How to Create an Indoor Sanctuary

Sometimes, people need a space to go that's secluded and peaceful, a place that exudes the quiet and remoteness often found only in nature. These days, however, going out into the wilderness for some much-needed peace and quiet is far more difficult than it once was. Living in cities like New York, Chicago, and other large urban environments precludes the outdoor space required for remote meditation and relaxation. Unable to escape into the wild for some mental recovery time, many instead just settle for a day at the spa or an afternoon at the beach. These substitutions, while nice, don't quite live up to the benefits provided by an outdoor sanctuary.

So why not create your own indoor sanctuary?

It'll require just a little bit of creativity and some advanced planning, but with an end result that provides you with a lush, quiet, relaxing indoor space, why not give it a shot? There are no requirements, rules, or regulations that define what is meant by an 'indoor sanctuary,' so there's no need to live up to some grand idea of what this space should be. Instead, you have the opportunity to create a space that manifests into something more than just a corner of your living room or that large open area by your apartment's picture window.

As you'll want to convey the theme of 'wild seclusion,' you'll need to build a space that uses imagery and furnishings reminiscent of nature. One great item you can use is an empty birdcage, as these are often beautifully constructed and small enough to fit in this small space, but expressive enough to draw visual attention to it. Cast iron birdcages can be decorated with flowers, trim, and other special touches to make the one you choose a focal point of your indoor sanctuary. It will help to create that feeling of serenity so often reserved for large outdoor spaces and sprawling gardens.

Decorate the space with plenty of plants, especially if you have a widely available source of natural light. For this reason, making sure your sanctuary is placed near a large window is key, unless the window opens up to sounds and sights that hinder your enjoyment of the sanctuary (such as a window facing a really noisy street, a dumpy-looking building, or otherwise). 

Whatever you end up doing, what matters most is that the space exhibits all the qualities you desire from a space built for meditation, mental recovery, and total relaxation.

There are plenty of items you can use to furnish your new indoor sanctuary, so browse around for some subtle pieces to include. You'll want to be sure to add an anchor piece for the area, and items such as bird cages or large vases will serve this purpose well. Some special bird cages won't even need to be decorated, as they stand out so well on their own they serve as a visual focal point by themselves.