A home can be a personal sanctuary, but many areas of our home aren’t as conducive to relaxation as we’d like them to be. Designate an area to get away from everyday concerns, even if it’s small.

“More people are valuing private spaces and seeking comfort areas in which to unwind … due to increased stress,” says Kimberly Friedmutter, an interior designer and hypnotherapist in Las Vegas.

One of the key factors behind this trend of wanting to create personalized sanctuary spaces and unwinding niches is the growing acceptance of remote working and remote schooling, when kids are home more.

“Stay-at-home parents in particular feel overwhelmed and touched out after a long day of remote learning. A spouse who now works from home after previously enjoying a morning train ride feels this, too,” explains Taran Conwell, an Oak Lawn, Illinois-based blogger/owner of undomesticmom.com.

Creating a getaway space in your home doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you lack a spare bedroom or other spot where you can close the door. “The first step is to find a suitable space. One good area, for example, could be a corner of your master bedroom. The bedroom is typically only used when you get up or get ready for bed, so it can be a nice, quiet area,” suggests Marco Bizzley, an interior designer in San Francisco.

“I recommend putting special furniture in that spot to help you relax, including a seat that allows you to melt into it and stretch out,” says Bizzley. “You want to get rid of all the clutter in that area, perhaps paint it with cool, calm colors such as olive green or browns, place plants or flowers around the area to increase relaxation.”

In general, any low-traffic area that provides privacy can get the job done; for example, maybe it’s a large closet under the stairs that you can convert into a nesting niche.

“I like the proportion of feeling small and cozy in a space, so I use fabrics to warm walls and employ oversized lighting fixtures as well as large furniture in small spaces,” suggests Friedmutter. “Textured rugs can help set a calming mood, too.”

Keep in mind that your need to create a private getaway space can change or evolve over time, so opt for a room or area that can be flexed and reworked in the future. And avoid the impulse to overspend and overcommit your resources.

“Inexpensive paint is a simple way to spruce up this area without a lot of added cost. And an affordable room divider is the perfect way to get privacy without calling a contractor,” adds Conwell.

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