Calm Corner

Let’s be honest‮—‬summer can get a bit loud‭. ‬Plans‭, ‬visitors‭, ‬heatwaves‭, ‬inboxes that just won’t quit‭. ‬That’s why you need your space‭. ‬A little nook‭. ‬A corner that isn’t about to-do lists or notifications‭. ‬Just calm‭. ‬Just you‭. ‬And trust me‮—‬it’s easier to create than you think‭.‬

First things first‭: ‬pick your spot‭. ‬Balcony‭? ‬Brilliant‭. ‬Garden corner‭? ‬Lovely‭. ‬Sunny patch by the window‭? ‬Perfect‭. ‬Wherever the‭ ‬light feels soft and the air moves just enough to rustle a leaf‮—‬that’s your spot‭.‬

Now‭, ‬the seat‭. ‬The humble hammock chair in the photo‭? ‬That’s peak relaxation‭. ‬It cocoons you without making a fuss‭. ‬And it’s surprisingly easy to hang‮—‬just two ceiling hooks and some strong rope‭ (‬ask at your local DIY shop‮—‬they live for this kind of thing‭). ‬If hammocks aren’t your thing‭, ‬a low lounge chair with some depth will do nicely‭. ‬The goal here is slouchy‭, ‬not stiff‭.‬

Next‭: ‬cushions‭. ‬Go for texture‭. ‬Think linen‭, ‬canvas‭, ‬cotton‮—‬something that feels cool to the touch even in summer‭. ‬Mix a few neutral tones‭ (‬sage‭, ‬cream‭, ‬soft browns‭) ‬and don’t overthink it‭. ‬The look you want is‭ ‬“accidentally perfect‭.‬”

Plants are a must‭. ‬A few big leafy ones‭, ‬some smaller pots on the floor or windowsill‭, ‬even a climbing vine if you’re feeling ambitious‭. ‬Plants not only look great‮—‬they make you feel better‭. ‬It’s science‭. ‬Plus‭, ‬if you’re crafty‭, ‬you can upcycle containers as planters‭. ‬Old mugs‭, ‬tin cans with holes punched in the bottom‭, ‬even baskets lined with‭ ‬plastic‭. ‬It’s all fair game‭.‬

Now‭, ‬scent‭. ‬Don’t skip this‭. ‬A lightly-scented candle‭ (‬citrus‭, ‬mint‭, ‬or eucalyptus‭), ‬or better yet‭, ‬a bunch of fresh herbs nearby‮—‬lavender‭, ‬rosemary or mint in a jar of water‮—‬will do wonders‭. ‬It’s subtle‭, ‬but your brain will thank you‭.‬

Lastly‭, ‬keep a small basket or tray nearby‭. ‬Fill it with a book you’ve been meaning to read‭, ‬your favourite tea‭, ‬maybe a sketchbook or journal‭. ‬Keep a lightweight throw blanket within reach‮—‬yes‭, ‬even in summer‭. ‬There’s nothing better than curling up with it when the evening breeze rolls in‭.‬

There you have it‮—‬your own summer hideaway‭. ‬No big renovation‭, ‬no massive spend‭. ‬Just a few thoughtful touches and a little corner carved out for calm‭.‬

So this summer‭, ‬don’t just plan to escape somewhere far away‭. ‬Escape to the spot you made‭, ‬right at home‭. ‬Shoes off‭. ‬Shoulders down‭. ‬Time to unwind‭.‬