Art HouseContemporary Living Room, Sydney

Opt for a secluded spaceA huge house isn’t necessary to carve out a peaceful place, but ideally, the spot you pick will feature some degree of privacy.“Spaces that are away from the most heavily trafficked areas are best for meditation,” says designer Rob Esterley of Sacred Living interior design. “The whole idea is to know that the space is always ready to be enjoyed and that upon entering it, the energy shift occurs instantly.”That might mean identifying an upstairs bathroom as occasionally off-limits to kids or other family members with a lock and a ‘do not disturb’ sign, or it might just mean sectioning off a guest room with a folding screen or room divider. If your space is outdoors, that same sense of secluded shelter or protection can feel comforting. Kupper says she’s installed features like glass windbreaks for past clients who wanted a special outdoor space but needed an additional buffer against the elements.Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for a home that inspires calm

Layering soft furnishings by adding curtains to your windows is another effective noise-reduction method in open-plan spaces.9 Ideas for Softening Sound in Open-Plan Spaces

Avoid burnout with balancePlaying at achieving your dreams is dramatically different from putting in dedicated and consistent effort… but be sure to temper your hard work with some downtime and fun. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries.

A soft, filtered viewLosing yourself in a good book would be easy here, with its deep, cocooning colour scheme and tranquil water views.

ReadingIdeal: Losing yourself in a book is as good as escaping into another world and leaving your worries behind you. A beautiful spot in the sun is the ideal, particularly if it’s in your own spacious parents’ retreat, with a view.

Fill your cupLooking after yourself is necessary for a healthy home. You cannot function in a household if you are always running on empty. It is hard work running a household, raising children, and keeping a house neat and tidy. Nobody is ever going to tell you to take the weekend off, so you need to take the occasional one off for yourself. Go and have a massage, or if you’re a dad maybe visit a men’s shed. Head out for a walk on your own. Arrange a weekend away with friends, or organise a sitter so you and your partner, should you have one, can get away for some romance. It is not being selfish. Fill your cup, do it regularly, and do not feel bad about it. When you feel rejuvenated, rested, and relaxed you will be so happy to be back. Give them a chance to miss you, and yourself a chance to be revived.

9. Soften with textiles A dark, moody shade can sometimes harden a space, so soften things up with sheer, lightweight curtains that drape from celling to floor. Introducing luxe textiles such as velvet and wool also aid in making a dark room welcoming.