I had a friend (she’s since moved to Florida) who lived in a beautiful, three story, narrow antique house in a historic hamlet.The house, which is well over a hundred years old, had been renovated a few times, but it was small and some of the ceilings were a bit low, and it was on a busy street that was hardly tranquil. Still, the original details of the house were charming; perfectly battered wide plank floors, a generous stone fireplace, and, on one side of the house, the side facing the busy street, a gorgeous stream of natural light that at certain seasons and certain hours could feel spiritual, even majestic.
Taking advantage of that special light, my friend turned a small room in what was once surely the attic into her personal retreat. The decor was spare. There was no furniture or distracting knickknacks. She placed a fluffy 4×6 foot flokati rug in the center of the room facing the window. Several large kilim-covered pillows were scattered. A yoga mat and some yoga props were rolled up in one corner.
“This is where I come to peace out,” she said. “I run up here as soon as I get home from work. I lie on the rug and close my eyes and empty my head. Sometimes I’m only up here for fifteen minutes. Sometimes it’s longer. All I know is when I go back downstairs, I’m just such a better person.”
You don’t need a whole meditation room in your home to achieve that chillaxed, peaced out headspace, although if you have the room, I highly recommend it. Actually, any room in your house — except maybe a children’s playroom — can be tweaked to feel more calming.
Plants help, but they have to be real plants, not fakes! Choosing cool neutral colors ranging from pale foggy grays to marine-evoking teals creates a naturally soothing ambience. Lighting and acoustics are integral to shifting atmosphere and mood. Consider light filtering “honeycomb” style window treatments (also known as cellular shades) or solars. These window treatments provide not just high style, but excellent light control and insulation.
Inexpensive blinds of bamboo, jute, even grass, are simple and attractive, and because they’re made from sustainable materials, you can feel at peace knowing you’re contributing to the well being of the planet.
Curb the clutter, or as much clutter as you can. Instead of displaying all your artwork at once, consider a stash closet and rotate seasonally. The biggest enemy to Zen tranquility is electronics. No phones at the dining table! To protect your sleep, getting tv out of the bedroom is especially important.
While most people think of their bedroom as their escape space, I always head to the bathroom to channel a little Zen. Our shower stall has two showerheads. Sometimes I turn on both. There’s also a deep freestanding tub if what’s called for is a good soak. Thanks to a well-thought arrangement of light sources, I can bathe in a tranquil low light. I also have an array of candles — beeswax only — no paraffins or synthetic scents — to further adjust the lighting. I’m mindful to blow out the candles before I leave the room. Nothing is more Zen-shattering than a visit from the fire department.
Do I meditate? I do, indeed. I am, in fact, a certified Reiki Master. Achieving inner calm, even momentarily, is a real challenge in our crazy busy lives. But I also know there’s a HomeSquare professional (and maybe a consultation with a Reiki Master) who can help you achieve your dreams.
Namaste, baby. Peace.
Eve Marx
Eve Marx is a national journalist and book author. Follow her reflections on home design and interior style on Instagram at the hashtag #funkybeachhouseseasideror.