Chill Out: 17 Ideas to Create More Relaxation Zones at Home
Here's all the inspiration you need to introduce more spaces into your home that invite you to sink in, plonk down, curl up and zone out
When designing our homes, it’s easy to think about the essential spaces we need: kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, living room and garden, but sometimes we can forget to factor in the room we need most: the room to relax. Obviously, we want our homes to feel relaxing overall, but it can pay to incorporate or create extra spaces, nooks, corners and retreats within and outside of our houses that truly invite us to escape from the stresses of work and family life and into our own little worlds for a while.
Whether it’s a comfy chair positioned next to a light-filled window or a poolside pavilion you’ll never want to leave, here’s some inspiration for those times when you really just need the perfect spot to rest your bottom, put your legs up, reach for that glass of wine and tranquillise.
Whether it’s a comfy chair positioned next to a light-filled window or a poolside pavilion you’ll never want to leave, here’s some inspiration for those times when you really just need the perfect spot to rest your bottom, put your legs up, reach for that glass of wine and tranquillise.
2. Install a family-size day bed
Go even bigger and create a day bed the length of the room for a really inviting space to retreat. Because of the size, it’s a great spot for the kids to hang out, too, and encourages everything from sitting to flopping to sleeping to playing games. Add an assortment of colourful and textured ottomans for even more choice as to where to rest your bottom.
Go even bigger and create a day bed the length of the room for a really inviting space to retreat. Because of the size, it’s a great spot for the kids to hang out, too, and encourages everything from sitting to flopping to sleeping to playing games. Add an assortment of colourful and textured ottomans for even more choice as to where to rest your bottom.
3. Add a chaise longue
You don’t need to go the whole hog and have a custom day bed made when you could achieve a similar effect simply by adding a chaise longue below an otherwise unused window area. By adding elements, such as a stylish floor lamp, side table complete with a plant as well as a cosy throw rug, you are helping to turn the area into a dedicated space of its own just begging you to lay down for a while.
You don’t need to go the whole hog and have a custom day bed made when you could achieve a similar effect simply by adding a chaise longue below an otherwise unused window area. By adding elements, such as a stylish floor lamp, side table complete with a plant as well as a cosy throw rug, you are helping to turn the area into a dedicated space of its own just begging you to lay down for a while.
4. Find an enchanted spot
Often, creating the perfect relaxation spot doesn’t come from big renovations and costly furniture – you just need to keep your eyes open for a location in or around your home with the right feel. If you have a big garden, take a wander and you’re sure to find a space with an overwhelmingly ‘Zen’ and tranquil feel. And then all that’s required is a simple wooden bench on which to sit and contemplate.
Often, creating the perfect relaxation spot doesn’t come from big renovations and costly furniture – you just need to keep your eyes open for a location in or around your home with the right feel. If you have a big garden, take a wander and you’re sure to find a space with an overwhelmingly ‘Zen’ and tranquil feel. And then all that’s required is a simple wooden bench on which to sit and contemplate.
5. Create a reading nook
The same principle works inside, too. All you need is a little alcove that gets some lovely light coming through, then add one beautiful and comfortable chair, and perhaps a side table, and voila! Instant cosy reading nook.
The same principle works inside, too. All you need is a little alcove that gets some lovely light coming through, then add one beautiful and comfortable chair, and perhaps a side table, and voila! Instant cosy reading nook.
If the space is more open, add an artwork and a console with a few decorative items to really give the area a more defined presence.
6. Make the most of the view
A few comfy chairs (including a rocker, of course) and an ottoman for those weary legs is all you need when the view is as inviting as this. Don’t forget some rugs for that extra dose of warmth and comfort underfoot, and a side table for a glass of wine or afternoon brew.
A few comfy chairs (including a rocker, of course) and an ottoman for those weary legs is all you need when the view is as inviting as this. Don’t forget some rugs for that extra dose of warmth and comfort underfoot, and a side table for a glass of wine or afternoon brew.
