Most people find themselves looking up from their work during a long day and dreaming of an extended vacation to some secluded place. In truth, travel is rarely relaxing. Airplane travel and crowded destinations are likely to turn the trip into an ordeal long before you get to bury your toes in the sand. Are we meant to use a few measly days a year getting a grip before going back to the stresses of everyday life? Why does restoration have to happen in far-off foreign lands?

Noted psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross once said, “There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.” People who are stressed and in need of a break should look to their homes for daily restoration, not their annual vacation.

The most important function of good home design is to make the living space optimal for the owner. All too often, homeowners and decorators alike forget that the home is, above all, a place to find peace.

Want to start turning your nights into mini-vacations? Start by identifying an area as your relaxation space. It helps to note that “Your Relaxation Space” should appear in your mind exactly as shown here – bold and well-defined. Don’t let it become a place to catch up on work, extra toy storage for the kids, or catch-all for your spouse’s laundry. The whole family (and you) should know that it is strictly for your unwinding activity. Choose something that never fails to help you relax, like reading, writing, playing video games, watching movies, bathing, meditating, or just zoning out. Attach this activity to the space best suited to doing it.

The same principles that apply to designing a workspace also apply to creating “Your Relaxation Space” . The area should be neat, comfortable, and most of all, fun to be in. Fill it with some of your favorite things to tailor the room to your tastes.

Do you take bubble baths to melt away your worries? Deck your bathroom out with spa towels, a fluffy robe, and decorative, great-smelling soaps. Special bath products often look great on display. Plus, the bath is the best place to keep your favorite candles. Not only can add warmth and color to a sterile bathroom, but they can provide much-needed aroma therapy.

If you prefer to be surrounded by your book collection for some reading time, start designing your space around a comfy chair. (Avid readers know that not just any seating will do.) Then add a spot to set a cup of hot tea. I personally love any room that is full of books, and you can find a bookshelf to fit any home decor style. For extra fun, try arranging your books by color .

The most common space for a home getaway is probably the bedroom. And why not? There is nothing more calming than taking a nap. As I mentioned in my first post , a neat and soothing bedroom can be the perfect personal refuge. Of course, there are many ways to design a boudoir. If you are going for relaxation maximization, try using hotel room design aesthetics and adding a sea of pillows to your bed. For a real retreat, go for something whimsical or surreal .

Got a relaxation space in mind? Go try it out. I think I’ll hit mine, too.