If the priority during the pandemic was making our homes safe havens where we could work, live and play, now the dominant theme is ensuring our continued physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

The term ‘wellness room’ might conjure images of an indulgent spa or silent meditation space, but it doesn’t have to be. Whatever grounds you – whatever allows you to breathe and to be present in the moment, can be the theme for a wellness room.

Wellness rooms take countless forms and configurations. Some of the ways you might choose to escape the pressures of daily life at home include:

MOVEMENT ROOM

When it comes to working out at home, think beyond a treadmill in the corner or a mat that gets unrolled on a patch of empty floor space. Whatever your preferred exercise, whether it’s kickboxing, weight training, Pilates or vinyasa yoga, you’re far more likely to train regularly if you have an appealing, dedicated room for it, where your equipment stands ready and waiting to be used.

SPA SPACE

Travelling to and from a massage, sauna or steam room inevitably impacts the serenity of the experience. But what if you could reap all the benefits without leaving home? Creating a room for well-being rituals at home provides a transition space, somewhere one can decompress from the workday, change gears, and prepare for quality family time.

SOUNDPROOFED ROOM

Whether you crave complete silence in order to be alone with your thoughts for a few minutes a day, or you want to dial up the volume on your favourite music without disturbing the rest of the household, a soundproofed room may be what you need. It’s an option that suits musicians who want to practice their instruments in blissful solitude or jetlagged travellers who need to catch up on sleep at odd hours.

READING ROOM

The hushed quiet of a library has an incredibly soothing effect on most of us, and curling up with a good book often feels like the ultimate indulgence. Yet it is easy to make space at home to do just that. Imagine running your finger along the spines of all those books you’ve been meaning to read, selecting one, sinking into a comfortable armchair, and escaping into an imaginary world for an hour or two.

CREATIVE ROOM

A large, empty tabletop is ripe with possibilities. Whether you crave the space to draw, paint or design, or you need somewhere to sit down and write, do a giant jigsaw puzzle, or indulge in a craft, a quiet room with a good-sized table may be one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself.

Your chosen activities are entirely up to you, but if the aim is indeed to boost wellbeing, there are certain principles common to all. A quiet space, away from the commotion of family life, with plenty of natural light, should be your starting point.

This room should represent an escape from one’s daily stresses and strains, and the key to that is keeping technology out of this room: no phones, tablets, computers and TVs.

The connection between nature and wellbeing is well documented, so incorporating plants and organic materials – wood, stone, leather, wicker and more – will ensure an earthy, grounding space.

Beyond that, a wellness room should be aesthetically pleasing. Decorate it in colours that are restful and conducive to slowing down, and ensure it’s a calm space by keeping it clutter-free.

Beauty has an immensely powerful effect on us. If your wellness room doesn’t look out on a gorgeous garden or seascape, then introduce beauty in objects that speak to you, whether fine crafts, inspiring artwork, or vases with fresh flowers.

Ultimately, a wellness room should be a space that restores and nourishes you, so fill it with the colours, textures and activities that resonate with you. Then, step in, close the door...and exhale.