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The serene sound of a fountain can provide mesmerizing relaxation. Like white noise, but better. Close your eyes, in close proximity to a little fountain, and be lulled into a wonderful respite zone. Even indoors, this is an effective relaxation element…outside the birds and breeze contribute to the joy.

Pets reap benefits too! Kona gets a refreshing sip from the fountain!!!

At night, that same fountain offers gentle water sounds and an interesting sculptural effect.

Social distancing and isolation – these two popular terms that have defined so much of our daily living in the last several months and imparted a negative connotation. They paint a picture of living more at home – alone and even “out-of-touch” – literally. All of my childhood I heard the phrase “ne touche pas!” My uncle’s favorite, for sure! And now I hear it in my mind all the time. Don’t touch the shopping cart, door handle, people’s hands, “ne touche pas!” and if you do – wash and sanitize to a fare-thee-well!

Yet, on a positive note, this stay safe – be safe – living at home has spawned creativity to maximize that environment and relieve stress. It means, more than ever, expanding your outdoor options from placing a pair of chairs and tiny table on a previously unused, diminutive urban balcony or adding a palatial pool in your backyard…there are many options in-between depending on your circumstances and means.

Our cousin in Tucson has created a lagoon effect with the dark bottom and mosaic trim. an oasis in the desert.

Water features are an amazingly therapeutic design element. Water suggests cleansing. It is refreshing and renewing. Water has promise. It can also suggest escape.

The Calgon add campaign of decades ago resonates today for those of us who remember…”Calgon, take me away…Lose yourself in luxury” The escape and indulgence of a relaxing soak in a tub. The gentle buoyancy relieves tension and encourages rest. It often suggests leisure. It is a luxurious, pampering exercise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjGPgs0_S0 Here is a video from the 70s to take you back to “Take me away…” Come back Calgon!!! We miss your commercials now more than ever!!!

Taking that refreshing water scene outdoors is one of the most popular design projects trending today. From DIY to major construction people are discovering ways to escape without leaving home. Water features provide virtual escapes and actual refreshment for many people seeking that added dimension, diversion and sought-after pleasure in their lives.

A friend in Phoenix has tricked out her pool with fabulous landscaping, spectacular iridescent glass tiles and LED lighting – the luminous colors an be changed with her mood!!!!

Swimming pools, a gorgeous grotto, lap lane, all afford the luxury of submersion and even exercise.

We’re speaking with Diamond Spas of Longmont, Colorado this week on behalf of a client who is interested in a partially above ground swim spa!! https://www.diamondspas.com/swimming-pool-spa-collection/custom-pools/stainless-steel-swimming-pools/

The sound of a small water feature to a creek-like landscape addition in your yard – the projects are many. This DIY guy created what he fondly calls “Covid Creek” – a project that took several weeks of focused creativity and back-breaking work all prompted by being stuck at home. The results are a magical mountain stream flowing beneath the trees in their modest-sized backyard. A creek-like water feature or pond can offer a respite to sit beside, dangle your toes and imagine scene far from the confines of our limited environs. You would be amazed at what beautiful illusions can be accomplished!!!

A babbling backyard book built as a therapeutic DIY project during the COVID confinement.

Such multi-sensory water features offering the touch and feel of water, gentle sound and visual beauty are powerful design elements to exercise the senses. Our senses suffer with redundant stimulation. The reclusive limitations of recent months have us stagnating with sameness. It’s the variety if stimuli we are so accustomed to experiencing that keeps things interesting and alive. Moving water is one of these exceptional sensory stimulations.

Organic garden sculptures – chiseled granite boulders with re-circulating water – meld with the landscaping.

Whether a tiny fountain or in-ground pool…even a galvanized livestock tub – investigate your options. Regard your environment and study your spaces to select the best design elements for your setting.

Where are you finding comfort, peace and a reprieve from the crazy of it all? I’ve been checking in with people from around the country asking where they are finding peace and tranquility during these unusual times. Sharing their peaceful places has been fun and thoughtful.

Isabel sends greetings from “The Beach” – Standley Lake in Westminster, Colorado.

Discovering comfort in familiar and new places is the name of the game during this time of uncertainty and isolation. Some are more isolated than others. Some are surrounded by real or virtual workmates, others family, some have the companionship of a pet while others find themselves living alone and feeling a different kind of isolating solitude.

