Pockets of sanctuary
I’ve been thinking about writing a blog on this topic for a while … and now - more than ever - seems like the perfect moment!
With up to five children in the house at any one time our home is always buzzing, but the current tornado of global politics, information overload and post-Covid pace of life feels more intense than it has done for a long time. And I’m not the only one who’s noticed it. Several home interiors Instagram accounts I follow have taken a break - acknowledging the need to hit the release valve - and the comments are wholly supportive, from an audience who largely feel the same way.
An epiphany
I recently came across a phrase (I can’t take credit for it); “pockets of sanctuary”, and it really resonated with me. For starters, there’s just something truly comforting about the word pocket. It’s small, cosy, enclosed. It’s where you can keep a secret note – or even better, a tasty sweet. It’s functional. It’s something that’s in our favourite dresses and jackets. It’s safe, it’s intimate, and close by.
Interestingly, no one else tends to know what the lining of your dress or jacket pocket looks like other than you. If it’s fantastically floral or bright, it’s like a joyful little secret. I started thinking about how our homes should absolutely be pockets of sanctuary for us all. Like that pocket lining - if it’s fantastically floral or bright and brings you joy – then go all out!
Functional foundations
Some of the most important foundational work you can do to start creating your pocket of sanctuary is to remove any clear physical obstacles or issues. If there’s a small step between two rooms that you’re always tripping over, or not enough space to fully open a cupboard door, then prioritise it and address it.
There’s a great joke that you never seem to catch your sleeve on a door handle when you’re in a good mood (how true is this?!), so tackling the practical hiccups in your home will remove those day-to-day annoyances and make for smoother living.
There are some general rules of thumb that can also help in home design: minimum measurements such as distance between a kitchen island and worktop run; the clearance needed to fully open a dishwasher door; the space needed to be able to pull a dining chair back from a table to allow you to sit down, and many more. As interior design experts we can help you navigate all of these!
We are also huge advocates of bespoke joinery to maximise the space that you do have, and to configure storage or furniture in a way that works for your lifestyle. An understairs cupboard could become an organised space for wellies and shoes – or, equally, could be transformed into a mini wine cellar (some of us parents might want both!). Working with fantastic craftsmen means that there are so many possible solutions available.
Find your style
I believe that your pocket of sanctuary should be fully authentic to you. Forget the trends and what’s being advertised to you and start building a little folder of happiness. Many of the social media channels have tools that allow you to build curated collections – Pinterest puts this front-and-centre of its ethos, but Instagram and Facebook also offer the ability to create private, named folders. (I have one on Instagram called “Things I LOVE” which is packed with colourful ceramics, beautiful lights and more).
If you do this little exercise, over time you’ll really start to see the threads of what you like start to appear. It might be a recurring colour, a pattern or a texture. We can help you refine this, and build it into a full, liveable interior design scheme.
Think outside the box
When you’re furnishing or accessorising your pocket of sanctuary, think beyond what could be delivered from a retailer. Is there a piece of furniture within the family that brings you great comfort, that could conceivably be inherited early (without causing any upset or offense!)?
Or if there’s a particular maker you’ve always hankered after, consider an investment piece. Vinterior can be a great place to find older pieces that might not currently be in production. Afterall, we spend a huge amount of time in our homes, so we should truly love what’s in them.
Healthy and happy
Another aspect to consider is your mental and physical wellbeing. If there are particular materials that you dislike or which physically irritate you (some people find woollen upholstery unpleasant, for example), then sell, donate or recycle them. Replace with pieces that you can live alongside with ease – and this applies to the cleaning of them, as well.
Adding live plants into a home can have a huge benefit, and have been noted to reduce blood pressure, fatigue and headaches.
Outsource the overflow
If upgrading your home feels like another item on a very long “to do” list right now, then let us take the strain. Whether it’s finding solutions to those fundamental home design issues through to bespoke soft furnishings that will accessorise your pocket of sanctuary, we’re here to help.