In a world that is often chaotic and fast-paced, the importance of having a home that feels like a retreat cannot be overstated. Elyse Bensusan, a leading expert in mindful interior design, is known for creating spaces that offer tranquility, comfort, and restoration. With a focus on creating homes that serve as sanctuaries, Elyse helps her clients build environments that act as retreats from the stresses of daily life. Below, we explore how Elyse Bensusan designs homes that truly feel like retreats, offering a sense of peace, balance, and well-being.
Creating Calm Through Thoughtful Layouts
For Elyse Bensusan, a retreat-like home begins with an intentional layout. She emphasizes the importance of flow within a space, ensuring that rooms feel open, connected, and serene. This starts with eliminating unnecessary walls or barriers that could disrupt the natural movement through a home. Instead, Elyse designs spaces where each room flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive environment.
A retreat-like home should encourage relaxation, so the layout is often focused on maximizing comfort and functionality. Furniture placement is key, with an emphasis on creating cozy nooks or intimate areas where people can unwind. By prioritizing open spaces and comfortable, accessible seating, Elyse ensures that each area of the home contributes to the overall sense of calm and refuge.
Emphasizing Natural Materials and Colors
One of the cornerstones of Elyse Bensusan’s design philosophy is the use of natural materials to foster a deep connection with the environment. In her retreat-inspired designs, wood, stone, linen, and other organic materials are used to create a grounded and soothing atmosphere. Natural wood floors, stone countertops, and linen upholstery not only bring texture and warmth to the space but also help to cultivate a connection with the earth.
Color plays an equally important role in Elyse’s designs. To create a retreat-like ambiance, she incorporates soft, neutral tones that encourage relaxation. Shades of white, soft grays, and earthy greens are often used to evoke feelings of tranquility. These colors not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also promote emotional balance, making them ideal for creating a peaceful retreat within the home.
Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light is an essential element in Elyse Bensusan’s design approach. In a retreat-like home, light is used not only for its practical function but also for its ability to enhance mood and create a welcoming atmosphere. Elyse advocates for maximizing natural light by incorporating large windows, skylights, and glass doors wherever possible. These features allow sunlight to flood the interior, creating a bright and airy environment that feels both energizing and calming.
If a space lacks ample natural light, Elyse suggests using reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, to enhance the light that is available. In addition, she incorporates soft, diffused lighting to create a warm, inviting ambiance during the evening hours. By balancing natural and artificial light sources, Elyse ensures that the home remains inviting and soothing at all times of the day.
Incorporating Elements of Nature
Elyse Bensusan’s approach to creating retreat-like homes heavily incorporates elements of nature, such as indoor plants, water features, and natural textures. She believes that these elements are crucial for promoting relaxation and well-being. Plants not only bring life and color to a space but also improve air quality and reduce stress. Elyse often uses a variety of plants, from large leafy greens to smaller succulents, to bring the outdoors inside.
Water features are another element that Elyse includes in her retreat-inspired designs. The sound of running water has been shown to reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Whether it’s a small indoor fountain or a larger water installation, Elyse’s designs use these features to create a sense of calm and serenity.
Prioritizing Comfort and Functionality
A retreat-like home should be comfortable and functional, offering spaces that meet the needs of its inhabitants. Elyse Bensusan places a strong emphasis on selecting furniture and accessories that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and practical. Plush seating, soft textiles, and ergonomic furniture contribute to the overall comfort of the space, ensuring that it serves as a true retreat.
In addition to comfort, Elyse considers the functionality of each space. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a peaceful bedroom, or a serene meditation space, every room is thoughtfully designed to support its intended purpose. She selects furnishings and accessories that promote relaxation and well-being, creating spaces where individuals can truly unwind and escape from the demands of daily life.
Creating Zones for Rest and Reflection
To truly design a home that feels like a retreat, Elyse Bensusan focuses on creating distinct zones for rest, reflection, and relaxation. She believes that a retreat should offer multiple spaces for individuals to retreat to, each serving a unique function. For example, a serene bedroom for restful sleep, a quiet corner for reading or meditation, and a comfortable living room for relaxation and socializing.
Each of these zones is designed to promote well-being and personal rejuvenation. Elyse often incorporates soft lighting, comfortable furnishings, and calming colors to create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and introspection. By creating designated areas for various types of rest and reflection, Elyse helps her clients build homes that feel like a personal sanctuary.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Finally, Elyse Bensusan believes that a retreat-like home should reflect the personality and values of its inhabitants. Personal touches, such as family photos, meaningful artwork, and cherished objects, help create a space that feels uniquely theirs. Elyse encourages her clients to incorporate these items into their designs, as they can evoke positive memories and foster a sense of comfort and belonging.
A retreat-like home is not just about the physical environment; it’s about creating a space that feels emotionally nurturing and connected to the individual. By personalizing the space with meaningful items, Elyse ensures that the home becomes a true sanctuary, a place where people can feel at peace and at home.
Conclusion
Elyse Bensusan’s approach to designing homes that feel like retreats is rooted in the belief that our living spaces should nurture our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By incorporating natural materials, soft colors, ample light, and elements of nature, Elyse creates environments that promote relaxation and tranquility. Her designs prioritize comfort, functionality, and personal connection, ensuring that each home serves as a true sanctuary from the stresses of the outside world. Through her thoughtful and mindful design approach, Elyse Bensusan helps individuals create homes that not only look beautiful but also feel like a peaceful retreat.
