We all need a sanctuary to escape to when life becomes too much to handle and the grind of the working week takes its toll on our bodies. What's more, being able to relax and unwind in the right environment is all-important to our mental health and physical wellbeing.
There are many ways to achieve this outside the realms of five star hotels and day spas; but one of the most obvious places to start is with your very own home-after all, it’s somewhere that we all feel comfortable, happy and relaxed in.
But, sometimes with the everyday stresses and strains of family life, we can’t always relax in the way that we often want to-and that’s often not to what’s happening around you, but more to do with how your home is designed.
The key to relaxation is all about creating a space at home with an added touch of luxury for you to unwind in.
In The Bedroom…
For many people, the only place they can truly relax in is in the bedroom. Indulge yourself with a king sized bed that allows you to unfurl, spread out and simply enjoy the space. You can easily add a little luxury with warming silk sheets in the winter and soft Egyptian cottons in the summer.
Using drapery is another excellent way to establish a soothing atmosphere in your bedroom. Four poster beds have been used for centuries to close the curtains on the world, thus creating an inner, private sanctum within the bedroom. This can still be achieved in modern bedrooms with drapery fitted to the ceiling that avoids the bulky, imposing nature of poster bed frames.
In The Living Room…
Others prefer to relax in the comfort of their living room. In a similar was to the bedroom, you need enough space to spread out and sink into, so finding a deep wide couch is key. An ottoman is a great accessory to any couch, adding a touch of luxury that literally allows you to sit back and put your feet up.
By using soft textured materials on all accessories, such as cashmere blankets, cushions and high pile rugs to sink your toes into, you can transform your living room into a luxury environment to relax in. You can add to this by accessorizing the room with lamps of different heights and intensity, to control the light levels. By positioning or directing the light you can easily create a soft, relaxing tone.
In the Kitchen…
Others find the best way to relax is by getting into the kitchen, cooking a gourmet meal then savoring each bite in luxurious surrounds. Enjoying a meal with friends and family can be the best way to let the stresses of the day melt away, so it's important to have an environment where everyone can gather.
Bespoke fitted kitchens, by fitters such as Betta Living, can transform your current kitchen into the hub of your home. Similar to your living room, it's important to be able to control the light levels of the room to match the space to your mood. This can be achieved with a mix of sleek spot lighting, under cabinet lights and feature lamps, which gives you the option to dim the lights after you've finished cooking and settle in for the evening.
Soft materials and colour schemes can also be conducive to a relaxing atmosphere. By opting for materials such as oak and maple that absorb rather than reflect light can help soften your kitchen surfaces. But, also complementing these lighter woods with neutral or pastel pallet can add a sense of harmony too.
