We all need a place of seclusion and retreat. Somewhere we can recharge our mental batteries, and prepare ourselves for the stresses of life in the modern age. This might mean taking a quick moment to collect yourself in the bathroom, the kitchen with good quality appliances online, or the stationary cupboard. But wouldn’t it be better to have a room that’s dedicated entirely to relaxation?

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to convert the right space into a dedicated relaxation room. You don’t need any fancy electronics or plumbing – all that’s required, really, is a vibe.

Let’s consider what we might want from a relaxation room, and how to make it a reality.

The right space

Ideally, you’ll want to be insulated from outside distractions. This means picking a location that’s far removed from the rest of your property. Attics, basements, and outbuildings all make sense. If you can install the right level of acoustic insulation, then so much the better.

Of course, there’s a school of thought that says you should be able to relax even when you’re in the presence of distraction – and that keeping up the practice will make it easier to maintain your focus even when the outside world is conspiring to interrupt it. 

So, there’s a balance to be struck, here. Perhaps what really matters isn’t that you’re unable to hear the outside world, but that the outside world is prevented from coming up and interrupting you. 

Creating the ambience

We’ve already mentioned the positive impact that acoustic insulation might have. But you might also consider other meditative aids. Corner lamps will help to ensure that you’re not only lighting the space using downlights. Consider tealights and other kinds of candle, too, (just do it safely), as well as incense. Put together a list of scents that you find helpful, and introduce them wherever possible.

Organisation

In practice, the amount of clutter that’s in your space will contribute directly to the amount of stress you’re suffering. Having a space-efficient storage solution, and the right tidying habits, will help you to stay clutter-free. 

Become one with nature

Houseplants have a proven positive effect on our state of mind. Human beings have adapted to flourish wherever green things are plentiful – so introduce a few of them!

Colour

You’ll want to choose a colour scheme that helps you to relax. What this means will depend entirely on your personal preference – though there are a few general rules of thumb to get you started. Excessively bold colours will tend to be distracting, while pure white might be a little too sterile. Start with simple pastel shades, and experiment until you find something you like to look at.