POCKETS OF SANCTUARY: CREATING CALM CORNERS IN A CHAOTIC WORLD
By Nicole Fuge
In our always-on lives, our homes have become more than just places to live, they’re our refuge, our retreat, our sanctuary. Yet, open-plan living, endless to-do lists, and digital overwhelm can leave us feeling anything but rested. That’s why the new home and design trend of ‘Pockets of sanctuary’ is quietly taking hold, and it’s exactly the kind of mindful, soothing shift we all need.
Every woman deserves a space that offers calm, restoration, and a little breathing room. These micro-moments of peace within your home can become your personal sanctuary, a place to pause, reflect, and simply be. Here’s how to create your own pockets of sanctuary.
What Are Pockets of Sanctuary?
Pockets of sanctuary are small, intentional spaces designed to nurture wellbeing and offer a pause from life’s noise. Unlike large, open areas, these corners or zones are carefully curated to invite rest and mindfulness, whether it’s a cosy reading nook, a dedicated meditation chair, or a spa-like bathroom retreat.
It’s about creating micro-retreats within your home that encourage you to slow down, connect to yourself, and recharge your energy. These are not just physical spaces, they are emotional havens that speak to your unique needs and rhythms.
Why We Need Them Now
If you’re feeling “tired but wired”, pockets of sanctuary are more important than ever. Our minds crave calm and our bodies yearn for rest; but the pressures of work, family, and social media often drown out those needs.
By intentionally crafting these quiet corners, you reclaim agency over your wellbeing and invite restorative moments into everyday life. It’s a form of self-care that goes beyond skincare or baths, it’s about how your environment supports your mental and emotional health.
How to Create Your Own Pocket of Sanctuary
1. Choose Your Spot Thoughtfully
Start by identifying a space that feels natural for retreat, a corner of the living room, a window seat, a part of your bedroom, or even a small balcony or garden nook. The key is that it feels accessible and inviting.
2. Bring in Soothing Textures and Natural Materials
Think soft cushions, wool throws, linen curtains, rattan baskets, and ceramics that feel tactile and comforting. These materials bring warmth and a connection to nature that soothes the senses.
3. Layer Gentle, Earthy Colours
Opt for palettes inspired by nature; warm whites, soft sage greens, muted ochres, and gentle clay tones. These hues are calming without being dull and add subtle depth to your space.
4. Engage the Senses
Your pocket of sanctuary should feel like a balm for all your senses. Add scented candles or essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender or sandalwood. Use soft, layered lighting, perhaps a salt lamp or fairy lights, to create a warm glow. Sound is just as important; consider a small speaker for ambient playlists or simply embrace silence.
5. Personalise It
Add elements that resonate with you: a favourite book, a treasured keepsake, a journal, or meaningful artwork. These touches make your sanctuary emotionally rich and uniquely yours.
6. Keep It Clutter-Free
Your sanctuary isn’t a dumping ground. Keeping the space tidy and intentional helps it serve its purpose as a restorative refuge.
MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 07