Creating a private retreat in your home
Collect Your Personal Treasures
Do you have a collection of books that give you a sense of comfort? Find a place for the most treasured ones near your reading nook. Favorite novels or poetry can inspire you to continue on your quest for even more. When you settle down to read, you’ll be able to glance over to the shelves, think of a time when you loved and enjoyed reading those special books and anticipate a wonderful experience with your most current volume. Is a handmade quilt from your grandmother one of your most prized possessions? Does it help bring back wonderful memories of your time together? If so, don’t put it away in a closet so it won’t spoil! Keep it out, draped over your favorite reading chair, so that those special memories are right at hand every time you glance into your corner. And think of ways that you can create new memories with it.
Frame Pictures of Loved Ones
There’s nothing quite as comforting as being surrounded by those you love. And with framed prints of photographs, your quiet, private sanctuary can contribute to this sense of well-being. Create a collage of your favorite pictures. Or gather some photos and place them in decorative frames on a side table or desktop. Even if you’re alone, you’ll feel supported and surrounded by loved ones.
Because your private retreat is supposed to remove you from the frantic activities of your “other” life, choose colors for walls, furniture, or accessories that help to reinforce the fact that the area is for relaxing.
Choose Colors That Are Soothing
White is an especially comforting and cooling color and gives a soft, uncomplicated look to any surface. Just by focusing on changing a few things or rather coloring it in pastel shades or soft colors will add a difference. Simple slipcovers or upholstery in textured shades of white look lovely almost anywhere. If you cannot change the upholstery on the pieces in your private retreat, consider throwing a white or cream wool or mohair shawl over a busy print cover. You’d be amazed how quickly the area is transformed.
Choose Colors That You Love
For a gentleman’s corner for reading, dark navy, chestnut brown, forest green, or burgundy can be used to set the tone for the serious work awaiting. After all, relaxing is serious work, and should be taken very seriously! Heavy mahogany shelves can house book titles, a handsome mohair shawl is thrown over the back of the chair, a heavy mug is filled with coffee, and nothing can keep him from enjoying this quiet time. If you’re inspired by bright, cheery colors, by all means, have these colors in your retreat. No one said a personal space has to be boring! Yellow is uplifting and fresh, greens and blues are soothing, red is inspiring! Choose the colors that make you feel your best.
Add Decorative Elements to Your Space
Without even painting the walls, you can bring soothing and inspiring colors to your personal space with decorative accessories, flowers, and pictures. Choose pieces that will contribute to the relaxing and supportive atmosphere of the space you’re trying to create.
Get Rid of Clutter in your private retreat
Be sure to remove anything from your chosen space that does not enrich the area. There’s nothing so disturbing as having clutter, extra papers, or trash. You want to get rid of anything and everything that does not contribute to the serenity and calm of the area. Books should be arranged neatly, papers should have a place, accessories should be added sparingly. The only things left in your private retreat should be functional and practical and contribute to your sense of well-being.
With everything in place, your personal retreat is ready for you. It will be the place you gravitate to when you want to rest, want to indulge yourself, wants to pursue your special interests, or just get away from it all.
Don’t feel decadent or wasteful when you escape to your private area. Be grateful that you recognize the importance of taking some time to reinvigorate yourself. Appreciate your time alone. Get reinforced mentally, physically, and emotionally. Your life will be richer for it and those around you will recognize the change in your attitude and personality.
