Kupper, principal at landscape firm Ketti Kupper Conscious Life Design. “Our minds are just busy running along and we need things that remind us to recalibrate.”
Here, Kupper and three other wellness-focused design pros on Houzz share their insight into how homeowners and pros can create their own om-tastic oases.