DIY: Relaxing design and decor for a home retreat space

The last year or so has seen us spend more time at home than ever. For good or bad, the line between home and work has been irrevocably blurred. Through COVID-19 lockdowns the home has become a refuge from an uncertain world. It’s an environment we can control, and within which we can enjoy a degree of certainty, as well as freedom, a luxury we have taken for granted for so long. In short, the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way we approach, live in, and use residential space.

The pandemic has been accompanied by higher degrees of stress and anxiety, triggered by the economic and social consequences of government measures. This means that relaxation, self-care and creating a sense of calm in your home are critical to mental health and wellbeing. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of ideas for design and decor that you can use to DIY your very own relaxation or home retreat space, regardless of where you live. 

Marie Kondo Your Space

First things first, if this space doesn’t spark joy, you need to start decluttering! 

There’s nothing more stressful than seeing mess and clutter piling up around you. Try and start with a single space such as a desk drawer, one kitchen cupboard, or your closet, and put those piles of books or clothes back where they belong and into organised sections.

Not sure where to begin with decluttering? Check out our tips on organising and decluttering your home.

Size Doesn’t Matter

Whether you live in a grand mansion or a cozy studio apartment, there’s always room to create a special space to unwind.

If you have a spare room in your home, empty the space from technical distractions like TVs or computers and have some fun with creating a private paradise you can use to escape the outside world.

If your space is on the smaller size, look to freeing up a corner of the room and add in a cozy armchair with an ottoman to put your feet up and relax with a book and cup of tea. Even spending ten minutes a day in your book nook, or relaxation station can boost and improve mood and wellbeing. 

Create Calm in the Home

Close your eyes and picture a landscape that brings you a sense of serenity. Did you envisage the softly crashing waves and sight of the horizon over a beach? Or did you conjure a daydream of raindrops landing on forest leaves and the sweet song of exotic birds? Now think about how you can bring that vibe into your home.

If you find peace by the ocean, consider bringing that feeling into your home by creating a coastal-vibe space. If you’re looking to make a more significant change to your space, start by creating a beachy holiday-home feel from the ground up.

Evoke calm by utilising natural and earthy materials and colours. If you have a room that features a timber floor, that could be the most effective spot to pitch your tent (metaphorically speaking!). If not, now might be the perfect time to consider incorporating engineered timber flooring into your home! Did you know that wood floors are proven to improve mental health and healing? Bringing timber flooring or panelling into your home design will help create the calm that you’ve been craving.

Try using our personal favourites like the Venture Plank ranges’ Aspen Raw engineered timber for its sandy light colour or the Blackbutt timber flooring in the Australian collection, with its warm and earthy tones.

If seclusion in the woods is more your style, create your own cabin-in-the-woods look using these rustic trends and escape the hustle and bustle of city life- at least indoors! 

Add some colour!

Cool colours are associated with calming and healing, while warm colours like reds, yellows, and oranges incite active feelings. If you’re looking to create a space in your home that invokes feelings of serenity, avoid warm colours and opt for a cooler palette.

Our favourite calming colours include Sea Breeze Half, Armada and Aqua Frost. Check out this handy guide by Dulux to retreat worthy colours here.

Cover Me In Sunshine

Indulging in natural light is a great way to help unwind and destress. It’s proven to help you be more productive, happier, healthier and calmer. Natural light also makes rooms appear larger, illuminates the space and makes your home more eco-friendly, too!

Try and utilise windows, skylights and glass doors when creating your home retreat space to soak up the benefits natural light can offer.

Get Cozy

What’s a home retreat space without a cozy couch or armchair to get lost in. If you have a larger space to play with, a couch like this Fleur three-seater from King Living offers the perfect spot to lounge away the day in comfort.

If you’re limited with your space, opt for a smaller armchair, like this Chloe Swivel Chair from Zanui that will have you floating on a cloud and unwinding in no time.

Hey, Mr DJ

Studies have shown listening to music can have an enormous relaxing effect on our minds and bodies. Music has been shown to lower blood pressure levels, decrease stress hormones in your body, and also slow down heart rate.

Speakers have come a long way from the big, rectangular boxes of yesteryear and can actually become a decor feature within a space. Pioneers in this space include Bang & Olufsen with their book-thin WiFi speaker, or show off your personality with a UE Megaboom in eye-popping colours.

Spotify has an amazing range of peaceful playlists to help serenade you into deep bliss. Some of our favourite playlists include Serenity, Classical Relaxation and Nature Sounds.

Ready For Some R&R?

Need help envisioning a new floor in your retreat space? Check out our floor visualiser tool to see how an engineered timber floor can help create your new relaxation station.

We also offer free flooring samples online to see the product in your space. If you still need a helping hand, get in touch with our friendly team today.