How to Create a Blissfully Calm Space in Your Busy Home
Need a relaxed retreat? Take a look at these tips on setting up a chill-out zone in an open-plan (or any) home
Denise O'Connor
20 June 2017
Denise holds a degree in architecture from Richview School of Architecture in UCD. After graduating in Dublin she moved to London where she worked on residential, healthcare and office schemes including the award-winning headquarters for Holiday Extras for which she was project architect at Walker and Martin. In 2005 she returned to Dublin and set up architecture and interior design consultancy Optimise Design.
Denise is an architecture and interiors columnist for the Irish Times and a contributor for HOUZZ. She is also a regular contributor to various other publications and also gives lectures on a range of topics. She was a presenter for the first series of the RTE TV show ‘The Design Doctors’ and is the creator and name behind the successful paint collection for Dulux called Signature...
Denise holds a degree in architecture from Richview School of Architecture in UCD.... More
In recent years our homes have become sociable, open-plan places where people can interact while cooking, doing homework or other activities. However, open-plan has its drawbacks and many of us are now craving a refuge away from the hubbub of the household. If this sounds like you, don’t fret – there are ways to stay calm, cool and collected no matter what type of space you have.
Keep one room separate…
In the process of going open plan? Perhaps by adding a rear extension? If you are, consider keeping the front reception room separate to the new space at the rear. The separate room can act as a space away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, perhaps even an ‘adult-only’ space if you have kids.
In the process of going open plan? Perhaps by adding a rear extension? If you are, consider keeping the front reception room separate to the new space at the rear. The separate room can act as a space away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, perhaps even an ‘adult-only’ space if you have kids.
…or one area
If you’ve already taken the plunge and have that big, open-plan kitchen/living space you’ve always dreamed of but don’t have a separate room to take over as your own, not a problem. All you need to do is use a corner of your living space to create an area that will invite you to sink in, curl up and zone out. For the perfect spot to put your feet up, include a daybed. And put the TV away. Consider having a bespoke joinery piece made to allow you to conceal the TV when it’s not in use. A sliding panel or set of doors on the unit will mean that you can keep your TV out of sight and out of mind.
Find ideas for living rooms that don’t revolve around the TV
If you’ve already taken the plunge and have that big, open-plan kitchen/living space you’ve always dreamed of but don’t have a separate room to take over as your own, not a problem. All you need to do is use a corner of your living space to create an area that will invite you to sink in, curl up and zone out. For the perfect spot to put your feet up, include a daybed. And put the TV away. Consider having a bespoke joinery piece made to allow you to conceal the TV when it’s not in use. A sliding panel or set of doors on the unit will mean that you can keep your TV out of sight and out of mind.
Find ideas for living rooms that don’t revolve around the TV
Steal space from underused areas
Another option is to look around your home for an area whose potential is being ignored. Even a small space under the stairs might work as a calm zone. Here, bespoke shelving and built-in seating create an intimate reading nook below the staircase.
You can even apply this idea to an open-plan room – just place a chair (or chaise) in a corner, add a floor lamp and side table (for your cup of herbal tea), and, voila, you have a place to sit, read and unwind.
Another option is to look around your home for an area whose potential is being ignored. Even a small space under the stairs might work as a calm zone. Here, bespoke shelving and built-in seating create an intimate reading nook below the staircase.
You can even apply this idea to an open-plan room – just place a chair (or chaise) in a corner, add a floor lamp and side table (for your cup of herbal tea), and, voila, you have a place to sit, read and unwind.
Connect with nature
If it’s at all possible try positioning your calm space where it will have some connection with the outdoors. Nature has the power to calm, so being able to look out onto a garden, greenery or blue sky is pure Zen. The living space here is surrounded by glazing, but if you don’t have the luxury of a space like this, simply place your seating near a window to get the best possible view.
If it’s at all possible try positioning your calm space where it will have some connection with the outdoors. Nature has the power to calm, so being able to look out onto a garden, greenery or blue sky is pure Zen. The living space here is surrounded by glazing, but if you don’t have the luxury of a space like this, simply place your seating near a window to get the best possible view.
Consider colour
Wherever your calm zone or room is, colour can make or break it. For flexibility, you can keep the major elements in the room neutral and work in colour through accessories. This will allow you to easily change or tweak the scheme without going to too much expense. Not into white? Warm greys and sandy tones are particularly calming, as you can see in this tranquil living space.
