If your life seems hectic and out of control, why not create a private retreat where you can go to unwind, read, and take sanctuary from outside intrusions? Without adding on to your house, you'll be able to find a special spot that is yours alone. You'll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to escape without going anywhere.

Older homes have nooks and crannies built in under the eaves of an attic that are secret private retreats. A closet under a staircase is a great place to hide from the world. But if you're living in a new home, you'll have to find your own private retreat.

A private space doesn't have to be small, but it does have to be furnished with your favorite things. If you long for a spot to curl up with a book, you must have a good reading light, a comfortable chair and footstool, a lush comforter or throw, and a place to set a chilly lemonade or cozy cup of tea. If your everyday dream is to lounge in a warm, foamy tub, put dimmers on the light fixtures in your bathroom, light loads of candles, and have music at hand.

If you need a place to get away to do what you love, make it happen!

Each individual has his or her own thoughts on what a private space should be. Read on to find just the right idea for you to create your own sanctuary.

A Quiet Corner for Reading

If you ask someone what he would like to do with some spare time, undoubtedly, many would answer that they'd like to sit down with a good book, a good drink, and an uninterrupted hour. That shouldn't be so hard to do, should it? But when is the last time that you had that luxury? You'll find it so much easier to enjoy such a private time if you have a special place to do it.

Look around your home. Do you have a spare closet or quiet corner of a bedroom or study? Some place where you won't be interrupted by a telephone ringing or computer announcing that you have a message.

Be very careful about where you place a comfortable chair. If you must, position it with the back of the chair to the middle of the room so that you can look out a window. Spend some time getting the view just right. You may have to trim the branches of a tree or plant a beautiful window box. But be sure that the view is soothing and not distracting.

Place a small table next to the comfortable chair, one that is just big enough for a book, a cup, and a lamp. Don't be tempted to put anything else on the table. You don't want anything to distract you!

If you're like me, you wouldn't think of settling in without a ottoman or footstool. I want to be comfortable! And I always have a soft, mohair throw over the back of the chair in case it gets chilly.

When you have your reading corner just right, close the door, turn off the phone, put on some soothing instrumental music, and read to your heart's content. And don't be surprised if you doze off!