Home should, in theory, be a peaceful place to return to. It’s your solace in this crazy world; it’s your calm in the storm. And yet, things rarely work out that way. If you have a family, partner, or even just live with someone else, peace can be hard to come by. You finally get to sit down after a long day, then someone storms in and ruins the moment. Even if you have a quiet housemate, someone else’s presence alone can smother the sanctuary. And, you can guarantee you do the same for them sometimes. It’s all part and parcel of living together. But, if it’s something you’re struggling with, consider setting aside a space especially for peaceful moments. And, think about these points to ensure it’s the space you need!
CONSIDER ITS PURPOSE
Before taking action, think what this peaceful space will be most used for. Will it become the reading retreat of the house? Or, would it be a music maze to get lost in? It may even be that you want to master the art of meditation there. Whatever the reason, your room will have different needs. So, it’s well worth thinking things through. If for example, a reading room is your goal, you’ll need to find somewhere to put bookcases. If music is the aim, acoustics will be your top priority. For meditation, you’ll need somewhere free from any distraction. Make sure, too, to consult others about what they would like from the room. There’s no reason you can’t find a few different purposes for your home (not quite so) away from home.
MAKE SPACE
Once you know what you need, it’s time to make space for it. This is the trickiest part, but it’s important you stick with it. The space may not be immediately apparent, but a little ingenuity will get you far. If you have a spare room, you’re lucky and can get started straight away. If not, it may take a little longer to make this work. The good news is, there are many other options. You could invest in something like a hardwood Edwardian conservatory and use that as your escape.
This has the benefit of being slightly removed from the house, so it could work well. Or, you could convert your garage or attic space to achieve your goal.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
If your house is particularly loud, or if none of the above options are open to you, you could always take your quest outside. Nothing’s better for getting in touch with your inner calm than nature, right? Plus, this really will take you out of the at home mayhem. Invest in a table and some garden chairs. It may even be worth getting some shelter built for those days when the weather threatens to rain on your parade. If you do opt for a shelter, there’s no reason you can’t get some sofas to sit on, too. It’s easier to feel peaceful when you’re comfortable, after all!
