20 Serene Rooms You’ll Want To Escape To After A Long Day

Got the back-to-work blues?
There’s nothing like a cozy retreat after a long day at the computer. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite serene rooms, from mountain-side bathrooms, to bedroom retreats and cozy reading nooks. Scroll down to see 20 rooms that offer the ultimate escape!
This mountain-side bedroom is one of the many swoon-worthy retreats in NYC designer Shawn Henderson’s latest book Shawn Henderson: Interiors In Context (Monacelli, 2021). A classic Hans Wegner chaise longue in a corner of the principal bedroom is exactly where we’d want to escape from the world.
- Photographer Stephen Kent Johnson
- Designer Shawn Henderson
When it’s not quite time to catch some Zs, lounging in a lucite balloon chair is the next best thing. This 1960s-inspired suspended chair is a favorite perch in this industrial loft bedroom.
- Photographer Maxime Desbiens
- Designer Jane Charron
House & Home October 2020
This bathroom offers panoramic views of Beaver Valley, Ont.,right from the fabulous soaker tub. The rattan chair, stone tile floor, jute rug and plant add an organic vibe that echoes the surrounding countryside.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Allison Willson
House & Home October 2020
The bedroom in this home is also a great spot to take in the picturesque views. A pair of bouclé-covered chairs by the window offer a cozy respite.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Allison Willson
House & Home October 2020
This breezy Muskoka cottage is filled with light-filled soothing rooms, including this reading nook just off the living room. The almost floor-t0-ceiling windows make it perfect for reading by day or star gazing by night.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Cory DeFrancisco
House & Home July/August 2021
For a more private retreat, the lakeside cottage’s principal ensuite features a free-standing tub, perfect for soaking the day’s stress away.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Cory DeFrancisco
House & Home July/August 2021
In this lakefront property in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes, the principal bedroom is located in a separate wing off one of the cottage breezeways, making it the ultimate private retreat.
- Photographer Donna Griffith
- Designer Barbara Purdy; architecture, Murakami Design
House & Home October 2021
In Toronto Artist Virginia Johnson’s creative studio, natural light and reclaimed timber ceilings make her work space feel like a sanctuary.
- Photographer Alex Lukey
House & Home May 2021
The screened porch in Lynda Reeves’ lakehouse echoes the natural beauty outside with its wood-panelled walls and ceiling, and fine woven mat made of soft jute. This calming, earthy space is a perfect place to unwind.
A home library in this English Victorian home has no work desks or televisions. Instead, it’s reserved for listening to music, reading a favorite book or cozying up by the fire.
- Photographer Anna Stathaki
- Designer Finkernagel Ross
October Communications
A kid’s room in this house features a cleverly concealed loft bed complete with rooflights, closed storage and reading lamps for the ultimate escape.
- Photographer Anna Stathaki
- Designer Finkernagel Ross
October Communications
Spending an evening in this luxe bathroom is almost as good as going to the spa. The pièce de résistance is a hand-painted silver and gold-leafed cherry blossom mural by Peter Costello.
- Photographer Donna Griffith
- Designer Theresa Casey
House & Home February 2013
In this principal bedroom, a built-in upholstered bench and a lounge chair in subdued hues create a relaxing space to unwind after a long day. The two Hiroshi Sugimoto seascapes reflect peace and calm.
- Photographer Virginia Macdonald
- Designer Katherine Newman
House & Home October 2021
In this Spanish Modern villa, a day bed located off the living room sits under arched windows. The lush tree and natural sunlight make this serene corner feel like a sunroom for one.
- Photographer Amy Neunsinger
- Designer The Novogratz
This double-height bedroom in Muskoka embraces nature, making sure all eyes are on the greenery outside. Linen bedding and neutral furnishings add to the calming ambience.
- Photographer Alex Lukey
- Designer Margot Bell & Dasha Ricci, Peaks & Rafters
House & Home July 2019
In this rustic farmhouse, a hearth located off the kitchen features a built-in stone seat crafted by the home’s original owner. With a spot for just one, this fireplace nook is perfect for quiet alone time.
- Photographer Janis Nicolay
- Designer Sydney Carlaw
House & Home December 2021
A small office in this stone ski chalet in Quebec is located at the back of the house and overlooks a pond, trees and mountains.
- Photographer Sylvie Li
- Designer Laurence Pons Lavigne and Mélanie Cherrier, Blanc Marine Intérieurs
House & Home October 2021
In this standout bathroom, a free-standing copper tub steals the show. We can’t think of a more relaxing hangout than a fireside bubble bath in this regal setting.
- Photographer Donna Griffith
- Designer Lisa Worth
House & Home June 2018
An upstairs hallway might seem like an unlikely spot for an antique French daybed. But the homeowners of this seaside retreat on Canada’s East Coast recognized the importance of creating a designated area for afternoon naps or reflecting on the day. It’s also an extra bed for guests.
- Photographer Janet Kimber
- Designer Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate
House & Home July/August 2020
The downstairs kitchen of this home features warm terracotta tiles and beadboard ceilings. The stovetop has a clear sightline to the shores of LaHave river, so cooking dinner becomes a relaxing activity.
- Photographer Janet Kimber
- Designer Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate
House & Home July/August 2020