Tints of Tranquility: Shades for Sacred Spaces

Design plays a huge part in creating a sacred space, and color is definitely instrumental to cultivate the right atmosphere. Whether you are using a room or area for meditation or yoga, here are some insights to ensure that the hue on the wall reflects your personality—and purpose.

Interior designer Taryn A. de los Reyes says a room should maintain a harmonious balance of natural finishes to convey a calming aesthetic. How exactly do you get there?

Begin by defining the most common activity of the room, because that can steer you in the direction of a color that works. Yoga may require a room that is a bit lighter and brighter than a meditation room requiring a dusk-like sereneness.

As for strolling into the paint store and walking out with the perfect shade, there is none—just choose a few and go with what you like.

Neutral shades are typically a win for a sacred space, especially if it has multiple uses. You want tonal values that are soft and soothing, and that can include tones of color such as sage greens and weathered blues. Greys offers a balanced monochromatic theme.

“The key here is to stay away from harsh bright colors such as reds, yellows and oranges, steering more towards a cooler color range,” de los Reyes noted.

Size, Light Impact Color Choices

Keep in mind that the ideal color—or one that works best for your space—is impacted by some other variables. The size of the room and any natural light will also play a role in color selection.

If a room is larger in size it can easily carry a deeper shade range, creating a more intimate space, she explained.

Lighting can also impact the way the tone on the wall is projected and received.

“I always make sure that the ceiling fixtures installed are on a dimmer switch so the brightness of the room can easily be adjusted to the desired setting,” she said. Pay attention not only to the ceiling when integrating lighting—step lighting, which lies a foot or so above the floor line can create a relaxing feel.

Also, don’t think that you have to paint or wallpaper all walls the same. De los Reyes often adds a feature wall with natural wood plank or a grass cloth wall covering.

“This provides an organic layer of texture and dimension to the space,” she added.

Once you get the room just right, why stop there? An array of other soothing tones are ideal for use throughout a business space or house to make it just as peaceful as a yoga studio or meditation spot.