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An oasis of your own

An oasis for peace and quiet is essential to the well-being of each and every one of us. We all need a private area for private moments.

The bedroom, the bathroom and sitting areas are the most logical places for this type of space. These spaces, above all, should be personal and meaningful. Designing a haven where good sleep can be achieved, books can be read, TV can be watched and love can be made is no easy task. Sharing these spaces with your loved ones can be difficult, especially if your tastes and needs are vastly different, but don't fret. There is no need to run to the divorce lawyer. Designing for the sexes can happen amicably.

Just like when you first start dating someone, finding common ground is part of the task and can be equally as fun. Decorating to satisfy two persons can be done. Sometimes you'll find that you agree on certain decorative things, and that's both good and easy. Other times, when you disagree, that can also be a good thing in that it can help you to achieve a balanced interior design.

"Plain" and "fancy" have different meanings to everyone. Plain doesn't have to mean dull, tasteless and/or sallow, but might mean simple and uncomplicated, with a preference for clean lines and basic colors. By the same token, fancy doesn't have to mean garish or overdone, but might make reference to luxurious textures and custom finishes. Deciding the overall feel for the bedroom is the perfect place to start. Keep in mind that creating a peaceful place is the main goal. The predominant style of the bedroom is really a matter of preference. Traditional, contemporary and eclectic styles all offer comfort, as long as you like it.

Selecting a color palette that is conducive to rest and relaxation is uber-important. Generally, soft and dusty colors in the pastel range are the best for bedrooms. On the other side of the color spectrum, dark colors such as navy, green and brown are also viable colors for bedrooms and sitting areas because they recede and offer a warm "nighttime" feel all day long. Bathrooms often do well in lighter color schemes, but lately trends and materials are showing darker colors in bathrooms to be equally beautiful.

Sitting areas can be located almost anywhere there is space: a corner of your bedroom, a living room nook and even tucked away underneath a staircase. These areas are meant for reading and quiet contemplation of all that happens around you. Adequate light, whether from a window or from a lighting fixture, will make a better sitting area. Some sitting areas have the added benefit of a view, and when they don't, a great piece of art can act as a virtual window.

Stepping from a warm bed onto a cold floor is a shocking way to start your day, just as emerging from a warm bath or shower onto a cold tile floor is alarming. All of these spaces that are for self-nurturing benefit from the soft and warm texture of a carpet or area rug. The pressure points on your feet are some of the most sensitive and can affect your health, reinforcing the need for at least a small area rug beside your bed or your comfortable chair.

Take these tips into consideration when designing your oasis, and whatever you do, light a candle, add some soft music for your soul and enjoy a truly relaxing experience.

• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla.

© 2014 Creators.com

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