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Great Escape: 10 Ways to Create a Place to Hide at Home
As much as we all love our families, every now and then we need to withdraw and take a little me-time in your very own corner of your home
Modern life is busy and family life can be hectic. When it all gets too much, a good way to recharge the batteries is to find a quiet spot and rejuvenate. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a bath, a good book or a creative endeavour – a bit of peace and your own space will make you feel marvellous. And whatever you do, don’t feel guilty. You deserve it!
Here’s how to take an area in your house and make it your own.
Here’s how to take an area in your house and make it your own.
2. Spruce up your shed
If you really want to hide away, head to your own personalised outdoor cabin … a shed will do. Surrounded by a blue gum forest, this shed has a corrugated iron surround with exterior timber struts. The bifold doors open to a wide timber deck, turning a decent shed into a mini-palace. Cook the books, write, pot plants in peace –there’s no end to what you can do in there.
See more inspiring ways to convert your shed
If you really want to hide away, head to your own personalised outdoor cabin … a shed will do. Surrounded by a blue gum forest, this shed has a corrugated iron surround with exterior timber struts. The bifold doors open to a wide timber deck, turning a decent shed into a mini-palace. Cook the books, write, pot plants in peace –there’s no end to what you can do in there.
See more inspiring ways to convert your shed
3. Build in a cosy nook
Working on a deadline? This cosy nook offers a compact desk and a built-in day bed, making it a perfect place to work and play without distraction. While this is a much-loved children’s room, the contemporary style makes it suitable for any age.
Working on a deadline? This cosy nook offers a compact desk and a built-in day bed, making it a perfect place to work and play without distraction. While this is a much-loved children’s room, the contemporary style makes it suitable for any age.
4. Make your study yours
The sultry tones of this home office make it a perfect place to escape. The antler pendant light sets the tone, while the antique desk and leather office chair follows the masculine style. Choose a design that appeals to you and will define your space. That way, it will be as much a place to retreat to as it will be a great place to work from home.
The sultry tones of this home office make it a perfect place to escape. The antler pendant light sets the tone, while the antique desk and leather office chair follows the masculine style. Choose a design that appeals to you and will define your space. That way, it will be as much a place to retreat to as it will be a great place to work from home.
5. Own a dressing area
If you’re finding that the only time you have to yourself is that 10 minutes you allow yourself to pop on your make-up in the mornings, make that time precious. Bring in a chair and dressing table and stock it with jewellery, lotions and potions that will help you to feel pretty and pampered at the beginning of the day. Let the kids know that this is ‘me time’.
If you’re finding that the only time you have to yourself is that 10 minutes you allow yourself to pop on your make-up in the mornings, make that time precious. Bring in a chair and dressing table and stock it with jewellery, lotions and potions that will help you to feel pretty and pampered at the beginning of the day. Let the kids know that this is ‘me time’.
6. Create a resort-style retreat outdoors
A Bali-style space provides calmness and serenity to this Sydney home. A bamboo-inspired, laser-cut steel screen surrounded by tiger grass and mother-in-law’s tongue provide plenty of privacy in this indoor-outdoor zone. With hardwood timber flooring that continues from inside, the spacious sitting room boasts an outdoor fireplace, making it a blissful place to lounge around.
A Bali-style space provides calmness and serenity to this Sydney home. A bamboo-inspired, laser-cut steel screen surrounded by tiger grass and mother-in-law’s tongue provide plenty of privacy in this indoor-outdoor zone. With hardwood timber flooring that continues from inside, the spacious sitting room boasts an outdoor fireplace, making it a blissful place to lounge around.
7. Plan a designated private room
Here, an 1892 timber church was converted and extended into a revitalised home in Melbourne. While the charcoal and ivory colour palette provides a cosy feel, the large cathedral windows let in a good deal of light, making this hidden-away space a popular spot in the house. Adding a table and chairs creates a space for coffee with a friend, or a place to host those all-important ‘parents’ meetings’.
Here, an 1892 timber church was converted and extended into a revitalised home in Melbourne. While the charcoal and ivory colour palette provides a cosy feel, the large cathedral windows let in a good deal of light, making this hidden-away space a popular spot in the house. Adding a table and chairs creates a space for coffee with a friend, or a place to host those all-important ‘parents’ meetings’.
8. Fashion an appointed art space
For many creative types, the idea of having your own private art studio is hard to resist. While the resident had a penchant for wallpaper, she knew she couldn’t cover the walls of her rental property. Instead, she designed a huge wallpaper pinboard – ideal for displaying her sweet artworks. Two trestle tables were joined to make a functional workbench where she could design to her heart’s content.
For many creative types, the idea of having your own private art studio is hard to resist. While the resident had a penchant for wallpaper, she knew she couldn’t cover the walls of her rental property. Instead, she designed a huge wallpaper pinboard – ideal for displaying her sweet artworks. Two trestle tables were joined to make a functional workbench where she could design to her heart’s content.
9. Make your bathroom a sanctuary
In a busy household, it’s often hard to have some serious me-time – but as we all know, the only real escape is in the bath. Lock the door, draw the bath, add the oils and rejuvenate. BYO pillar candles, relaxing music, book and glass of wine. Pure bliss! Oh, and don’t forget the ‘do not disturb’ sign.
In a busy household, it’s often hard to have some serious me-time – but as we all know, the only real escape is in the bath. Lock the door, draw the bath, add the oils and rejuvenate. BYO pillar candles, relaxing music, book and glass of wine. Pure bliss! Oh, and don’t forget the ‘do not disturb’ sign.
10. Take over a bedroom corner
At one end of the bedroom, this restful sitting area is a perfect place to unwind. Based on an early 18th-century silk pattern, the Ringwold wallpaper from Farrow & Ball gives the room a light, feminine feel. The sisal rug and jute basket bring warmth to the space, while the antique chaise longue in burnt orange adds a brilliant colour burst. This comfy corner proves that you don’t need a spare room to create a place to get some peace and quiet.
SHOW US
Do you have a great escape? Share a high-resolution photo in the comments section and tell us why it works.
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At one end of the bedroom, this restful sitting area is a perfect place to unwind. Based on an early 18th-century silk pattern, the Ringwold wallpaper from Farrow & Ball gives the room a light, feminine feel. The sisal rug and jute basket bring warmth to the space, while the antique chaise longue in burnt orange adds a brilliant colour burst. This comfy corner proves that you don’t need a spare room to create a place to get some peace and quiet.
SHOW US
Do you have a great escape? Share a high-resolution photo in the comments section and tell us why it works.
MORE
Easy Tricks to Transform Your Home Into a Peaceful Sanctuary
Transform Your Guest Room Into a Relaxing Retreat
Staycation Style: Resort-Style Backyard Retreats
15 Backyard Escapes Purpose- Built for R&R
When you really want to escape from the crazy crowd (ie your family!), the attic is a perfect hideaway. While it’s tempting to use it as a private zone to luxuriate, it can also work as a place to get fit. Here, the attic was converted into a mini-gym and yoga studio.