Why You Need Spaces in Your Home for Downtime and Healing

In the wake of stress or loss, your home takes on even more significance. It becomes like a stabilizer in your life, housing the things that are most important to you and supporting your much needed self-care. And this is why you need spaces in your home for downtime and healing.

 

When I faced the profound grief of losing my husband of 25 years, my home became a place of healing. The spaces within my home – each with its unique beauty and purpose – became the backdrop for my journey through healing.

The Living Room

The living or family is probably the best place in the house for downtime and healing. After Jim died, my living room with its vaulted barrel ceiling and floor to ceiling windows was one of the more peaceful places in my home.

I think this was the place where it really became clear to me as a professional designer, just how much a calm and familiar environment matters. In this case, the light filled room with things we collected together and views of the mature plantings outside me deep feelings of wellbeing, even during the most difficult time of my life.

The living room is where I could sit back, let go of the day’s stress, and feel a connection to better times.

For anyone going through stress or illness, having a place like this is so important. It’s a place where you can escape the chaos of the outside world and find a moment of peace. It’s where you can recharge, surrounded by things that bring you comfort, whether that’s photos, books, or just a favorite armchair.

And it’s not just about emotional rest—it’s about physical rest too. A good living room invites you to relax, to take a nap, or to just sit and reflect.

Soothing Things for Your Living Room

Comfortable seating

Potted plants

Cushy throw pillows

Textured throw blankets

Lots of hard bound books

Baskets for magazines and newspapers

Table and floor lamps for reading

The Kitchen

The kitchen is rightly referred to as the heart of the home, because it plays a pivotal role in how you take care of yourself. For me it was a big part of the healing process.

It was and still is the most important place in the home for healing and nourishment. I have a huge salad and freshly made green juice every day.

The act of juicing and preparing healthy salads in itself was a way for me to move forward and show myself respect. It reminded me, and still does that even in the midst of sorrow, I need to take care of my whole self.

Having a place for juicing, several built in cutting boards and a really great refrigerator is integral to prepping and storing fresh produce. You don’t need a six-figure kitchen to practice healthy eating but you will definitely benefit from having a kitchen that’s attractive, clean, well-lit and functional.

Healthy Things for Your Kitchen

Juicer

Blender

Smart refrigerator

Great knives

Extra cutting boards

Plenty of counter space

The Bedroom

Sleep is a critical component of healing, and while a bedroom that’s warm and beautiful during day is great, at night its best kept dark and cool.

Room darkening window coverings keep out lights outside your windows. Keeping bedroom temperatures cool at night is also crucial to good quality sleep. An excellent, non-toxic mattress is important to comfort, contributes to a deeper sleep and won’t compromise your health with off gases.

After Jim died, sleep became even more important to me. I didn’t use sleep as a crutch. Never slept in super late. Didn’t take extensive naps. But sleep was a wonderful tool for me in the healing process. At 10:00 I laid my burdens down and slept a full 8 hours without sleep aids.

Things to Remember for Restful Bedrooms

Don’t use dramatic color schemes in your bedroom.

Warm or bright colors aren’t conducive to restful spaces in the home.

Do use pale, cool colors such as blues, greens and lavenders.

Things to Include in a Restful Bedroom

High quality sheets, comforter and duvet.

Two sizes of high-quality pillows: two large pillows with shams for sitting up in bed; and two small pillows with pillowcases for sleeping.

Headboard, also great for sitting up in bed, and for reading.

An electric blanket.

Nightstands and table lamps with on/off switches on cords for easy use from bed.

Throw blanket for your shoulders if needed.

A small flat screen.

A comfy armchair and ottoman.

A ceiling or quiet standing fan.

A small oil filled space heater.

A quiet air filtration machine.

White noise machines are popular tools currently, but I feel they lessen the quality of your sleep. I realize they’re helpful for light sleepers (which I’m clearly not) but I suggest that if you do use them, place them outside your bedroom door, not inside.

Lastly, designing a home with the primary and children’s bedrooms away from roads helps.

That’s it for today!

I hope you got so much from this week’s Joy of Nesting!

Getting Started Guide

And if you’d like more help creating a home that’s beautiful and supports your health and wellbeing, then check out my Holistic Home Virtual Design Packages!

At $197, it’s my comprehensive starter package that works wonders with the things you already have and love! 

When you home is unattractive and inefficient you feel disconnected, depressed and unmotivated. But a home that’s well designed enhances mood, creates efficiency and inspires a healthier lifestyle.

 

Get Started with a Free Download

 

 

To get started on a home where you feel healthy, happy and connected grab my complimentary design and wellness download, The Wellness Home, 5 Steps to a Beautiful, Restful Home for Women Who Value their Health and Wellness!

It’s the prettiest little book. It’s a quick read with super easy design solutions that help you lead a beautiful, healthier lifestyle at home, plus my 3-to-5 Things Framework that gives you step by step actions to get started and stay on track. 

That’s it for today. Thank you for stopping by!

Shiree’

PS – this year marks my 25^th year in business this year and that’s something to celebrate! We’re cooking up some great gifts for you and some special discounts on my signature courses and virtual services!

And if you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, check out my blog post, “Hiring an Interior Designer”.