By: Karen Bell- Sales Director at David Salisbury
As different parts of the world slowly recover from the pandemic and with more global uncertainty around than for generations, it is unsurprising that a clear focus in terms of consumer demand remains on our homes and home improvement projects in particular.
Whilst we all hope lockdowns are a thing of the past, the incredibly sad news emerging from the Ukraine on a daily basis, combined with a cost of living crisis closer to home, is dominating the mainstream media.
With all of this at stake and more besides, it is perhaps not unexpected that we have been looking to create spaces in our homes and gardens to get away, even momentarily, from the pressures of everyday life.
A dedicated space for calm
The concept of an ‘emotional escape room’ was first coined in the Pinterest Predicts 2022 trends report, which discusses and suggests what we are going to see more during the year ahead based on search activity on this social media platform.
But even if the term is a relatively new one, the idea of a dedicated space at home for a bit of ‘me time,’ has been around for quite a while.
Separate living rooms have been around in family homes for years but, in recent years, most busy households have adopted some degree of open plan living as different parts of the day have become less distinct and the desire for multi-functional living space has increased.
One of the many lessons of the pandemic, however, has been a pressing need to look after our mental, as well as our physical health.
As one leading creator on Pinterest neatly put it: ‘I am going all-in on self-care and creating a corner in my home that only brings calm. It’ll be my safe space to step away, stretch and recharge.’
With wellness continuing to influence design and home improvement projects in general, here are a few key recommendations to allow you to consider how to capitalise on this latest interior trend.
Consider how you will use the space
If creating your own emotional escape room sounds like a worthwhile addition to your home, the first thing you should do is consider how you would like to use this space.
It may be that you want a room to totally relax and decompress, perhaps free from the distractions of work and the various media we have all become accustomed to.
Or, indeed, the reverse might be true – perhaps a specific media room might be desired. Somewhere to relax and get lost in a good film. Whatever the case, imagining how you would like to see yourself using the room is an important starting point.
Natural light and ventilation
Getting the ambience right will be critical to the success of your emotional escape room. Whether you’re looking to meditate or simply read a good back, comfort will be key.
Alongside simple of choice of furniture, however, adequate natural light and ventilation will have a direct influence on your mental and physical wellbeing.
Don’t move for more space – improve
Many of us encountered some degree of pressure on living spaces during the pandemic, usually to accommodate periods of home working.
If you found your home needed to provide more multi-functional space, adding some form of extension was one of the most sought-after home improvement projects of the past couple of years.
One part of this sector that experienced significant demand was around some form of glazed extension, such as an orangery, conservatory or garden room.
Discerning homeowners wanting to add some luxury living space, have been investing in a garden room style extension – whether attached to their original home or sometimes as a totally stand alone structure in their garden.
If your existing home does not allow the space or flexibility to consider your own emotional escape room, how about considering some form of extension, to ensure you are part of this 2022 wellness trend?
About Author:
Karen Bell is Sales Director at David Salisbury, a company manufacturing and installing top of the range hardwood conservatories, garden rooms and orangeries for over 35 years
