With calm and wellness becoming a priority, more homeowners are transforming their spaces to enhance their well being and achieve their health goals. As a result, yoga rooms have become a massive trend, and real estate builders and designers say that they have seen an increase in demand for dedicated meditation or yoga spaces. According to New York-based designer Jack Ovadia, many of their clients are craving for places where they can be at peace, which is why having a private space to relax has become so essential. “This is where you go to let go, to drop into something quieter, something deeper,” he explains.
Any spare room or nook has the potential to be your personal yoga escape. But if space is an issue, consider setting it up on the patio, or make the most of your garden and create a backyard yoga studio. With a few tweaks, you can turn an empty garden room or shed into a calming oasis where you can practice and flow from one pose to another. Here’s how to turn a garden room into your dream yoga retreat.
Choose a Garden Room Design
An unused garden shed can become the perfect yoga home studio. But if the shed is too old, has signs of mold growth or decay, or is generally unsafe, you may want to consider getting a modular garden room so you can have a fresh space to work with. Prefabricated garden rooms come in a variety of designs, but some are more suitable for yoga or meditation than others. Choose a build with floor to ceiling glass so you can have an immersive view of the garden. This also brings in soft, natural sunlight, which is ideal for those who like to do flows in the morning. As an alternative, pick a garden room with gentle curves or soft, rounded walls. This creates an uninterrupted energy flow, and the shape allows the brain to feel calm and relaxed.
Since you’ll be doing a lot of exercises on the floor, choose a garden room with smooth, solid wood or cork flooring. These feel better than cold vinyl tiles, and they prevent your mat from slipping or sliding. Opt for a room with a sliding glass door so you can close it to block outside noise without feeling disconnected from nature. You may also want to look for a garden room with operable windows to naturally improve ventilation and keep the air circulating. Lastly, pick a room that comes with integrated storage so you can keep your yoga room tidy and uncluttered.
Set Up the Studio
Now that you’ve got the perfect space, it’s time to set up your personal yoga studio. Install warm, soft lights like wall sconces and fairy lights to set the mood, or install dimmable lights to create the right ambiance for flows. Hang sheer drapes all around to let sunlight in and keep prying eyes out. The material will give the yoga space an elegant, airy vibe as it diffuses sunlight to fill the room with a warm, soft glow. Next, add a plant or two to give your yoga retreat some life and color. A tall bamboo plant will create a Zen feel, while a potted peace lily can clean and purify the air. You may also choose an Areca Palm which adds natural humidity to the air, and this will help you to breathe easier while you practice.
If you plan to use the yoga studio for other activities like reading or just getting some alone time, think about adding a two seater sofa so you can be more comfortable while you relax. To save on costs, check out a sofa sale within your area to find a piece that fits with your decor. If your yoga room doesn’t come with built-in shelves or drawers, choose a sofa with hidden storage so you can use it to keep your yoga mats, blocks, and foam rollers.
Add Decor and Tech
Well-chosen decor and tech can make your yoga room feel more special, so consider decorating with artwork in calming colors to elevate your space. You may also want to add a small tabletop water fountain to fill the room with the soothing sounds of running water. Finally, install some hidden speakers in the garden room. Use it to listen to instrumental or ambient sounds to help you feel calm while focusing on your form and poses.
Everyone deserves a tranquil space to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Try these tips to turn a garden room into your personal yoga escape, and experience a sense of harmony and Zen every time you workout.
