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How To Turn Your Home Into A Personal Retreat

With summer on the way, our thoughts often turn to vacation. When you travel, do you return with a desire to bring the vacation vibe home? Often it’s all too easy to get back into the swing of things, and we forget about those carefree days of relaxation and rejuvenation. What if we made a commitment to infuse our homes with reminders of restful days? What if home were not just a haven, but also a personal retreat that surrounded us with soothing vignettes, as well as special touches that restored our energy and sparked creativity? Read on for helpful tips and suggestions…

Start with the Outdoors

When you imagine a personal retreat of your own, does it involve an outdoor lounging spot? Create your own restful nook on a patio, balcony or porch with the help of butterfly chairs. [from Lonny]

Butterfly chairs on a relaxing deck

Using plants to help establish an inviting tone as you enter your home can make a big difference, setting the stage for restful moments of contemplation. Tropical greenery can’t help but evoke a laid-back approach to life. [from Lonny]

Inviting tropical exterior

If you live in a part of the world where tropical plants don’t thrive, keep in mind that any thoughtful arrangement of plants (including potted ones) can help you create your very own secret garden at home. [from Lonny]

Greenery and french doors

This pergola curtain DIY from A Beautiful Mess reminds us that a little bit of privacy and shelter from the sun can create a resort-style feel in your own backyard.

Outdoor pergola with curtains

No matter where you live, there’s bound to be a peak season–that time of the year (or two) when spending time outside is comfortable and rejuvenating. Create an outdoor dining space where you can enjoy a nourishing meal in the fresh air. [from CB2]

Beautifully set outdoor table

Bringing the Outdoors In

One surefire way to create your own personal retreat at home: imagine your dream setting, then introduce elements of that place (real or imagined) into your home. For example, if you imagine a private outdoor spa, bring a few hints of the outdoors into your powder room, such as greenery and pebbles. [from Ketchum Photography via H3K Design]

Private outdoor spa

If a living area with a view lowers your blood pressure, surround your indoor seating with stunning artwork that creates an expansive feel. [from CB2]

Scenic outdoor patio

Do you wish you had an outdoor kitchen area for preparing food? [from West Elm]

Outdoor dining style

Try bringing the outdoors to your kitchen by embellishing your counters with fresh fruit and produce. [from Christy Allen Designs]

Light-filled kitchen with fresh greenery

By bringing the outdoors inside, you can enjoy a connection with nature on a daily basis, regardless of the temperature and the weather.

Your Own Private Spa

We’ve established the fact that a connection with nature helps create a personal retreat at home. Another strategy that fosters instant relaxation? Bringing spa style home. And there’s no better place to create a spa retreat than the powder room! Begin by adding some seating to your bathroom. Below we see the Barcelona Daybed by Mies van de Rohe. If you don’t have room for a large seating statement, try incorporating a vanity stool. [photography by Beth Singer via EuroCraft Interiors]

Crisp bathroom with ample greenery

A large tropical floral arrangement evokes the feel of a Hawaiian resort. Don’t be afraid of height and drama! [from Six Walls]

Tropical greenery in a contemporary bathroom

The powder room below reminds us of the calming effect of a beautiful view. While you may not have a verdant garden right outside the bathroom window, you can always add some visually apealing details, such as potted topiaries. Place them within view so you can enjoy them as you lounge in your tub! [from Nigel Lewis Design]

Bathroom with a view

Remember that clutter is the antithesis of relaxation. A counter covered in grooming products does not foster a sense of peace and calm. Create a space with a clean look that inspires an appreciation for uncluttered living and simple pleasures. [from Michael Hsu Office Of Architecture]

Clean-lined marble bathroom

A Resort-Style Bedroom

We end with a collection of bedrooms that inspire resort-style relaxation. For starters, tropical hues never fail to disappoint. The mismatched lamps below add another level of vibrancy. [from Lonny]

Beachy bedroom

What’s your favorite color? Why not paint your bedroom (or at least one accent wall) that very hue?! Don’t be afraid of rich tones, such as teal. Honoring your color preference will create a sense of happiness and decadence in your bedroom retreat. [from West Elm]

Inviting bedroom with teal walls

Don’t forget the importance of details such as mood lighting and comfy pillows. Both features personalize your sleeping space and help set a chill vibe. [from Custom Furniture World]

Mood lighting and comfy pillows set a relaxing tone

Are there images that help you set a relaxing tone? Why not select a new collection of artwork to help you on your journey of peaceful contemplation? Create a gallery wall featuring your very favorite pieces. [from Design Love Fest]

Gallery wall in a modern eclectic bedroom

We hope today’s post has armed you with a slew of ideas for making your home a personal retreat. Life is busy. Life presents its share of difficulties and challenges. Your home is a place for restoring, refreshing and regrouping. Make it count!

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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