How to create a sanctuary at home

Home is where the heart is, and it goes without saying that it needs to be a place where you can truly kick back and relax. We spend more than 60 per cent of our waking hours at home and, since the pandemic, many of us have worked from home more too, so it is important to create a place that is a sanctuary and also somewhere to switch off from work. That is why designing your interior holistically to improve your wellbeing is key.

Interior designer Ruth Stolerman, who loves to incorporate aspects of holistic design into her clients’ homes, says, ‘Holistic design is about creating harmony and balance in your home and only filling it with the things that bring you joy and that will stand the test of time. I always start with what makes a client happy and that is in terms of the look and how they will use the space. I use holistic interior design as a starting point to really understand what a client wants from their home and how you can get the best out of it for them so they can really love where they live.’

A holistic interior will result in you enjoying your space and using your home in the most efficient way possible. ‘Whether it is a small flat or a big house, it is vital to use every inch of it to the best degree,’ says Ruth.

Maintaining your psychological wellbeing at home is a key factor of holistic interiors. ‘Life is now so fast paced and having a calm space when you get home, a space that reflects you and a space that you can decompress in, just couldn’t be more important,’ says Ruth. ‘We are understanding more and more about the importance of looking after our mental health and your home really can help you to do that, no matter what your budget. You don’t need to build a spa bathroom - even just having a plant to look at can lower your stress hormone cortisol and bring you some peace. Burn a scented candle or have a cup of tea in a mug that you adore - the little things all add up and make a huge difference to your wellbeing. Trying to make as many people happy in their homes as possible is really important.’

Colour is a core principle of holistic design. ‘Colour is key,’ says Ruth, ‘but different colours mean different things to different people. Red is associated with anger for some people while it means passion to others. Blue is soothing for some and cold for others.’ The colours you decorate with should revolve around what makes you happy. A soft, neutral palette will create a serene and calming backdrop but if you love colour and it brings you joy, indulge yourself. A colourful house can still be calm if you use your space well.

You can also create a cocooning environment with textiles that speak to you. ‘Bringing in fabrics with curtains, cushions and throws to soften the edges is really important,’ says Ruth. ‘Linens and natural fibres are very popular. You can also use luxurious velvets for a cocooning feel. And don’t be afraid to use clever velvets for their practicality. If you can combine materials that really can stand the test of time alongside the more eco-friendly natural materials like linens and cottons, you are onto a winner and they are good ways of softening a space.’

Decluttering definitely helps make your home a sanctuary. ‘Some of my clients have full and bountiful homes with pictures everywhere and others keep it quite minimal,’ says Ruth. ‘Both are fine as long as everything that is out makes you feel happy. If you feel that everything is building up and getting on top of you, then it is time to think what can go to the charity shop, be regifted or reused in a different way. If there is something that you don’t get joy from then give it to a charity shop because someone else might really treasure it.’

Flow of energy in a layout is an important consideration. ‘The more mindful way is not for everyone, but you should literally just view it as how you work in your space, how you move in your space and how you use your space in the best way for you,’ says Ruth. One functional way of changing the flow would be to add in a hallway, for example. ‘Clients of mine moved into a house where all of the original features had been stripped out. They reinstated the hallway that had been removed because they wanted to feel cosy in their living room and to be guided, again to do with the flow, past that cosy area through towards the kitchen.’

Open plan layouts allow flow but how you zone that space is important, which is why broken plan has become the new alternative. Different floor finishes, split levels, modular sofas, rugs, and partitions such as screens and bookcases can all be used to zone areas. Zoning is particularly important if you are working from home as you don’t want your office to be the main focus when you walk into a room or you will instantly be reminded about work. You need to be able to hide away work when you are not using the space. ‘It only takes seeing a stack of paperwork to bring you back to your to-do list and if you are trying to unwind then that is not the most productive thing,’ says Ruth. It is best if you can have a home office in your garden or in a separate room. An office in a large landing area can work too. ‘You could have a big beautiful kitchen storage cupboard and then behind that tuck away your desk area. There are lots of beautiful natural screens that you can use or position a big plant so that it blocks your view of the desk - just make sure that anything that is a to-do list is out of sight.'

An integral part of holistic interiors is natural elements. Obvious choices are wood and natural stone. Stone flooring, worktops, tiles and basins create a classic elegance. ‘Stone in a bathroom creates a sense of opulence as well as evoking a spa-like sanctuary feel. It is materials like this that will last forever and they are absolutely beautiful,’ says Ruth. Sustainability rather than following trends is the way forward. ‘It is about finding ways to use materials, like stone, that can stand the test of time.’  Stone furniture, such as tables are another way of introducing stone. Bringing in natural elements is incredibly important. ‘Studies show that if you have anything that reminds you of the outside world in your home, it reduces your stress levels on a very deep evolutionary level. It can be anything from a plant or using rattan or stone. The reason that we love archways so much and some people get a sense of peace when they see them is because it is a shape that is seen in nature and so many of these cues send your body into a relaxed state.’

In addition, carefully consider light. Natural light helps to maintain our natural circadian rhythm so embrace floor to ceiling glazed windows, especially those with views of the garden, and roof lights that allow in more light. Better still, throw open the windows whenever you can to allow fresh air in. But artificial lighting is key too. A sitting room will be at the heart of your sanctuary and the lighting in this room should be cosy and versatile. ‘Lighting is so important here,’ says Ruth. ‘Changing your light switches to dimmers makes such a huge difference. Include table lights and warm lighting, anything that will make you feel cosy.’

Shapes come into their own in this space, too. The organic forms of curved furniture are popular. ‘A large part of feng shui is that negative energy gets stored in corners and anything angular. Curves are more relaxing and that comes back to the arches. I do think that rounded pieces make things feel softer,’ says Ruth.

And, of course, your sanctuary needs to provide you with a bedroom that provides rest. ‘People are increasingly realising the importance of a good night’s sleep,’ says Ruth. ‘You can do a lot in terms of different filters on your screens and not using screens in bed, but people also don’t realise that the space that you are in when you go to sleep has an impact. My house is very colourful and bright and patterned everywhere apart from my bedroom - it is very neutral and it means my sleeping space is calm. Some people might decorate their bedroom with a lot of colour but make your sleep space calm for you. Finally, ensure it is tidy and clutter free as a messy environment can increase your stress levels.’