Create a Relaxation Zone Whether you use it to practice yoga, meditate or simply steal a few moments of quiet, a dedicated relaxation zone is something everyone can use. Here are a few ideas for carving out a space of your own. Choose a spot as far from the busy center of your home as possible. This could mean your quiet spot is in the attic, a corner of your bedroom or even the master bath. Keep your relaxation space minimalist and uncluttered. Bring in only what you require: a comfy seat or mat for the floor, soft lighting and perhaps music and a healthy green plant. If you share your home with others, think about creating a sign or signal you can use to let people know you’d like a bit of undisturbed time in your space.
Built Into the Bedroom This room by Total Concepts shows that minimalist style can still be plenty cozy. The team sized the streamlined daybed to be deep enough for lounging and outfitted it with plush cushions. A modern dual swing-arm lamp is in keeping with the elegant simplicity of the room’s style and provides plenty of reading light. Smart move: One end of the bench serves as a side table.
Attic Highlights Antique Architecture in a Modern Way The attic underwent a complete renovation that included creating a sitting area and a guest bedroom and bathroom. “The attic was one of the most fun challenges with this project,” DeForest says. “Like much of the rest of the house, the space was very dark, with a dropped ceiling and stained plywood panels that were not original to the house. Mattie’s vision was one of a big skylit room, with a loosely defined central seating area around a wood-burning fireplace.” A modular sofa similar to the one in the living room encourages lounging, climbing, perching and flopping. To play off the Tudor-style geometry, DeForest opened up the drop ceiling and added a skylight. He clad all the surfaces in fir plywood with a light white stain to accentuate the angles of the multigabled roof.
Skip the bunks in a low-ceilinged space. Attics and lofts can have low ceilings — not very conducive to bunk beds! If you need to squeeze sleeping quarters into a low-ceilinged space, try end-to-end twin beds instead. If you choose beds with pullout trundles, you’ll be able to offer just as many beds as you would with double bunks.
Q