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Creating a sanctuary within your home is more important than ever. Whether you want to unwind after a long day or improve your mental well-being, transforming your living space into a calming space and a sensory haven can provide much-needed solace. This approach, rooted in multisensory design, uses elements that engage the senses to enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote mindfulness.
Dr. Jane Nichols, Chair of the Interior Design Department at High Point University, introduced us to Assistant Professor Lisa Williams, who recently completed a research study on sensory design. “While some may believe that sensory design is intended primarily for individuals with particular sensitivities—such as those on the autism spectrum or those with Misophonia, which causes intense emotional reactions to specific sounds—this concept can actually benefit everyone.”
“From soft lighting to tactile surfaces and soothing sounds, a sensory sanctuary offers an escape from daily stressors while enhancing your home environment,” Williams explains. The idea of a sensory haven stems from the development of Multisensory Environments (MSEs), which are widely used in settings like hospitals, therapy rooms, and universities to help people manage stress and anxiety. These spaces are designed to balance sensory stimulation and tranquility, using carefully selected elements that engage sight, sound, touch, smell, and even proprioception (your sense of spatial orientation).
Bedrooms are particularly suited for incorporating these elements. A bedroom styled with transitional elegance may include faux silk drapes, rattan accents, and carved wood furniture. An area rug can anchor the space, while an organically shaped bench and a sizable mirror optimize the layout. Thoughtfully applied textures throughout create a tranquil and Zen atmosphere, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
“The items you surround yourself in your home can make you feel good. Do you feel good in your home? I focus on design that “feels good.” – Sandy Schuster, Rooms By Sandy
Creating a Calm-Down Corner
Creating a dedicated, calm-down corner within your home can be an effective way to manage stress and promote relaxation. This space serves as a retreat where individuals can go to decompress and regain their emotional balance.
Essential Elements of a Calm-Down Space
When designing a calm-down corner, consider incorporating elements that engage multiple senses. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing colors are essential. Items like stress balls, fidget toys, or weighted blankets provide tactile stimulation. A small sound machine or speaker for calming music can help create a peaceful auditory environment.
Adapting Calm Down Corners for Small Spaces
Even in smaller homes, it’s possible to create an effective calm-down space. Consider using a corner of a bedroom or living room or even repurposing a closet. Use room dividers or curtains to create a sense of privacy. Foldable furniture or wall-mounted options can help maximize space while still providing comfort.
Lighting is the Foundation
Moviegoers and TV viewers have long recognized the role lighting plays in establishing mood and influencing emotional response. There’s also solid science behind it. As noted in a Psychology Today article, “The neuroscience is clear: some colors and intensities of light create more suitable atmospheres for specific situations, while different settings promote various thoughts and behaviors.”
The variety of lighting discussed includes candlelight, which adds sensory pleasure. The lighting highlights the metallic wall covering and accents, while graceful hand-painted herons seem to fly across the ceiling, bringing nature’s tranquility indoors.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider how dimmable lighting can transform the mood in a room. “More dynamic lighting options, such as LED strips or fiber-optic lights, can enhance the sensory experience,” says William. “These choices allow you to adjust not only brightness but also colors and patterns, creating an interactive element that engages your sense of sight. Imagine a gentle glow of green or blue lights paired with natural sounds to create a forest-like atmosphere.”
Color Psychology in Calming Spaces
Choosing Neutral and Soothing Colors
Color selection plays a crucial role in creating a calming space. Neutral colors like soft whites, beiges, and light grays can create a serene backdrop. These hues provide a sense of spaciousness and tranquility, allowing other elements in the room to stand out without overwhelming the senses.
The Impact of Color on Mood
Colors have a profound effect on our emotions and state of mind. Soft blues and greens are often associated with calmness and nature, making them excellent choices for relaxing spaces. Lavender and pale pink can promote a sense of tranquility and comfort. It’s essential to choose colors that resonate personally with you and create the desired atmosphere in your sensory haven.
Fostering Calmness Through Interaction of the Senses
Sound, touch, and aromas can all be incorporated to enhance our sensory experiences.
Natural sounds, such as a waterfall or gentle rain, as well as various types of music, can significantly alter our mood. Williams, who holds an MFA in Interior Architecture from UNC-Greensboro, explained that sensory room users at the university had the option to select sounds that matched their emotional state. “At home, consider using a sound machine, a smart speaker, or even a tabletop fountain,” she suggests.
To appeal to the sense of touch, Williams recommends using soft, textured materials like velvet pillows, weighted blankets, stuffed animals, or even a hammock to create a tactile experience. Arrange cozy cushions to make inviting seating that encourages relaxation, allowing you to physically and mentally sink into comfort.
Aromatherapy is a well-established method for enhancing relaxation and reducing stress. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus blends can be used in diffusers to fill the room with calming fragrances. Williams notes that “the quick-change feature on modern diffusers, such as the one used at UNC-Greensboro, allows for easy switching between scents to match your mood or the time of day.”
The Role of Scent in Creating Calm
Aromatherapy Techniques
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in creating a calming environment. Essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or even natural elements like fresh flowers can introduce soothing scents into your space. Experiment with different aromas to find what works best for you.
Choosing Calming Scents
Certain scents are known for their calming properties. Lavender is widely recognized for its relaxing effects, while vanilla can create a sense of comfort and warmth. Citrus scents like lemon or orange can be uplifting and energizing, perfect for a morning routine or to combat afternoon fatigue.
“Ultimately, creating a sensory haven at home is about customizing the space to your preferences and needs,” Williams explains. “It’s a place where you have control over your surroundings. The goal is to transform an ordinary room into a personal oasis where you can escape, recharge, and find comfort.”
Calming Activities for Different Age Groups
Relaxation Techniques for Children
Incorporating age-appropriate calming activities can be beneficial for children. Simple breathing exercises, guided imagery, or gentle yoga poses can help children learn to manage their emotions. A study found that implementing a calm-down corner in a primary classroom led to a decrease in negative student behaviors. Additionally, students using a calm-down corner showed higher mean math growth compared to those who didn’t.
Adult-Friendly Calm Down Spaces
Adults can benefit from more sophisticated relaxation techniques in their calm-down spaces. Mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in quiet hobbies like knitting or coloring can be effective stress relievers. A recent study comparing virtual reality (VR) and physical calm rooms found no statistically significant difference in their effects on well-being, suggesting that both can be practical tools for relaxation.
Creating a sensory haven within your home is not just a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. By thoughtfully incorporating elements that engage all our senses, we can create spaces that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s a dedicated calm-down corner or a whole room transformed into a sensory sanctuary, these spaces provide a much-needed retreat from the demands of daily life.
Creating a calming space within your home is no longer just a luxury; it’s essential in today’s fast-paced world. Whether through soft lighting, soothing scents, tactile surfaces, or natural sounds, sensory design provides a personalized retreat that helps manage stress and improves well-being. From a dedicated calm-down corner to a complete sensory haven, these thoughtful spaces give you the tools to unwind, recharge, and find comfort in your everyday life.
Want Professional Help?
Ready to transform your home into the perfect sensory sanctuary? At Rooms By Sandy, we specialize in creating personalized spaces tailored to your unique preferences and needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation; let’s design a calming, stylish space where you can truly relax and thrive.