My very first post. Hello World, let’s find a space to relax

My life is crazy. Sometimes good crazy, other times just crazy, crazy. I have learned that without the craziness, life could be calmer, but would be very boring. Still… I need an escape, as we all do, from my realities. I long for a peaceful retreat where I can hide from life, if just for only a brief moment.

I dream of having my own spacious spa to lend a respite from my daily stresses. I enter into the Retreat Room. Comfort surrounds me with soft music and quiet. There may be a sauna and a steam room too, but the Retreat Room is surely the real treat for my tired soul. I sink into the comfy seating sipping fresh water with orange while nipping white chocolate and grapes. I wake from this dream longing to bring that restful spa feeling into my own humble abode.

With a little thought and paint we can all make our own space to find comfort and peace away from the world outside.

In order to achieve your own Retreat Room here are some interior design tips:

• First decide which room you would like to make your own (or at least be able to lock the door and call it your own for a few moments rest). It could be your bedroom, bathroom, or walk-in closet. You might choose your home office.

• Color is important. In order to find peace you want to keep with colors from nature in soft tones. Colors can be mixed. Such as, you might want one accent wall in a green with the others in blue. You can upholster in a soft pattern with a couple of colors. Or you can do an area rug with a wave pattern in different blues and greens. Remember nature and keeping things simple, soft and relaxing, like lying down in the fresh grass of a meadow or sailing on a smooth sea.

Brown represents earth and is grounding. Wood floors, natural wood cabinets and furnishings. Trim can be painted with soft browns.

Green represents growth, new and restored life. You can paint walls in soft green. You can have green in your area rug or carpet.

Blue represents sky, water and is cleansing, fresh and calming. Walls and ceilings can be painted in blues. You can use blue in window treatments and have blue in your rug.

Yellow, Amber, and Orange represents sunshine and happiness. Use these colors as accents in art, and accessories such as candles and pillows.

• You now need a comfy place to sit and meditate. Depending on room restraints you might choose a chair and ottoman or a chaise lounge. Huge pillows on the floor that you can sink into can do the trick too. You might want to treat yourself to a massage chair (or a memory foam mattress if it is your bedroom).

• Wood blinds or bamboo shades on any windows will keep it simple and natural. You can also do a soft roman shade and/ or valance in blues or greens if you would like some color.Accent pieces are important.

• Fountains are wonderful. The peaceful sound will whisk you away from the outside world. There are fountains that can be hung on the wall as well as small table top fountains.

• Fireplaces create warmth and peace. There are now electric fireplaces that can be wall hung to take up minimal space.

• Artwork is an individual choice. Choose art that will inspire and relax you. It should bring you to a peaceful place.

• Other accent items would be pillows, window valances, candles, towels in a bathroom, or coverings for a bed.

• A relaxing scent is very important to top off your private retreat. Make sure it is one that brings you peace and serenity. Lavender is known to be relaxing. Cinnamon is very comforting. You can use diffusers or candles. This will become your own scent. When it envelopes you it should instantly relax your being.

• Tranquil music and sounds are a great way to relax your mind.

You can pick and choose these design tips. With just some new paint and changing carpeting or an area rug you will be on your way to a relaxing environment. Table top fountains are affordable.  Do not forget the relaxing scent. For an additional treat give yourself a facial and invest in a back massager with heat.

Now it is time to relax. Step into your special place. Lock the door. Take in the scents of the peaceful surroundings, sink into your cushion, listen to the soft fountain and quiet music, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace, and let the outside world disappear.

Personally, I have made my little water closet into my own oasis; my antique claw foot bathtub filled with bubbles, scented candles glow and soft music turned up to drown out life outside of my retreat.Give yourself the gift of this very moment. You never know what will be in the next moment to come. Never be afraid to dance!