bringing the essence of nature to your own home
to create spaces that support well being and inner peace
Patterns of biophilic design
nature in the space incorporates natural elements
natural analogues replicates natural shapes, patterns, colors and textures
nature of the space reproduces the layout of natural environments
The spaces in our homes are often defined by the activities that are important to us. How about a space to be?
Whether we talk about meditation room, yoga room or quiet-time room, we’re referring to a space dedicated to self care! To relax is to unwind, to meditate is to take actively care of your mental balance. Is it an essential for future living? We all need some time to slow down in order to preserve our wellbeing, emotional and mental health.
Make sure you schedule your quiet time and make it a daily habit.
Key feature for 'silent' interior design
For a meditation space to feel good, it has to feel like you, right? You can get truly comfortable when you’ve woven in pieces that have meaning to you.
comfortable
temperature - that feels warm and comfortable for you, warming blankets, sheepskins,
large cushions
air quality - fresh air, good smells using an organic essential oil in an aromatherapy
diffuser, great air circulation,
lighting - indirect lighting, natural light immediately enhances the mood, to keep the
room feeling cozy, however, you do want some sort of window treatments.
texture of fabrics - haptic is key that your body relaxes,
warm/cooling colors - choose your colors in the room to match your mood, features to
sit and to lie down for a constructive rest.
soothing
clean and clutter free space, create some empty space, neutral colors, natural textures and materials are particularly indicated to add tactile richness, a green wall, water has an incredible grounding effect on our brain, relaxing sounds are a primary importance (nature sounds, complete stillness, your favourite soothing music tracks);
Unplug and do not allow any technology into your natural space.
shielded from the rest of the space
Clearing the hustle and bustle of thoughts from the mind requires concentration.
So – just as a working space – a meditation / practice room also needs to be separated from the rest of the home. Ideally in a dedicated room, a meditation space can also be created in a corner of a calm room. In this case, a curtain or room divider will be enough of a separation.
A meditation space can be as simple as setting out a cushion (or more for your friends) in a favorite room of your home where you always feel peaceful. The whole point of meditation is to remove stress from your life, so don’t create extra stress by trying to perfect your meditation space.
ritual
Make scent a part of your ritual. Scent, particularly essential oils, assists relaxation, while burning sage or other herbs can help to cleanse the space.
The ritual of lighting a candle, rolling out the mat, or burning some sage or palo santo becomes the signifier that you are about to sit in stillness, and turn your attention inward. These small acts of preparing the space for meditation help to get your mind and body ready for the practice too.
Personalise your space with things that are beautiful to you. Use your intuition to inspire what makes it feel right for you. Could be a knee pad, a rose quartz, a photo, an eye pillow, a scarf, a card set, an artisanal blanket, your favorite collection of poem . . .
The biophilic quiet space
For cultivating a resilient heart, a calm mind and a centered body a regular practice is required. Before you start make sure to dedicate a place in your home to your home practice, a sacred space for your well-being. Uncluttered, fresh and welcoming. Inviting you to sit with yourself and whatever is. Giving yourself room to breathe. A cosy corner with plants, rugs and pillows, some good scent, and a comfortable seat.
Could be also on your balcony with your own 'plantarium'. If you have chosen an outdoor space, make sure the area is not too bright from sunlight during the time you wish to mediate. If possible, try to create a shade with an umbrella or a structure that allows you to hang sheer curtains. This will keep the sun from irritating your eyes and keeping your mind too awake.
Practice at least twice a day for shorter periods of time, rather than forcing yourself to sit long. 2x10 min. can take you far.
Where to start?
A big window is a great starting point for the design of a meditation room as it floods the space with natural light. The outdoor view should also be curated, highlighting a beautiful existing view or creating one that’s worth staring at during quiet time.
Take what you have learned here and start looking around your home. You just may be surprised at what room brings you the relaxing feeling you are looking for, and deserve. Open your body and home to the healing powers of meditation, body mind movement like yoga, intelligent rest and restoring your energy with yogic sleep. Taking time to dream is boosting your creativity and vision.
The most important thing is to show up for yourself!
