Creating Space for Yourself

When you plan a space in your home as your personal refuge, first consider exactly what it is that you need.
~Are you a people-person who needs a space for entertaining friends?

~Are you a foodie who needs a kitchen with ample space to explore the culinary arts?

~Are you an avid reader who needs comfortable supportive seating and good task lighting?

~Do you prefer the garden and need a pretty outdoor room?

~Do you like to lounge in bed with luxurious bedding and pillows?

~Are movies your thing? Do you need a media room?
Once you decide what space to focus on, here are some items to consider including.

Cozy Seating... Think about how the furniture will be used. Do you need comfort and plush cushioning for lounging or a more structured seat for reading or watching movies or entertaining friends.

Collections... Surround yourself with things that are meaningful to you. Remember, collections are best displayed in groups and not scattered about. Smaller items can be framed and hung on the wall.

Favorite Colors... Colors should be carefully selected to convey the feeling you desire for your space. Soft blues and greens provide a spa-like feel while reds and oranges are more punchy and create excitement. Yellow is welcoming and friendly. If you love a color, use it in your favorite space. It will make you happy.

Bedding, Blankets, and Pillows... Indulge in quality fabrics. High thread count sheets, soft chenille, and down pillows and blankets all offer a feeling of luxuriousness.

Books... Even though there are lots of options for digital reading with Kindle, Nook and iPads, hardcover books with real paper pages make rooms feel warm and inviting. Bookcases filled with classics and beautiful large coffee table books are always in style. Surround yourself with stories you love.

Television & Movies... Media rooms can be set up with perfect sound systems and large screens and even velvet curtains to achieve a theater feel in your home.

Food & Wine... Stocking your kitchen with the basics is essential for cooking. Having space for more than one chef can be a great way to be with friends and family creating meals together. Wine tasting rooms and cellars can also provide a retreat for entertaining. Allow space outside the climate controlled wine room for your friends. Pub tables and bar stools are perfect. Too many warm bodies will affect the stored wine's temperature.

Plants & Flowers... Don't forget the importance of pots and planters when creating outdoor rooms. Seasonal flowers are easily maintained in pots and can add bursts of color to your garden. Look for containers that are just as beautiful as the plants they hold. Found objects can become planters; consider bicycles, tool boxes, rubber boots, baskets, old wooden chairs, iron gates and more.

Thoughtful consideration to include your favorite things makes all the difference in creating space for yourself.