Have More Fun in Bed: Private & Tranquil Spaces in which to Thrive

For as long as we can remember, our homes have had public and private spaces to shelter and nurture us. As we endure months of the ongoing pandemic, our private rooms have become even more important for us as we rise each morning and thrive throughout our days. We’ve received more requests to create inspired interiors for living well: screen free tranquility rooms for meditation and contemplation, dedicated spaces with a greater focus on personal hobbies, game rooms, yoga and exercise, sit-in wine cellars, and cozy reading nooks to name a few.

Dane believes that one’s environment is key to our well-being - physical, mental, and spiritual. Surrounding ourselves with not only who we love, but what we love is essential at all times, especially now. 

Science and experience have taught us that sunlight and good lighting play an integral part in our wellness. Certain colors and palettes are more soothing than others. Whatever reduces our anxiety is a big plus in a largely stressful world. That’s why some of our clients have requested we create comfortable media-free zones for their families.

BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS

A visit to the spa isn’t so easy right now, but we can bring some of the spa-experience into our own homes. We’ve been working with clients on remodeling and upgrading bathrooms to provide more simple luxuries at home, whether adding a steam shower, light bath, or an updated soaking tub. 

Our bedrooms are without a doubt the most private of our living spaces - a sanctuary for intimate moments and restful sleep. When a good night’s sleep evades you, it’s time to address this critical element of your health. 

The design team recently experienced the Sleep Spa, a special Hästens mattress event. Is there a difference between mattresses? We know this to be evident. While the company offers at least a dozen different models, their Grand Vividus mattress is considered the “Birkin Bag” of beds. Their luxury brand is on par with Hermes due to the craftsmanship and materials used for each mattress: individually wrapped coils, cotton, wool, and high-quality horsehair in a patented, quilted structure. Merely describing a Hästens mattress doesn’t compare with actually lying in the bed. We highly recommend it!

And mattresses aren’t the only differentiating factor in making your bed feel special: linens, pillows, layered lighting, versatile window treatments, convenient switches, and functional night tables all contribute to our sense of comfort. 

When we settle into our spaces for rest, we expect them to be restful.  So how do we accomplish that? Dane and the team listen carefully to the needs and requests of clients and then use that to inform the design of the room. For some of our clients, deep rich colors provide the background that allows for a sense of rootedness and relaxation. For other clients, a calmer palette provides the visual rest that allows for surrender into peacefulness. 

TRANQUIL & SPECIALTY SPACES

Two recent projects have involved creating the kinds of specialty spaces to allow our clients to indulge in their passions, without having to share the room and constantly move equipment.

We’ve converted a three-season porch in Weston into a soothing meditation and yoga studio complete with hardwood floors, gossamer sheers, and warm lighting that our client can enjoy in solitude, with her family, or close friends. Views of nature cascade into the windows while comfy cushions, shoji screens, and discreet storage allow for privacy and for mats and blocks to be put away at the end of every session.

For a client in Northern Virginia, we were tasked with creating a special place for her to indulge in her passion for knitting. She humorously refers to this room as “Yarnia.”  When completed, the room will reflect her love for art, showcase her collection of yarns, and provide a fun place to knit one, pearl two.

ON-GOING LESSONS FROM THE PANDEMIC

What the pandemic has taught all of us is to appreciate the safe harbor of our homes. As we spend more time within our thoughtfully curated spaces, we are re-evaluating how to optimize the area we have for our public and private uses. Earlier this year, we journaled about the pivot to working from home along with a trend toward cooking and dining at home. In the coming months, our interior design team will continue to share insights about how we design for our clients to thrive in our ever evolving lifestyles. 

Photo credits: Sean Litchfield, Hastens, Tranquil space: Ryan Associates General Contractors