"Anything that soothes the body, calms the mind and speaks to the soul" – Nikki, esdesign
Nikki we have been asking Interior Designers about the phrase “my sanctuary”, what comes to mind when you think on this?
A place to feel safe, to retreat to, feel comfortable in, familiar and at peace.
What helps you relax and de-stress?
With a busy life full of work and young kids, my opportunities for this are few and far between, so for me it's very simple things like a cup of chai tea, a cosy blanket, and my headphones/good music to just mentally drift away to for a wee while!
What are some of your favourite ways to help clients create their own sanctuary space?
It varies as everyone's idea of a sanctuary is very different, but for some clients it means giving them good quality, sumptuous bed linen, for others it's specifying a rain head/dumper shower fitting for their new bathroom so they can completely immerse themselves and wash away the trials of the day, and for some it's an over-sized, comfy armchair that they can fold their legs up in to and get lost in a good book.
What design elements should a person look for when trying to create their own sanctuary space?
Anything that soothes the body, calms the mind and speaks to the soul - so that could be; soft, tactile fabrics in plain or subtle patterns, neutral colour palettes and natural materials - avoiding high contrast. Also clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, an element of greenery/nature, warmth - both literally in temperature as well as colour tone and layers of texture.
Furniture that is enveloping, inviting and comfortable. A space that allows them to shut out unwanted noise, and to include elements that engage all of the senses to help create comfort and familiarity, ie. the smell of chopped wood by the fire, the sounds of music (or utter silence if that's what you need!), the ability to sip a cuppa - or a whisky - or indulge in those chocolates, a view to watch the world go by for a time...
If money were no object, what is the one thing you would buy to help you relax and unwind? Or, where would you go?
The epitome of relaxation for me would be hunkering down in a cosy cottage somewhere remote, but breathtaking... maybe hidden in the hills of Switzerland!
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"When I think of relaxing, I think of light blue tones, plants and fluffy blankets. So, my sanctuary needs to have all the above" - Hannah, Interior Design Student
We spoke to Hannah, who is an up and coming designer, to get her views on creating sanctuary spaces.
Hannah tell us a little about yourself and why you love interior design
My name is Hannah Diane, and I’m an interior designer, studying at Unitec, Auckland. I love to create spaces that people look forward to coming home to. Spaces that feel like a reflection of the owner - incorporating their personality, lifestyle and personal style in all of the decision making. It’s the little things that really make a home feel good and function well.
What are 3 things you use to help create your own space to relax and de-stress in?
When I think of relaxing, I think of light blue tones, plants and fluffy blankets. So, my sanctuary needs to have all the above! Along with textural fabrics to touch and cosy up in.
I love being creative and using beautiful stationary, journals and drawing tools. My sanctuary is a place where I can let go and unwind after my day through writing and drawing.
Finally, a good view and light shining on the spot are bonuses! My sanctuary must be in the best part of the home, so I always want to go there. In my opinion, no one wants to go to a sanctuary if it’s in the coldest, darkest corner of their home.
What are some of your favourite ways to help clients create their own sanctuary?
We brainstorm their favourite colours, spaces and items, and how they’d like to use their space. We create a Pinterest board and narrow it down to rooms they love the look of. Then I create a mood board that shows materials and finishes that I think the client will love. After they’ve seen this and we’ve agreed to an overall feeling, I start creating the room of their dreams. If the client wants something included, such as a favourite painting or rug, I absolutely make that work for them.
What design elements should a person look for when trying to create their own sanctuary space?
They should consider what they love wearing and what they are usually drawn towards when they enter a room full of beautiful pieces.
Do they love moody, atmospheric rooms or light, airy rooms? Do they hate a particular design style or love a particular colour? Is there a colour that comes to mind when they think of the word ‘calm’?
If my client wears, white, blue and light grey quite a lot, then I would suggest we incorporate those colours into the space. People often surround themselves with things they love, and this includes their clothing choices. Someone who wears a lot of pattern and colour, will likely also love spaces that have pattern and colour!
I always look at the textures, colours, shapes and forms and incorporate these into a space in a myriad of ways.
If money were no object, what is the one thing you would buy to help you relax and unwind? Or, where would you go?
I would invest in a custom piece of artwork by a local designer! SomethingI will always admire when I walk into my sanctuary space. A timeless, unique piece that is not only a talking point but a reminder to me that I am worth it, and I deserve this gorgeous room and this gorgeous artwork. Everyone deserves to feel special and loved, and when you make your home a reflection of all the things you love, you are absolutely looking after yourself and loving yourself!
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