Discover more calm colour schemes and how to recreate them at home
Wherever your calm zone or room is, colour can make or break it. For flexibility, you can keep the major elements in the room neutral and work in colour through accessories. This will allow you to easily change or tweak the scheme without going to too much expense. Not into white? Warm greys and sandy tones are particularly calming, as you can see in this tranquil living space.
Discover more calm colour schemes and how to recreate them at home
Don’t be afraid to go dark
Rich, dark shades can create a warm and cocooning environment that’s perfect for unwinding. In this room, a neutral grey sofa, brown leather chair and natural wooden table are teamed with dark blue walls and just a hint of yellow with the cushions (so you don’t get too relaxed).
Rich, dark shades can create a warm and cocooning environment that’s perfect for unwinding. In this room, a neutral grey sofa, brown leather chair and natural wooden table are teamed with dark blue walls and just a hint of yellow with the cushions (so you don’t get too relaxed).
Think about finishes
The materials you use in your calm space will play a big role in the atmosphere that you create. Achieving a laid-back vibe can be a challenge in a contemporary space, where finishes tend to be quite sleek. Here, the hard surfaces of the concrete floor and glazing are balanced with the more tactile timber panelling. The cushion and rug add another layer of softness and make the entire area feel more relaxed.
The materials you use in your calm space will play a big role in the atmosphere that you create. Achieving a laid-back vibe can be a challenge in a contemporary space, where finishes tend to be quite sleek. Here, the hard surfaces of the concrete floor and glazing are balanced with the more tactile timber panelling. The cushion and rug add another layer of softness and make the entire area feel more relaxed.
Choose warm light
Lighting is hugely important for setting a tranquil mood. And choice of bulbs is relevant, too. For instance, if you have LED lights it’s vital to go for the warm light bulbs rather than the colder white lights. The latter are truer to natural daylight, but they are not in any way relaxing, particularly in the evening when you are trying to wind down.
Add table lamps to your space to introduce layers of ambient lighting, and consider fitting a dimmer switch to a main pendant to make it even easier to tone down too much brightness.
Lighting is hugely important for setting a tranquil mood. And choice of bulbs is relevant, too. For instance, if you have LED lights it’s vital to go for the warm light bulbs rather than the colder white lights. The latter are truer to natural daylight, but they are not in any way relaxing, particularly in the evening when you are trying to wind down.
Add table lamps to your space to introduce layers of ambient lighting, and consider fitting a dimmer switch to a main pendant to make it even easier to tone down too much brightness.
Keep it clutter free
To ensure your space is as restful as it can be, you’ll need to keep it tidy! Make it easy to keep clutter at bay by designing your storage carefully. Decide what you need to hide away, and find storage to fit. You could either try a few freestanding options, or invest in some custom-made cabinetry. In this space, bespoke joinery provides plenty of concealed storage, which allows the room to be a blissful, clutter-free haven.
To ensure your space is as restful as it can be, you’ll need to keep it tidy! Make it easy to keep clutter at bay by designing your storage carefully. Decide what you need to hide away, and find storage to fit. You could either try a few freestanding options, or invest in some custom-made cabinetry. In this space, bespoke joinery provides plenty of concealed storage, which allows the room to be a blissful, clutter-free haven.
Put your stamp on it
For a room – or even a corner of a room – to be welcoming, cosy and calm, it’s important to bring your own personality into the space. Introduce artwork you love and that makes you feel relaxed, and pieces of furniture that have meaning to you. Here, the upholstery of the vintage chairs and footstool picks up the vibrant green in the artwork making the entire space feel all warm and inviting.
Have you created a calm space in your home that you love to escape to? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
For a room – or even a corner of a room – to be welcoming, cosy and calm, it’s important to bring your own personality into the space. Introduce artwork you love and that makes you feel relaxed, and pieces of furniture that have meaning to you. Here, the upholstery of the vintage chairs and footstool picks up the vibrant green in the artwork making the entire space feel all warm and inviting.
Have you created a calm space in your home that you love to escape to? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
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We have some great artworks that could help inspire tranquility and calm. Browse our Hygge at Home collection here.
Yes and yes to the above but I'd need much greater square footage in order to create a cosy nook! Instead I've created what I consider to be a cosy living space...