7. Create a TV-free zone
Most living rooms are comfy enough, but they generally all feature a TV (and sometimes even a computer). Which, yes, can be good for relaxation, but if you have the luxury of space, try creating a room without a TV (and no other electronics allowed) to encourage device-free unwinding. You might be surprised at how much more relaxed you feel with a few afternoons spent knitting, board-game playing, reading or simply contemplating rather than mesmerised by the TV, mobile, computer or iPad.
Most living rooms are comfy enough, but they generally all feature a TV (and sometimes even a computer). Which, yes, can be good for relaxation, but if you have the luxury of space, try creating a room without a TV (and no other electronics allowed) to encourage device-free unwinding. You might be surprised at how much more relaxed you feel with a few afternoons spent knitting, board-game playing, reading or simply contemplating rather than mesmerised by the TV, mobile, computer or iPad.
8. Add a library
One step on from the previous idea is to add floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to your TV-free area. A bookworm’s nirvana…
More: Dream Spaces: Your Very Own Home Library
One step on from the previous idea is to add floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to your TV-free area. A bookworm’s nirvana…
More: Dream Spaces: Your Very Own Home Library
9. Sleep under the stars
There’s the indoor day bed and then there’s this king-size haven that invites lazy afternoon snoozes and even late evening stargazing when the weather is warm enough. It’s a simple design, so the base could quite easily be custom made to fit on your existing deck area. And then all you need is some foam cut to size and then covered in the material of your choice.
There’s the indoor day bed and then there’s this king-size haven that invites lazy afternoon snoozes and even late evening stargazing when the weather is warm enough. It’s a simple design, so the base could quite easily be custom made to fit on your existing deck area. And then all you need is some foam cut to size and then covered in the material of your choice.
10. Build an all-season pavilion
This enclosed pavilion can be enjoyed all year round. Open the doors in summer and lose yourself in that hammock or outdoor deck area. And, in winter, close the doors, crank up the fire, and recline in one of those comfy chairs with a warming drink close at hand.
This enclosed pavilion can be enjoyed all year round. Open the doors in summer and lose yourself in that hammock or outdoor deck area. And, in winter, close the doors, crank up the fire, and recline in one of those comfy chairs with a warming drink close at hand.
11. Convert an awkward, unused space
This strange space under the stairs could have been left empty, but instead, by adding a custom-made day bed and installing a light and a small window that perfectly frames the tree in the background, it has become a space you’d seek out for some cosy solitude.
This strange space under the stairs could have been left empty, but instead, by adding a custom-made day bed and installing a light and a small window that perfectly frames the tree in the background, it has become a space you’d seek out for some cosy solitude.
12. Swing between the trees
This one requires no renovating and no expense other than the cost of a hammock. If you have a couple of beautiful big trees in your yard, make use of what nature has given you and hoist a hammock this summer. Try to position it where you’ll get a reasonable amount of shade or you’ll be too uncomfortable to really enjoy it, and don’t forget some cushions and a small table for your drink of choice. Oh, and a good book.
This one requires no renovating and no expense other than the cost of a hammock. If you have a couple of beautiful big trees in your yard, make use of what nature has given you and hoist a hammock this summer. Try to position it where you’ll get a reasonable amount of shade or you’ll be too uncomfortable to really enjoy it, and don’t forget some cushions and a small table for your drink of choice. Oh, and a good book.
13. …or by the stairs
Who said hammocks were for outdoor use only? If you have the space, why not consider hanging one inside? At least that way you never have to worry about sunburn and mosquitos.
Who said hammocks were for outdoor use only? If you have the space, why not consider hanging one inside? At least that way you never have to worry about sunburn and mosquitos.
14. Have a holiday at home
Just because you don’t live in a five-star resort doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of their ideas to your own backyard. Invest in a couple of really beautiful and comfortable lounge chairs and add stylish cushions and rolled up towels for that added splash of resort-style luxury. An umbrella is a must – if it’s too hot and you end up baking, you won’t feel relaxed after all.
