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Sanctuary Spaces

Published Dec 09, 2011

Tired, stressed, cold, sad—do you experience any of these feelings during the holiday season? While it's known as the jolliest time of the year, the holidays can actually increase stress and anxiety levels. Overbearing in-laws, that never-ending gift list, and even your office holiday party can seem like a burden. And while so many de-stressing solutions exist, we find the most Zen tranquility while relaxing in our sanctuary space. What's a sanctuary space, you ask? It's an environment created by you, for you—filled with your favorite stress soothers, scents, and sounds. Usually it exists in the bathroom, but your bedroom, kitchen, or garden can transform into a perfect space for reflection and meditation. Every Beauty has her own perfect sanctuary, so get inspired by these well-designed examples and cultivate your own inner holiday retreat.

Bring the Outdoors In

We're not asking you to haul your bathtub outside, but how about a little love for nature? Thick, unfinished wood and bricks pair well with simple leafy plants and instantly give your space the Zen touch you crave. Plus, the greenery creates fresher, healthier air to breathe! Add a few candles and you've built yourself a rustic refuge.

left: Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Add a Charming Touch

We love to surround ourselves with beauty, so strategically adorn your environment with a couple of your favorite items. Fresh flowers, beloved photos, inspired art, and vintage ephemera all add a distinctive and meaningful touch to your relaxation space, but let your own individual taste dictate the aesthetic of your room.

left: theselby.com right: Debi Treloar/Romantic Style

Let There Be Light

Prolonged and unprotected UV exposure is a major beauty (and health) no-no, but we need at least 20 minutes of sunshine in the winter to boost our mood and vitamin D levels. Find a space with a large source of natural light, such as a big window or skylight, then stretch out and relax as you soak up some winter rays.

left: Rocco Bosman/photo: Elsa Young

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Comments

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Beautiful! I don't even have a window in my b/r, but at least I ripped out the gross, old, brown carpet that was in it! I like the idea of the greenhouse w/ bathtub, that's my favorite! :)

If I could make my bathroom look like the first photos I would NEVER leave the house.

...Wish I had a bathtub.

Bring in the outdoors

I want that giant wishbone in the grey bathroom!

so dreamy :)

i love the first bathrooms/bath tubs, the one on the left in the first picture is amazing!

I love having natural elements in the bathroom, it feels so much more smoothing. Not to mention having an amazing tub like these bathrooms!

I'm jealous of whoever owns these! When we purchase our own house, I want a damn clawfoot bath (the boyfriend doesn't like them, but I will win this argument haha)

I'd definetly go with a girly vintage look , like the second

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