Creating Personal Spaces in Your Home

Hi guys! I would imagine that due to COVID-19, y’all are spending a lot of “together time.” Yup. Same here for us. Give me a virtual high five. Lots and lots of togetherness coupled with the fact that today is the last day of school for us – I know that my kiddos will be looking for things to do. Actually, maybe just one of our kids.

Our sixteen year old, Jackson, is self sufficient, and when he wakes up at 2pm (just kidding, he wakes up at 1pm) he finds ways to keep himself amused. His father and I hope that an active job search is part of his daily activities and that is one of the things that amuses Jackson. Jackson’s average day consists of avoiding his parents by sleeping late, eating, watching TV, eating, tormenting his sister, eating, going for a bike ride, eating, and playing video games. We basically only see him when he is in the kitchen.

Catherine, our eight year old girl, is another story. You see, she likes her parents and wants to spend time with us. While I have amassed a list of activities for our children, I also firmly believe in having quiet time. For everyone. Today, I am blogging about ways of creating personal spaces for your home. You can expand the footprint of your house by seeking places of solitude outside. These personal spaces are areas of retreat for anyone in search of “me time.” We love being together, but we also all need time to ourselves.

Creating Personal Spaces in Your Home

My husband, Kerry, and I have loved having our children home. I truly mean that. We got into a good groove with distance learning and everything has been running smoothly. In the beginning, when we were faced with quarantining, the house got divided quickly. Kerry took over the basement and set up his home office, Jackson commandeered the dining table for school work (and he liked the fact that it is the closest room to the kitchen), Catherine occupied the sunroom/playroom, and I went to work in my floral design studio, Fresh Flower Bar.

Despite the fact that we had our own territories, we definitely had our share of flareups. We’d often joke about needing personal space and I would say “I’m leaving!” Since I couldn’t really leave the house, the commute was short. But being able to retreat to our master bedroom (in the middle of the day) was incredibly helpful when I needed seclusion. Now with the weather warming up, I feel like we have an opportunity to increase our footprint and can take to the outside. Creating little nooks on your patio, deck or balcony is a great option.

Top Tips to Create Personal Spaces

Here are my top tips to create areas of privacy:

Curtains – translucent curtains are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to create instant privacy. They are very good at delineating space, but also filter much needed light. Think Vitamin D. #lighttherapy
Daybeds, love seats, chairs – you will need a comfy but small space to sit. And that’s the whole point. These personal spaces are designed for one person (maybe two, if that person is quiet). If you opt for a chair, invest in an ottoman to keep your feet elevated. It makes a big difference.
Hammocks or hanging chairs – these items are like little cozy personal pods (some of the chairs are even shaped like a pod). A great option if floor space is a challenge, plus they have an added bonus of gentle rocking. Think baby. Make sure that you anchor the hooks securely and properly by following the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
Pillows, throws and rugs – are a must to make the space comfortable. Pillows are important for your back, or under your arm to prop up a book, or even to lift your feet. Throws, even light weight ones create instant warmth for cooler days and nights. Rugs help delineate the area as your domain and feel great underfoot.
Lighting – is essential. String up outdoor patio lights, a standing lamp, or lanterns. You’ll need light for reading, and to create the right ambience. #chillax
Plants – adding a potted plant in a pretty planter or a basket will transform the space immensely. Find an outdoor plant that will do well in the space according to the amount of sunlight that it gets. If plants are not your thing, dried flowers/eucalyptus or a vase of fresh flowers will immediately elevate the space and add sophistication.

Nook Look Book

Below are lots of images of small personal spaces that you can create to escape to with a good book. With the weather warming up, it is all the inspiration you need for outdoor nooks. Enjoy!