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Recharge your mind and soul.

WORDS SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN DUCHARS

Representing a place where we can take the time to tune out, rest and reset, a retreat is a chance for us to fulfil our sensory and psychological needs via thoughtful touchpoints.

Whether a distant destination in the back of beyond or a close-to-home haven just a step away from everyday life, no matter where a retreat is located it can bring a restorative sense of wellbeing with the aid of a few simple design ideas.

Using organic building and decorating materials can tie us holistically to the natural world and particularly to the local landscape. Eco-friendly and reclaimed finishes have charming irregularities that make them especially pleasing to the touch. When integrated into the look and feel of a space, these grounding features allow us to let go of stress and unwind for a moment or more.

Biophilic design presents many benefits to the psyche. A window on the wild, colours from the coast or countryside, houseplants and foraged finds all bring us closer to the natural world. Botanical elements establish a close connection to nature.

Make sure to consider all your senses. Create a space for sound indoors and out, perhaps the rustle of a cooling breeze, the gentle lapping of waves or the flow of running water. Natural scents from plants, candles and incense trigger memories and create a soothing or uplifting atmosphere as required. Frequently inexpensive, these small details are a wonderful way to set the scene. The best kind of retreat allows you to enjoy the experience from the moment you step inside, so think through all the essentials ahead of time. Make your retreat easy to maintain, clean and protect, and it will help you to slow down and press pause on our busy world.

BETTER LIVING

One of the best aspects of a retreat is the chance to try di erent activities or bring new habits into our everyday lives. These refreshing encounters are there to be enjoyed and can be the simplest of things: a lazy lie-in, a dawdled day, warming in the sun or a crisp nip outside. Or a retreat can be a safe haven away from routine, where hobbies are practised or friends are entertained. The benefits of having another place to explore our interests are life- and soul- enriching.

A retreat can be a safe haven away from routine, where hobbies are practised or friends are entertained. The benefits of having another place to explore our interests are life- and soul-enriching.”

LIGHTING AND HEATING

Providing su icient warmth and illumination allows us to enjoy a retreat at all hours and in every kind of weather, even if it calls for a little creative thinking to reduce our environmental footprint.

Being able to maximise the time you spend at your retreat is always an advantage, whether you go there seeking escape, to socialise or to pursue a hobby. Enough heat and light can make a big di erence to your overall experience, whatever the barometer brings. Being mindful of greener energy options can also keep power usage down, along with the associated costs, and will give you the satisfaction of making a more sustainable choice.

Smaller spaces don’t take much energy to heat and light, but insulation should be embraced to make resources go further. Suitable natural materials include wool, straw and paper. Extra protection can come from heavy fabrics and tapestries on walls and curtains for windows and doors. In the warmer months, good insulation will also keep your space cool and prevent overheating without the need for costly air conditioning. Thicker walls, shaded southerly windows and limited expanses of north-facing glazing will moderate extreme seasonal temperatures.

When decorating your space, be aware that darker colours absorb warmth and light while lighter ones reflect them. Glossy surfaces such as polished tiles, mirrors, metal and lacquered wood will also bounce light around the room and can make it appear larger.

For e icient, eco-friendly lighting, your best option may be LED bulbs, especially if solar-powered. Choose task lighting instead of overhead light fittings to reduce the amount of bulb use, and on relaxing evenings, candlelight rather than ambient light is both eco-friendly and atmospheric.

WARM WELCOME

One of the most important things to consider when creating a retreat is how to make it inviting and comfortable. Having a source of heat allows you to use your new space for longer. Warming oneself by a cosy fire triggers contentment and watching the flames is a relaxing experience. If fires are not permitted where you live, invest in radiators instead for a smoke-free solution.

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en-nz

2023-05-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://good.pressreader.com/article/282136410734061

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