Decorating & Design
Private Spaces: 12 At-Home Sanctuaries To Covet
Published on December 31, 2024
Private spaces inspired by luxury hotels and spas, gyms and sound studios are all about bringing enviable amenities home. “We’re finding that clients are prioritizing at-home sanctuaries — spaces where they can relax and rejuvenate without leaving the comfort of their home,” says Calgary designer Aly Velji. These closed-door rooms invite customization. Take the $10,000 home gym, for instance, that designer Ami McKay recently installed for her clients. “Exercise is about giving yourself the gift of health, and it brings joy to your days,” she says. “There’s no reason why you can’t have a beautiful gym at home.” These private spaces take self-care rituals to the next level or provide a dedicated room to pursue a passionate hobby. Some people consider these rooms an investment in joy that’s well worth the cost.
Here are a 12 at-home sanctuaries to inspire!
Prep Kitchen
It goes by a few names (dirty kitchen, back kitchen), but homeowners agree that prep kitchens are lifesavers when the main kitchen is also an entertaining and dining space. Some cooks use the prep kitchen to temper grease splatter and odours when frying and, when hosting, they can close off the sight of stacks of messy pots. This space by Jaime Drohan is light, bright — and überfunctional. “We wanted this space to be an extension of the kitchen, with a full-size refrigerator, wall oven, coffee station and microwave,” says the designer.
Massage Room
Designer Brian Gluckstein always spoils the lucky winners of the Princess Margaret Home Lottery Showhome, and this massage room in the 2023 showhome delivers. The lower-level area is complete with a professional massage table, panelled chromotherapy tub and a steam room to unkink sore muscles. “The massage table is my favorite feature!” says Brian. “We added terry cloth drapes so you can close off this area for privacy during a treatment.”
Craft Room
Ash cabinets provide plenty of customized storage in this craft room by California Closets. There’s lots of open storage with a big island to work at and pretty containers to organize supplies — it has a candy store feel. “Craft rooms tend to be spaces where you can be more adventurous with color and pattern,” says designer Erin Feasby of Feasby & Bleeks Design. “These rooms are happy places for our clients, rooms where they feel relaxed and joyful.”
Screening Room
The popularity of home theatre rooms has skyrocketed, thanks in part to the rise of streaming services. Skip the ticket lines and settle in to comfy remote control lounge chairs (complete with cupholders) and pass the popcorn. This soundproof space by Halina Catherine cost approximately $25,500, not including the pop art that shares a title with an Oscar-winning film. “Less is more is my motto; it’s all about the movie being views and a neon pop art piece,” says Halina. “Moody and modern was my intention.”
Podcast Studio
Lindsey Simcik is inspired and comfortable in her home studio, a playful, elevated space where she’s proud to interview subjects and host team members for the Almost 30 podcast with co-creator Krista Williams. Designer Dani Dazey says that the space mixes in meaningful, personal pieces and uses bold color to match the podcast’s branding.
Dressing Rooms
After years of living with rolling racks in her Montreal home, interior stylist Nicola Marc created the walk-in closet of her dreams. Painted Ikea wardrobes are topped with custom bookshelves for an affordable look that feels bespoke. Nicola displays her treasured shoe collection on open shelves.
The luxe dressing room in Mara Brock Akil’s L.A. home resembles an upscale fashion boutique. It’s the perfect environment to lounge and contemplate an OOTD. A curvy mid-century sofa sets the tone against Scalamandré-papered walls and clothes racks that are suspended from the ceiling.
Glam Room
A must-have for fashion and beauty influencers, glam dressing rooms are going mainstream. Designer Eve Robinson placed a mirror in front of her window to take advantage of the natural light. Wood panelling incorporates built-in shelves — millwork is key in a compact room like this.
Music Room
The home office of New York architect Cary Tamarkin includes an impressive lineup of guitars mounted on a pegboard: the instruments are easy to pull down, and there’s plenty of storage.
Meditation Space
A personal meditation room doesn’t need to be huge, as evidenced by this one from Studio Shamshiri. Located in a mid-century modern home in L.A., it has all the essentials for a calming space: a comfortable asana seat (a round cushion for maintaining a comfortable cross-legged pose), a touch of nature and warming wraps.
Art Studio
In his San Francisco Victorian home, painter Cory Bradley has created a custom “cleat wall” to double as storage and display the tools of his trade. Brushes, smocks and cameras sit next to inspirational portraits and objets. The skylight provides essential natural light.
Home Gym
Rooms that focus on wellness exploded following the pandemic. This Michigan home gym by dSPACE Studio doesn’t sacrifice style for sweat. “Aim for a space that’s 12 feet by 10 feet,” says Aly Velji of Alykhan Velji Designs. “The size depends on your workout: a treadmill needs less space than a circuit workout.” You’ll also need enough ceiling height for lifting weights and nonslip rubber flooring for cushioning. Depending on equipment and finishes, home gyms can cost $10,000 and upwards.
Home Spa
Designer Ariel Apter created this spa in the basement of a young entrepreneur’s cottage. Imported slabs from Italy break up the seamless look of the microcement walls and form comfortable benches for sitting and lounging. “This spa includes a custom built-in jacuzzi plus a steam room, shower, and even a tea station,” says Ariel.
Plunge Pool
Both hot and cool plunge pools are topping many homeowners’ wish lists. This hot tub in Whistler, B.C., designed by Mark Burkart is set in a grotto of local stone and accented by atmospheric lighting, with views of the wilderness and mountains beyond. This home’s lower level is clad in local basalt, representative of the mountain setting, creating a cozy and grounding environment,” says Mark.
House & Home