Interior Design Ideas to Create a Zen Retreat
Most of us have lots of responsibilities these days, and often find ourselves juggling far too many projects and obligations. Our days can be long, exhausting and stressful, and we look forward to having some peace and quiet when we finally get home after a tiring and demanding day.
It would make sense, then, that many homeowners look for ways to make their homes (or parts of it) particularly soothing, to serve as a calm place where they can recover from the stress of the day. One way to accomplish this is to create a “Zen retreat” in your own home. While some people would use this place to meditate and reflect on their thoughts, you can use it however you want. It could be a spot for a relaxing nap, or perhaps a quiet place to enjoy a good book.
Whatever your vision of the space and your plans for how to make the most of it, there are plenty of options for the best interior design ideas to help you make this Zen dream a reality.
Use color (or lack of it). One of the most common themes for any sort of stress-relieving environment is the use of very muted, light colors. Some people go to the extreme and choose an all-white color scheme. Others prefer to use creams and other neutral shades. This type of palette is viewed to have the most calming, relaxing effect. However, as with most other things related to design, this is a matter of personal preference. You may find pastel tones to be more relaxing.
Think about sound and smell. Our mood and anxiety levels are impacted by everything around us, so establishing a calming space should involve all of the senses. While your initial focus may be on the look of the space, you should also consider ways to work other sensory details into the plan. Sound can have a significant impact in our ability to relax. If you prefer peace and quiet when you are trying to decompress, you may want to consider the available soundproofing options so you can block out noise from the rest of the house. If you enjoy relaxing music, a sound system may be a good investment. There is a lot of evidence proving the power of scent on how we feel mentally and physically, so you may also be able to incorporate aromatherapy or a specific area for scented candles.
Comfort is key. It is impossible to relax if you don’t feel comfortable. The main priority of the design plan for this space should be to create an environment where you can unwind and feel totally at ease. The furnishings and materials you select for this area will play a critical role in helping to establish this serene feeling. Soft, plush materials are usually the best choice in this situation. You want to avoid anything too firm, or scratchy materials that may be irritating. Depending on the setup of the space and your plans for how to use it, furniture that allows for sprawling out or napping might be a smart move.
Make it your own. No two people are exactly alike, and neither are our ideas of the perfect space to unwind. This space should be completely unique, and should fit your personality while also focusing on the elements that you find relaxing. Include a few unique or unusual items that fit your style. Perhaps these would be items that have special meaning to you. For example, if you find that you truly relax near the ocean, you might want to incorporate a few beach-related elements into your design. Have a more laidback style? Put a Bohemian spin on your space.
There are also plenty of options if you want to extend your serenity-focused environment outside of the walls of your home. Zen gardens are very popular right now, and they offer you a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and the unique natural landscapes we are lucky enough to have in this area. You can even incorporate extra elements such as a water feature, rock garden, landscaping and a pergola or canopy to offer shade on sunny days.
Whatever your idea of a perfect relaxation space may be, we can help create it for you. RW Remodeling has years of experience in brainstorming interior design ideas with clients for projects of all types, and we would love to help you create the perfect Zen escape for your home.