When observing many of my clients’ active lives in juggling work and family, I often suggest creating a parent’s retreat within their homes. But unfortunately, most parents put their children’s needs and comforts before their own, which is laudable. Whether shuttling them to and from school or cheering them on through their extracurricular activities, little time is left for yourself to recharge and reflect.
Creating Your Own Space
You may believe that there isn’t a place to call your own, where you can go to unwind and relax, within your home. However, identifying this area within your household need not be as challenging as you may imagine.
I often see staged spaces that the family does not use while touring clients’ homes. These spaces can be a small room found right off the foyer, a guest room that may seldom host visitors, or the storage room on the terrace level, which can be easily purged of its contents. Even an abandoned screen porch can make the ideal location for your private retreat.
Be a little selfish in creating this “off-limits” space for yourself.
Make Your Space Personal
Once you have selected the space within your home to call your own, be sure to make it personal by selecting furnishing and accents that you alone choose. A warm natural color pallet and soothing, comfortable textures in your private retreat will afford you the luxury of clearing your mind and refreshing your spirit in a relaxing environment.
Be a little selfish in creating this “off-limits” space for yourself. Surround yourself with only things that bring you comfort and make you happy. Find the perfect chair, chaise, or sofa — one that allows you to collapse into it free from guilt with a favorite book. Choose lighting that can be dimmed and even include a sound element that can be volume controlled. A posh rug is encouraged, as it will be welcoming under your bare feet. These features will be sure to envelop your state of decompression.
Bring The Outdoors In, When Possible
If you have the opportunity to enjoy an open view of your outdoor landscape, be sure to use it. Doing so will only add to the tranquility of your space. A soothing water feature is a nice touch that you can easily accomplish with a cascading wall fountain or dish garden. Or, think of other ways to bring the outdoors inside.
In closing, know that taking care of yourself allows you to facilitate your entire family’s needs better, so go ahead and build your “empty nest” before the fledglings fly!
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