Space Detective

Occasionally we need a place to retreat and get some space, maybe away from the family or so we can work and concentrate.

We learn how to create private spaces in the home.

We all need to be alone just to dream or relax - but that's often mission impossible in a home that we share with family or friends, and which seems to grow smaller by the day. 

Think again! Hidden away inside your home is a space that could save your sanity, and all it takes is a little imagination and effort to

transform it into a private sanctuary.

So turn space detective and find those 'spare' or 'dead' areas that may have been overlooked - perhaps in a hall, a landing, a window bay or even a garden shed.

Be inspired by Judith Wilson, whose book Private Places is a practical blueprint for carving out spots of solitude from 'unseen' spaces.

She says: "We're all told that to counteract stressful, frenetic lives

we should chill out and slow down at spas, boutique hotels and yoga

retreats.

"That's expensive, time-consuming and all that relaxation is lost in a trice if, once home again, you're cast straight back into a noisy living space. There's no point lighting a scented candle if your room isn't a tranquil escape."

Instead she urges us to look at the home in a fresh light and pinpoint

"a bolthole within the family home that you can turn into a peaceful

zone."

With clever planning, spare corners make 'pint sized' retreats and in a

small home ensure precious space works harder, Judith points out.

She believes: "Every home, however tiny, has its odd spaces. Frequently

overlooked spots include natural stopping points, such as a landing or the end of a corridor, and architectural features such as wall recesses or a vestibule.

"These are the areas by-passed on the way to principal rooms, and are more likely to be ignored than celebrated."

Judith's view is that, "we all deserve a place where we can switch off and dream, or simply stare at a single imaginary bright spot on the wall.

A private space can be shoe-horned into the tiniest of areas - so there's room within everyone's home for one if you know where to look."

Follow her plan and create your own retreat. 

WHAT IS A PRIVATE PLACE?

Judith says: "A private space must have soul. It should be a retreat that can soothe, a space that inspires, a comfort zone that offers peace and quiet, day or night."

:: Plan it in detail so it is tailored to your needs. If it's somewhere

to talk on the phone, write, or read, you need somewhere to sit or lie - a day bed or a chair that unfolds into a spare bed could be ideal.

:: If it's a space for hobbies, make sure there's room for shelving, or create a display unit cheaply by using a secondhand glass-fronted

cabinet and either strip it down or paint it.

LOCATION, LOCATION

Judith says: "For most of us, finding a quiet spot isn't so much about stealing square inches as about dividing up the available space to create privacy.

"You might consider partitioning off a room using blinds, screens, or even a room divider."

:: If there's no room for a study, consider tucking a bureau, or a work station concealed within a cupboard, onto a landing or even in a chimney

breast alcove.

:: Put a solitary chair or stool somewhere you can just perch      for a few moments a day in a   corner of the hall, or maybe have a made-to-measure seat to fit the space under the stairs or in a bay window.

:: A comfy armchair in the corner of a bedroom or bathroom could provide a serene spot especially if there's a CD player or radio within easy reach.

:: Don't forget those occasionally used spare bedrooms or dining rooms can easily multitask as a retreat/study/workroom.

:: Balconies, flat roofs or attics have potential but check with a builder first to see that they're sound and suitable.

:: Decamp to the garden shed - transform it with a make-over using exterior paint, add secondhand furniture and hey presto, an 'outdoor'

room.

RETREAT STYLE

:: Judith says: "Too often we agonise over the 'right' colours and fabrics to put in our public rooms in case friends and guests criticise our taste.

"A private space, on the other hand, can be as bright or as fantastical as we choose. So be as self-indulgent as you like - after all it's your space. If you want to paint it a wacky colour don't hold back."

:: For a calming colour scheme opt for soft shades of blue, green and cream, but fashionable greys and peachy pinks will work just as well.

:: If you want to use colour to define the space in an open plan area you could use a bold contrast colour to make a statement.

PERSONAL TOUCHES

:: Use a pinboard to display family photos, favourite magazine cuttings, or pictures of beautiful settings and far away places to evoke dreams or memories.

:: Have a shelf or chest - or even an old suitcase - for mementos and sentimental possessions that will give you pleasure every time you look at them.

:: Ideally, seating should be close to a window so you can enjoy a view - but if not, hang a mirror on an adjacent wall to reflect treetops or bounce back a twist of corridor.

:: Create atmosphere with finishing touches such as cosy throws, blankets or squashy cushions for chairs or sofas and scented incense sticks, oils, or candles. Never leave the latter unattended.

:: Bluebell 33's have gorgeous candles in their cute tins. Choose from Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate or Mandarin Cinnamon & Clove, which could be ideal for using in that private retreat space.

The 100% Natural Wax candle range is completely organic and as the candles do not contain paraffin they are smokeless, soot-free and clean burning.

The range is available nationwide, a candle costs £7.95. See www.bluebell33.com

01932 829 333.