By, Kate Hamblet
Routines may sound boring, but they are so necessary for a stress-reduced day! Routines help create structure, and designating spaces specifically for these routines can enhance calm, efficiency, and joy. From a cozy corner for morning coffee to a well-organized mudroom that makes morning departures smoother, creating “routine spaces” can transform how we experience everyday moments. Here’s why dedicated spaces for daily routines are worth the investment and some ideas on designing these areas into your new home or renovation to bring more calm and ease into your day.
Why Routine Spaces Matter
Having designated spaces for routines benefits your physical environment and mental well-being. A thoughtfully created space helps reduce stress by creating predictable and enjoyable routines. With specific areas that support daily habits, you not only streamline your home’s functionality but also improve focus and relaxation by keeping clutter and distraction at bay.
The benefits of creating routine spaces include:
Increased Efficiency: Designated spaces for each routine make daily tasks more efficient, as everything you need is in one place. Ever tried getting out to work with multiple kids simultaneously trying to get to school? It goes a whole lot smoother with an organized space.
Mental Clarity: By creating physical boundaries for different activities, you’re signaling to your brain when to transition from one activity to another, helping you focus and relax as you move through the day.
A Sense of Calm: Knowing that there’s a spot dedicated to your routines adds calm and predictability, making your home feel more like a retreat from the outside world.
You Can Make a Smaller House: Routines require organization. And when things are nicely organized, you don’t need as much room.
A Morning Coffee or Tea Nook
Starting the day with a moment of calm can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. By creating a small coffee or tea nook, you’re giving yourself a special space to wake up mindfully and with intention.
How to Create It
Agility: Sneak quietly through the house so the kids don’t wake up.
Location: Look for a spot with natural light, like near a window, to connect with nature as you sip your coffee or tea.
Essentials: Have a designated area of kitchen counter space for your coffee or tea maker, a few mugs, and a spot for tea bags or coffee grounds. Make it ‘the morning drink prep’ zone so you aren’t battling with anyone else when getting your morning drink.
A Functional, Organized Entryway
A well-organized mudroom or entryway can reduce the stress of leaving in the morning and provide a structured place for everyone to unload when they get home. When this area is thoughtfully designed, it can keep your home cleaner and more organized while making mornings A LOT less hectic.
How to Create It:
Storage Solutions: Include hooks for coats and bags, cubbies or baskets for shoes, and a shelf or drawer for keys, wallets, and other small essentials.
Kid-Friendly Zones: If you have kids, create easy-to-reach spaces where they can put their backpacks, jackets, and shoes to encourage independence and reduce morning clutter.
Drop Zone: A designated spot for mail, packages, and other items that come in and out of the house keeps things organized and prevents clutter from accumulating elsewhere.
A Place to Sit: Shoes should be coming off when you walk in the door, so make sure to include a seat where people of all sizes and sit and put their shoes on.
An Evening Reading or Meditation Nook
A reading or meditation nook is perfect for winding down in the evening. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or meditating, a designated nook helps you transition from day to night with ease.
How to Set It Up:
Comfortable Seating: Choose a chair that’s both cozy and supportive, ideally with a footrest or ottoman.
Soft Lighting: Use a floor lamp or table lamp with a warm bulb to create an inviting glow and to prepare your body for night time.
Personal Touches: Add a soft throw blanket, a few books, or even a diffuser with calming scents to make the space inviting.
A Functional Workout Room
A dedicated workout room can boost motivation and make fitness a seamless part of your daily routine. Whether you have an entire room or just a corner, this space helps you stay active and manage stress.
How to Set It Up:
Location: Choose a spot with adequate space to move comfortably. If you have access to natural light, even better!
Make it Visible: Don’t hide your workout area in a part of the house you never venture to. Try putting it somewhere that you walk by every day so you’re constantly reminded to work out.
Organization: Use racks, shelves, or bins to store equipment neatly. If you have a messy workout space, you’ll be less likely to use it.
A Family-Friendly Craft or Hobby Area
Whether it’s a small art station for the kids or a craft table for the whole family, having a designated space for hobbies can encourage creativity and keep your home organized.
How to Create It:
Simple, Flexible Setup: A table and shelves with labeled bins for supplies are often all you need. Look for easy-to-clean surfaces, especially if kids will be crafting.
Storage Solutions: Use open shelving, bins, or rolling carts to organize supplies, making them easy to access and put away.
Display Area: Consider adding a wall space to showcase finished projects. This can create a sense of accomplishment and give kids pride in their work.
Making Routine Spaces Work for You
Creating routine spaces doesn’t require a lot of space or a big budget. Even a small corner or an underused closet can become a functional space with a few thoughtful design choices. As you identify routines that could benefit from designated spaces, consider how each area can enhance well-being, simplify daily life, and make your home feel more supportive and calming.
By designing specific spaces for the routines that make up your day, you’re building a home that works for you, promotes ease, and helps you enjoy even the simplest moments with more intention and calm.
By, Kate Hamblet
The Wellness Architect Balanced Architecture
Kate helps health-conscious families create homes that support and promote health, happiness, and longevity. You'll find her at www.balancedarchitecture.com
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