Create the Ultimate Relaxation Space for the New Year
![Angled image of a living room, showing muted eggshell paint on walls, blue and white speckled rug, black metal support on a wooden coffee table dressed with flowers in a vase on top of a blue and white polka dotted box along with other curios, a tan sofa is just behind the coffee table. Brown floating shelves on the wall at the rear left are scattered with sculpture and collectibles but plenty of open space left between them, and an opaque white folding screen stands behind the sofa, softly diffusing light into the room. Striped and patterned pillows rest on the sofa.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Relaxation-Zen-Living-Room-580x870.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
With the holidays upon us, it can be exhausting to maintain a perfect environment for you and your guests. During activities like baking, decorating, and shopping, there’s limited time to spend decompressing and enjoying the season. While being with family and friends is a great way to spend your free time, sometimes you have to distance yourself from the crazy group settings to do some self-care.
You can still take part in the many activities the holidays provide, but don’t forget to spend time focusing on enhancing your Zen and soothing the holiday jitters. This will set a great foundation for the new year, too. Here are some easy tips!
Create a luxury space
![Close-up view of a peaceful Zen-inspired bedroom with light colored wall paint, showing 2 pairs of pillows resting on top of a bed with no headboard, dressed in tan linens. The bottom set of pillows is navy blue, the top set is tan, and two leaf-patterned pillows in navy blue with tan ground are propped facing toward the viewer. Two patterned paper sconces shaped like Asian lanterns cast an orangey glow on either side of the bed against the wall, while a simple piece of horizontal glass art in black with blue colored stripes adorns the wall behind the bed with a glowing light emanating behind it, in place of a headboard.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Relaxation-Zen-Bedroom-580x425.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
Sometimes I feel stressed during the holiday season due to the many messes that accumulate from unpacking boxes, wrapping gifts, and hosting parties. It seems like all I do is clean from the moment November hits until after the New Year! I like to set aside a room that has calming, neutral colors, away from the noise and visual representation of the holidays, to create a boundary between the season and a normal, relaxed state. This space can include all of your favorite things or just cozy furniture to lounge on for a moment, and give you a minute to find zen in all the chaos.
![Close-up photo on a white background of a triple seater immersive sofa upholstered in tan velvet in color Votive Mist. Three eco-friendly separate foam down and feather cushions or pillows rest on seat and back in a simple design with a sleek profile and low sloped arms. Solid wood round legs are part of a handcrafted frame made from sustainably sourced, reinforced hardwood.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Relaxation-Space-Arhaus-Roxy-Sofa-580x251.jpg)
Roxy Sofa courtesy Arhaus.com
In a room designed for relaxation, provide yourself the best items to cozy up with. Shop around in the offseason for a cozy sectional couch pillows and soft blankets. Throw in a mini fridge and a few bottles of wine and you’ve got yourself a getaway! Especially during the holidays, it’s difficult to travel for many reasons, but with a room right there in your home designed for luxury and relaxation, you can turn any evening into a great escape.
![View of a grey contemporary couch with multi-colored and patterned throw pillows from several cultures and countries. Behind the sofa are a pair of yellow glass table lamps with white shades. A colorful photo of Yosemite has been turned into a large canvas, hung on the wall behind. In front of the sofa is a glass-topped Noguchi mid-century modern coffee table, styled with a vase of flowers and a few shiny containers. Some green plant fronds peek in at the far right of the scene.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Living-Room-Comfortable-Midcentury-Sofa-580x387.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
Go to the spa
![Close-up photo of four nebulizing essential oil diffusers for aromatherapy, shown in three different plantation hardwood base colors and two different delicately hand-blown Pyrex glass patterns, which allow the aroma of pure essential oils to circulate without requiring any heat or water.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Relaxation-Space-Organic-Aromas-Essential-Oil-Diffusers-580x321.jpg)
Essential Oil Diffusers courtesy OrganicAromas.com
A trip to the spa doesn’t have to break your bank! Go to the salon for a simple manicure or pedicure a few times during the holiday season, without overspending. Or, create your own spa at home by filling the bathtub with soap and essential oils to soak your feet after a long day of holiday prep. I apply essential oils based on what I’m feeling; use aromatherapy when you’re feeling stressed for a simple way to soften without removing yourself from a situation entirely. Use a diffuser in your home throughout the day — the oils are beneficial for many reasons.
Hit the gym
Hitting the gym is a great stress reliever and an “incognito” relaxation space. Use the gym to power through any holiday troubles — it’s the best way to incorporate healthy stress-relief into your lifestyle. With the decadent foods the holiday brings, you can feel guilt-free while indulging in special treats, after doing your workout a few times a week.
![Image of a tall tapering lighted lamp-type shape, with swirling circle patterns. Nearby, a carved statue of a Buddhist monk stands on top of a side table. To the right, a large container holds sticks and vines, next to the client’s prized banjo, all sitting atop a cowhide rug.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Relaxation-Zen-Luxury-Space-1.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
The holidays are a special time to join with friends and family over dinner and drinks, but don’t overdo the season. It’s important to do things you like, spend time in spaces that are relaxing, and work on positivity throughout even your busiest times, so you can present your best YOU in the new year!
If you aren’t sure how to create the perfect cozy relaxation room, contact Kimball Starr for a complimentary consultation in the new year! Kimball creates comfortable, beautiful spaces for moments of Zen throughout Northern California and the Lake Tahoe area.