More: Staycation: Resort-Style Backyard Retreats
Just because you don’t live in a five-star resort doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of their ideas to your own backyard. Invest in a couple of really beautiful and comfortable lounge chairs and add stylish cushions and rolled up towels for that added splash of resort-style luxury. An umbrella is a must – if it’s too hot and you end up baking, you won’t feel relaxed after all.
More: Staycation: Resort-Style Backyard Retreats
15. Create a five-star pool area
Go the whole hog and create a pool pavilion complete with day bed, cushions and maybe some privacy/shade curtains. But be warned: you may never leave!
More: Plan a Poolside Paradise Worth Hanging Out in All Summer
Go the whole hog and create a pool pavilion complete with day bed, cushions and maybe some privacy/shade curtains. But be warned: you may never leave!
More: Plan a Poolside Paradise Worth Hanging Out in All Summer
16. Go casual (and moveable)
At the other end of the spectrum, but equally as relaxing, bean bags have come ahead in leaps and bounds since the floppy and lumpy old versions of decades ago. They’re now more moulded and, therefore, more comfortable, and they’re available in a range of fabrics and finishes. But they’re still just as portable, so if you tire of the sea view (or the clouds start to come over) you could bring them into the backyard, or beneath a covered deck area.
At the other end of the spectrum, but equally as relaxing, bean bags have come ahead in leaps and bounds since the floppy and lumpy old versions of decades ago. They’re now more moulded and, therefore, more comfortable, and they’re available in a range of fabrics and finishes. But they’re still just as portable, so if you tire of the sea view (or the clouds start to come over) you could bring them into the backyard, or beneath a covered deck area.
17. Create an outdoor living room
Long gone are the days of uncomfortable plastic and steel outdoor furniture. Now designs are often as stylish as the furniture you would choose for your interior. Invest in the best quality, most comfortable outdoor furniture you can afford to create a truly inviting space you are realistically likely to use. Then add a few finishing touches, such as a rug and side table, to make the space as inviting as an ordinary indoor living room would be. Utilising a range of different chair configurations, such as an individual armchair and three-seater sofa, also opens up the space to be used for a variety of different functions – whether you wish to relax over cake and tea with friends, or simply with a good book on your own.
More: Beautiful Ways to Furnish Your Verandah That Encourage It to Be Used
TELL US
Have you created dedicated relaxation spaces in and around your home? Have you been inspired by any of the above ideas? Tell us in the comments section.
MORE
Transform Your Guest Room Into a Relaxing Retreat
Bathroom Inspiration: 20 Utterly Spa-Style Inspirations
15 Things to Do on Lazy Sunday Afternoons at Home
Long gone are the days of uncomfortable plastic and steel outdoor furniture. Now designs are often as stylish as the furniture you would choose for your interior. Invest in the best quality, most comfortable outdoor furniture you can afford to create a truly inviting space you are realistically likely to use. Then add a few finishing touches, such as a rug and side table, to make the space as inviting as an ordinary indoor living room would be. Utilising a range of different chair configurations, such as an individual armchair and three-seater sofa, also opens up the space to be used for a variety of different functions – whether you wish to relax over cake and tea with friends, or simply with a good book on your own.
More: Beautiful Ways to Furnish Your Verandah That Encourage It to Be Used
TELL US
Have you created dedicated relaxation spaces in and around your home? Have you been inspired by any of the above ideas? Tell us in the comments section.
MORE
Transform Your Guest Room Into a Relaxing Retreat
Bathroom Inspiration: 20 Utterly Spa-Style Inspirations
15 Things to Do on Lazy Sunday Afternoons at Home
Look around your home and you may just discover that you have a large window just begging for a day bed to be custom-fitted and installed. Make sure to cosy it up with comfortable cushions and a throw rug for cooler mornings and afternoons.
Be inspired by more day beds