Create the Ultimate Relaxation Space for the New Year

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

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.

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.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
Go to the spa

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.

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.