Guest Blogger: Decorating ideas: Your very own personal retreat in your home

Guest Blogger: Decorating ideas: Your very own personal retreat in your home

Do you miss the days when you were small enough to hide under the bed and play with your favorite toys and games even when no one was around to bother you or assign chores to you. That was your first private retreat and it can safely be assumed that the need to have a personal space, where you are the master and no one can disturb you is inherent in human since childhood.
The rules of the game might have changed since but the need to unwind and distress has only become stronger. The adult personal retreat does not need to be a place, no one can find them (as there can always be emergencies at home, specially with young children in the house), but having one in your house will be clear message to your partner and children that when you are there you should not be disturbed unless the earth stops moving or something like that. That is why men of a generation gone-by had studies in their house.
We discuss some common personal retreat ideas and how to decorate them further in the article.
For a Cozy Reading Retreat 
This is one of the most sought after option for a private retreat. Most adults, even some teenagers and college kids, wish for a quite place to read their favorite authors which does not feel like a library. While selecting a place, keep in mind that it is not an active area of the house, is not close to the TV, refrigerator, telephone or doorbell. Make sure to switch your mobile phone off or keep it on silent mode.
The right props can completely refresh you after the few hours you spend in your retreat. For a reading retreat, we suggest a window overlooking the garden or quite street, a comfortable and reclining chair with a footstool of appropriate height, a reading light, a small table to keep your munchies on and a diary or pen handy. If you like some soft music while reading, make sure to have your headphones (preferably wireless) around buzzing to some instrumental tunes.
Refreshing Dip
For many people, a bath is the easiest way to shake off the daily work grind, relax and get ready for home responsibilities and family work. Some take a quick shower when they get home; missing out on the incredible opportunities a bath has to offer. Just relax, add some dimmers to your bathroom lighting, light up some scented candles, play some soulful happy music or even sing your favorite song out loud. Keep a towel and some aromatic oils handy, even a glass of your choice of wine is a good idea. Keep some potted plants and stones in the bathroom for a natural feel.
If you have a large bathroom, you can even place a lounge chair in it. Go to it when you step out of the tub and you don’t have to go anywhere until you are ready to.
Active Retreat for Hobbies
This is a tricky one depending on your hobby, however in most cases the garage or a garden outhouse is an ideal location. If you like to play a musical instrument then it’s all right. Some shelves with your favorite records, a fine speaker, your instrument, some posters and a diary to take notes of your improvements or creations. You can even add a couple of comfortable seating cushions for your admirers.
If you like to spill your heart out on the canvas, then you need a wooden stand to hold the canvas, some plastic mat or a rug you don’t mind being covered in paint drops. A table of knee height to keep all your painting tools on a wall board to hold your rough sketches and inspirations, some sort of portable music player, focused and ambient lighting.
If you like to collect stuff, then depending on the nature of your collection you can choose a place in the house. If it is likely to attract a lot of attention and you like that, then keep it in the main living room or drawing room of the house. If it is of a more private nature maybe the bedroom or the hallway would be ideal.
Remember your personal retreat doesn’t have to be a small place hidden away in a corner of the house. It can be right in the center, but make sure the ambiance is conducive to your intentions. It won’t do to have a peaceful meditation section close to the family TV where your kids watch their favorite programs. It is crucial to identify the perfect place for your private retreat and think things through before you start decorating.

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About the author:  Amanda Kidd is a blogger and a hard core follower of green living. She always used to go green and also maintains her bedroom in quite an eco friendly manner. She frequently writes on green lifestyle and her latest article is on the use of eco friendly gadgets, a sustainable option.