Escape at home: How to turn your home into a retreat
Cut the clutter, add details, and dim the lights. Here are the best hacks for making your home feel like a luxe sanctuary
Whether you want a calmer living space in 2025, or prefer a quiet night in on NYE, they both stem from the same fantasy – a home life without distraction, clutter and noise. Designers Joya Nandurdikar and Amrita Guha of Untitled Design, and Saheba Singh, design director at FAB Studio and founder of This Is It Designs, share the best tricks that luxury resorts and spas use to create their chill vibes. Why wait for a getaway when you can just stay home?
Cut out the crowd. The reason resort stays seem like an escape is that they cut out visual clutter. So, start by clearing out surfaces. Clear the knick knacks off the nightstand. Put the shirts piling up on that one chair to wash already. Peel away the Post-It reminders on the mirror. Give away the huddle of candles that are too pretty to light. Put away photo-frames if that helps. “Your home should transport you into a different world,” says Nandurdikar. So, switch to neutral-coloured drapes, set the lights to a soft amber. “Choose fragrances that evoke calm and luxury—lavender, sandalwood, or jasmine,” advises Guha. Already, it feels like a different space.
Get yawning. Hotel beds aren’t made of magic. But they do cost more than the beds we use at home. Consider investing in a spring-based bedframe that supports a firm mattress and a softer overlay. Singh recommends a high-quality memory foam mattress. “It offers excellent pressure relief and body contouring, ideal for long, restful nights.” Set up a pillow menu, with soft and firm options, a bolster and firm cushions. Keep them all close so you can pick what suits your mood that day. The housekeeping secret: Large sized 250-thread-count bedsheets that get tucked deep, perfect to burrow into.
Smooth the edges out. Unlike palace hotels, resorts rely on simple fuss-free furniture with curved corners and minimal sensory detail. Opt for earthy terracotta, pastel pinks, and lime finishes, which soothe the senses and evoke the idea of luxury. “A well-curated blend creates visual interest,” says Guha. “There’s something inherently calming about the sound of water,” says Nandurdikar. A tabletop fountain or mini cascading waterfall can add the necessary touch of serenity. Or just set Alexa or Siri to dim the lights and play wave sounds around bedtime.
Spa simulation. As with the rooms, hotel baths keep it simple but luxurious. Throw show caddies away, keep the counter area clear, and stock only what’s essential. “Switching to plush towels that feel like a warm embrace or soaps with soothing scents make all the difference,” Singh says. Worthy additions: A wireless backlit mirror that sits on the counter, a bowl full of travel-sized toiletries to dip into, a non-slip bath-mat that feels softer than a cloud.
Personal details. While grand design gestures are vital, it’s the small, personal touches that truly make a room feel luxurious, says Singh. Add plush throws and silk cushions to the living areas. Incorporate artwork – heirlooms, contemporary paintings, or handcrafted sculptures – that seem calming but uplifting. “Lighting should feel like a soft hug, guiding your mood through the day,” explains Nandurdikar. Instead of relying on uniform overhead lights, create layers using table lamps, sconces, and floor lamps. One hotel frill no one needs: Overpriced minibars. Instead, set up a snack tray with little treats right next to the kettle and coffee machine in the kitchen.
From HT Brunch, December 28, 2024
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