10 tips for zen zone at home—your own wellness space to unwind

The shifting world and a faster pace of life have created a desire for a dedicated spot at home that’s just for relaxation and calm. One rising trend is what’s often called a home wellness space—an area in your home devoted to well-being. For some, it’s a minimalist corner for meditation, yoga, or stretching; for others, it might be a cozy reading nook or a soothing bathroom.

Could you clear out and furnish a peaceful spot in your own home for those times you need a moment to yourself? It might be a storage room in the garage, an alcove, or a corner of the bedroom, ready to become an everyday luxury retreat.

1. Wood calms

This space provides a close-to-nature feeling, thanks to a large window and plentiful wooden surfaces. A calm atmosphere is enhanced by a minimal number of items: one painting, a ceramic piece, and a single houseplant are enough. This lounge area can host overnight guests, serve for workouts, or offer relaxation after a sauna. The bench is made of CLT panels, just like the rest of the house’s structure.

2. A warm hideaway

A recess at the end of the long living room invites a quiet break. The floor has a 120 cm (47”) wide mattress that serves as both a daybed and a guest bed. Yoga mats, bolsters, and singing bowls are beautifully displayed nearby. Next to the recess is another calming nook—a hanging chair where phones and laptops aren’t allowed. It’s simply for being still.

3. Luxurious moments in the attic

Is a warm bath your favorite way to relax? While renovating an old log cabin, the owners turned one end of the attic into a stunning home spa—after careful load-bearing checks. The small gable windows were replaced with larger ones to let in more natural light. This airy space needs little else beyond a large houseplant and a colorful rug.

4. Would you believe this is a garage?

Could you carve out a small yoga or meditation space in your garage—a place to retreat to? That’s exactly what Aurora and Joel did when building their house: instead of using the new garage storage area, they created a yoga studio. Aurora now teaches Pilates and yoga there. A soothing, earthy color palette in the blankets, bolsters, and yoga mats, plus small furnishings made from natural materials, makes the atmosphere welcoming. Soft candlelight and indirect ceiling lighting complement the lovely natural light.

5. A retreat in the sauna lounge

Sikke Sumari built a modern, minimalist living area in the sauna cabin on her island property, with a bed intended for resting and reading, as the family stays in nearby dwellings. “It’s wonderful to light the fireplace for atmosphere while reading and just sit there admiring the sea,” Sikke says. The decor features natural wood and linen textiles.

6. Transform the space

A wellness area doesn’t need a separate room: you can create it temporarily by moving furniture around, even in the living room. Add wheels to your coffee table and just roll it out of the way so you can stretch or lounge on a plush oriental rug. In this attic apartment, you can watch clouds drift by through the skylight.

7. Airy yoga

In this loft home, originally an old leather factory, residents love the Zen space. The original plank floor was left in place, and renovations leaned toward durable natural materials. They’ve removed all excess items: a yoga hammock, mats, a couple of pillows, and a few houseplants are enough.

8. Light and fresh air

Above an old boathouse in Åland, there’s an open space that has hosted everything from weddings to yoga retreats. The ambiance comes from the abundant light, wooden beams, and a ceiling open to the ridge. Curtains softly divide the area, while a few green branches instantly add life and a touch of nature.

9. A spot for everyday luxury

Not sure what to do with a child’s room after they move out or an idle community room in your building? Turn it into a wellness sanctuary. Start by clearing it out and painting or wallpapering the walls in calming tones. The simplest approach might be just adding a mirror and a couple of body-care essentials. Wooden wall bars and a medium-height wooden cabinet add both warmth and practical storage. Boråstapeter’s Serengeti wallpaper can help ease a busy mind.

10. A corner is enough

Could you clear a corner of your bedroom for yoga or quiet reflection? A dark graphite-gray tone on the walls and ceiling brings calm, offset by a pale birch-paneled wall. Custom-made wooden pegs hold your yoga mats neatly on the wall.

+ Draw inspiration from public spaces

Many yoga studios, spas, and wellness centers are designed as soothing environments, where colors, materials, and lighting enhance well-being. Gather interior design ideas from them for your own sanctuary at home. This yoga studio sits in the old foundry area of Karkkila [in Finnish].