Escape to a calming space for a digital detox

Ideas for creating mindful and relaxing zones around your home

Taking time for a digital detox has proven benefits for your wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety, while improving sleep and your relationships. As tech dominates our lives, there is now a move to step away and create spaces around the home specially designed to enjoy and encourage offline, analogue activities. This could be a spot to curl up with a book, listen to music, play a boardgame or enjoy a hobby like painting or crochet. These spaces should create a welcoming, calming atmosphere, offering an escape from the overstimulating digital world.

Check out our ideas for creating corners in your home to allow you to slow down and reconnect.

A reading nook is all about comfort and light. Gather a selection of squidgy cushions and a soft throw to curl up in, and keep the look casual and inviting. Books and magazines should be at easy reach to browse without too much effort, as in this neat corner shelving. Position your nook near a window for natural light, as well enjoying gazing out at the view and daydreaming. A task lamp will be essential once dusk falls.

Sharing a meal is an opportunity to come together, pause and connect with family. Make setting a table part of your daily rituals, however simple the meal. Laying a tablecloth and napkins, and arranging the cutlery and glasses suggests an intention to stay a while and savour the meal. Small details can really add to the setting, like a few simple stems in a vase or a lit candle in the evening. You can shop this country gingham look at Sophie Allport.

Houseplants can bring many benefits, from cleaner air to reducing stress, so make a ‘conservatory corner’ where you can take time to nurture and tend your plants. Arrange on a low windowsill, along an old wooden bench or on a shelving unit, allowing trailing plants to hang from the ceiling. Mix heights and leaf texture to create a lush and calming space.

With vinyl having a revival, invest in a record collection and a turntable. Enjoy the ritual of flicking through your album covers, cleaning the record, lowering the needle into the grooves and listening to that crackle in anticipation before the first notes play. If you’re short on space, a Dansette-style record player is the neat portable option with retro chic. Pair with an open-shelved mid-century record cabinet to show off your favourite albums.

In times gone by, a writing desk or bureau with lots of drawers and cubbyholes used to be a regular feature in many homes. Set up a space for lettering writing, journalling, scrapbooking or sketching, surrounding yourself with gorgeous stationery (see the Charleston range at Cambridge Imprint), a beautiful pen pot – perhaps something handmade – and a potted plant. If you don’t have room for a separate desk, create a desk area out of an alcove shelf.

Meditation and yoga can both help you retreat to a mindful place to declutter your thoughts and focus on self. This zen space has a neutral, layered scheme to avoid overstimulating the senses with bright colours or busy pattern. Lighting is soft – from clusters of candles to a string of fairy lights – and a gauzy curtain creates an ethereal feel. Fleecy throws and wraps add a cocooning effect, while lighting incense sticks will help to evoke the peaceful mood you’re looking for.

The Japanese understand the importance of ceremony – especially when it comes to tea. Take time to sit, brew and serve your selected blend, as an antidote to grab-and-go coffee. Pouring from a special pot, such as this traditional cast-iron Japanese teapot from Yesterhome, adds to the sense of occasion, as does a vintage cup and saucer, and linen napkins to catch the crumbs from any sweet treats. Decorate your serving tray as you would a table – here a spray of pretty blossoms brings a joyful touch of spring.

Sinking into a warm bathtub filled with gorgeous scents is the ultimate way to relax. To help turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary, soften the lighting and dot a few flickering tea lights along ledges or shelves. Add a rug to lend warmth underfoot – Weaver Green has stylish rugs that are mould- and water-resistant, perfect for the bathroom – and a stack of neatly folded fluffy towels to give that luxe feel.