Several sunsets submitted…seems that is a restful time for most. Jan finds peace, at the end of the day, from her backyard. Nice.

Snuggling up with music or a good book, watching movies, playing games and exercise are all a part of our daily lives, but in this current situation they are magnified with importance. Technology has certainly broadened our reach. The information we can access is nearly limitless and connecting platforms to video chats have facilitated the way we communicate over the miles. Activities and focus on our senses heightens our physical and sensory benefit and enjoyment .

Whether a tablet, paperback or hardcover – nothing says escape like a good book.

Solitaire or a battle of gin…with a little gin.

Interiors are our haven. Finding peaceful places within your realm is a new adventure of discovery that is occurring as a result of a resourcefulness to stay comfortable and balanced. It’s a great time to pamper yourself. Who doesn’t like to take a bath? I don’t. But these days, that tub and inviting bubbles and fresh scents are intriguing. If you don’t have any bath salts or bubbles…find some fresh rosemary sprigs or pine needles…lemon juice or grated rind…perhaps a little ginger powder or grated fresh…put it a cloth pouch so as not to clog your plumbing.

Light a scented candle, make your own fragrances, play a little music and escape for a bit.

I usually feel too rushed – and that’s ironic because taking a restful soaker is supposed to be a perfect stress-reliever. How awful is it not to have time to decompress? Well…we all have a lot of time on our hands – albeit time being utilized differently.

Roll-up a few towels to set the stage – make it like a vacation spa – if only for an hour until the world catches up again!!!

Curling up with a good book. We know that getting up and getting dressed in the morning provides a normalcy and participation that keeps us from feeling less reclusive. Preparing for the day! And inasmuch as it is a rarity for most of us to stop in the middle of the day and read a book – it is a luxury we should allow ourselves. It is an escape, a reprieve. Discovering new places and positions to enjoy a good read is another way to find peace. Places where daylight filters in is restorative.

Tracking daylight through your interior…you might notice the orientation, time of day and penetration of light with more time spent at home.

Outside, weather plays a big part in how we can expand our isolation beyond or interior walls. From quiet garden spaces to hiking and exploring nature’s playground – the ability to enjoy exterior spaces is prime. Having warm weather on the way broadens that area of our safe shelters.

Hi Zoe in Northern Virginia!!!!! Families are having lots of outdoor time. “What a GREAT backyard you have!!!!!!!” “The better to stay isolated and still have lots of adventures,” says she!!!!!

Wowee from Maui – thanks Linda for this shot from your window- some people have it rough!!!! Isolation in paradise!!

A quiet corner of a garden can be a new discovery now that we have the time to pause and focus on the details around us.

Biking and walking trails are being explored, in these new times, and revealing great resources within our reach. One of the positive outcomes of this “down time” is a desire to get out and move – the restlessness is prompting a newfound need and satisfaction gained from exercise.

New growth brings new promise as spring peeks through….taking walks is great for both body and mind in the high desert of Albuquerque.

Hello Heather over there in Arlington, Virginia – running over the Rt 66 trail!! Not much traffic!!!!!

Shelley sends this scene from their lovely Lake Keowee neighborhood in the secluded woods of northwestern South Carolina.

My friend Jeannie, who usually works at the now very enormously lonely Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, writes that her Peaceful Place is “on one of these benches in this jewel of an oasis called Carl Shultz Park here on the Upper East Side overlooking the East River. Nice breezes to enjoy and usually lots of pleasure boats. Been doing a lot of reading here and a fine place to get a whiff of fresh air.”

Hobbies and projects have flourished. Weather permitting, outside gardens need tending and indoor projects/hobbies have truly been re-vitalized with renewed appreciation and interest.

A recently added potting table on Cathy’s deck provides a perfect area to focus on preparing patio pots and new growth!!

Adjacent to her potting area, Cathy has a perfect place for repose. Reading or playing cards, enjoying a morning coffee, evening cocktail or a quiet meal – this area provides a perfect retreat.

More fun and games as Bonnie attacks her 5th jigsaw puzzle since the quarantine started just a few weeks ago…with a little refreshment and plenty of early evening sunshine! Love that the days are getting longer!!!!

Plump your pillows and prop up your feet – inside or out – a healthy combination of rest and meditation, healthy eating, brain work and physical exercise is the recipe for success during our surreal pause. Find your peaceful place – find your joy.

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