Setting Up a Relaxation Corner at Home

Most people dream of having a room, or even a corner of their home dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Everyone has their own idea of what relaxation means, as well as what makes them feel zen. No need to live in a mansion to have your place to get away from it all! RenoQuotes.com has a few tips on how to set up a renovation corner at home.

Setting up a relaxation corner at home

A good starting point of this project is to figure out what helps you wind down during periods of stress. There isn't a single solution that works for everyone. Some enjoy reading, others like to take a warm bath. Some are able to clear their thoughts through meditation while others need to move a bit more with activities like yoga. When it comes to relaxation, the possibilities are endless. Think of places that inspire you to wind down such as the gym, spa, yoga studio and so forth. 

Before you start making plans for your relaxation corner

Once you've decided on the type of environment you want to create, you'll have to determine how much space you have and what layout you'd like to go for. Where will your relaxation corner be located? basement? attic? garage? 

There are ways to make it work in any part of your home. Start by making sure that this particular area can be easily adapted, especially if your new decor requires extra plumbing or electricity.

If you want to install heavy appliances, such as a treadmill or a hot tub, be certain to check that your floor is strong enough to sustain the extra weight (Hot tubs weigh approx. 3000 pounds without counting the extra weight added when people climb into it). 

Another point we should draw attention to is that hot tubs, baths and fountains create humidity. Thus, you'll need to check that the area is well-ventilated otherwise you might have problems with mould.

When in doubt about the feasibility of such a project, contact an expert.

Why a relaxation corner is a worthy investment

For many, a home is a place where you rest your head at the end of the day. But for others, the home may still be a busy place with lots of tasks to stay on top of. Therefore, carving out a sanctuary in the home is an excellent way to offer some dedicated time and space to relax. Many may believe that leisure time is frivolous, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s important to take some much-needed downtime to be present and productive during times when that energy is needed. 

Work with the right colours

Use a cohesive colour palette to highlight the space you’re working in, even if it happens to be a corner of a room. Since we’re talking about relaxation, we’d suggest working with cool, neutral tones such as light blues, soft greys, lavender and whites. Of course, make sure to choose a palette that speaks to you while setting your mind at ease. 

A standout piece or two

Depending on what your relaxation corner is used for, you’ll want to have a piece of furniture or other decor items that let people know this is a space for chilling out and taking it slow. If you’ve carved out this corner for relaxation alone, this could be a pile of cushions, a simple armchair or a chaise lounge for resting. When choosing fabrics and materials, think comfortable, cozy, and soft.

If you’ve chosen to create this space for yoga, mediation or downtempo workouts, the standout piece may be personalized with healing crystals, a singing bowl or a piece of artwork that centers your mind. Of course, you want to avoid too many competing things, so do try and keep it minimal and focused.

Set the mood

Lighting, sound and scent are all important factors when it comes to relaxation, so these aspects must be considered when designing your space. When it comes to lighting, think low and soft while still offering enough light to see or read without hurting your eyes. We’d recommend staying away from blue light and instead of looking for soft, orange light. A salt lamp is an excellent addition for relaxing.

Another aspect you’ll want to consider is noise levels. If you’re living in a city, you may be dealing with a great deal of urban noise bleeding into your home. If this is the case, consider setting up a small sound system that’ll allow you to connect your phone. Here, you could play soothing music or even white noise, which will work to drown out any distractions.

In the last few years, small scent diffusers have grown in popularity. These little devices allow you to put your favourite essential oils in water and diffuse the scent into your home. If you’re going for that spa feel, consider this addition. Luckily, they offer a tiny piece of luxury at a fair price point.

Working with a bigger budget

As you've discovered by now, relaxation corners convey warmth and luxury. However, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune setting up your own space. 

If you choose to install a spa-like feature or jacuzzi, you'll need to carve out more time and attention for this project. Not only that, but you'll need a larger budget than the projects we've accounted for above.  

Here are some options if you're working with a bigger budget:

• Build your sauna. Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of using the sauna, but it will also add value to your home if you should decide to sell it.

• A gas-powered fireplace makes for a nice addition to a reading nook.

• Create your gym at home! Exercise can be one of the best ways to relax. In building your gym at home, you will save monthly costs and time spent commuting from one place to another. Start with a mat, some free weights, a stabilizing ball, a horizontal bench. later, consider adding a treadmill or stationary bike.