by Elyse Waters | Feb 4, 2026 | February 2026, Stuff
Where to shop, sweat and sparkle in Raleigh.
Stretching its way across the Triangle, JETSET Pilates just opened a new studio in North Hills—and has another planned for Horseshoe at Hub RTP come spring. Jet over for full-body reformer classes set to DJ-curated jams. @jetsetpilates
Set to reform Raleigh fashion—and the convo around closet-conscious consumption—is sustainable womenswear brand Reformation, opening in North Hills in the first half of 2026 with trendy, eco-minded apparel. @reformation
Changing the tile game in Village District from the ground up, TileBar has officially bowed with a Gensler-designed showroom packed with interactive displays, design consultations and the latest product lines—promising to leave you absolutely floored. @tilebar
Book it to Liberation Station, NC’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, which officially reopened its new space on Hill Street. Victoria Scott-Miller’s labor of love will also play host to author visits and community programming. @liberationstationbookstore
All that glitters is, in fact, in the display case. Sparkle on at Wilmington-founded REEDS Jewelers’ new Fenton locale, accessorizing the area with a 7,800-square-foot showroom feat. diamonds, fine jewelry and watches. @reedsjewelers
Get ready to serve face. Sephora’s North Hills outpost is set to open in February with its popular lineup of makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrances from a slew of fan-fave brands. @sephora
Things are heating up in Boylan Heights. … Enter mod Nordic spa Sauna House, whose second Triangle space is poised to redefine recovery with warm and cold pools, saunas, and massage services. Ready, set, steam! @saunahouseraleigh
by Kelsie Barton | Aug 27, 2024 | Real Estate & Home, September 2024
How to transform any cozy nook into a blissful solo sanctuary.
Is home your happy place—or an overstimulating space? Does it nurture you or leave you feeling drained? If the latter sounds all too relatable, then it’s high time you zoned in on creating a Zen zone.
“In today’s fast-paced world, there’s an increasing awareness of the direct link between our daily actions and our mental health,” says mindfulness educator and Astral House Interior Design founder Orshi Wren. As a result, more people are turning to designated relaxation areas in their homes—spaces that serve as a calming escape from the stresses of everyday life.
“Practices such as meditation, yoga and sound baths are becoming more accessible and popular,” explains Wren. “By integrating these elements into their living spaces, [people] create personalized sanctuaries to support their emotional health and overall quality of life.”
Meditation not really your thing? Even still, establishing a spot to unwind after a long day can majorly boost your vitality. Here, Raleigh interior designers share how to style your ultimate Zen zone.
Identify a Nurturing Nook
First things first: Pick the perfect space. “When designing a relaxing retreat, start by identifying a cozy nook in your home,” offers Wren—“preferably near a window or a source of natural light to provide a serene and inviting atmosphere.”
Whether you opt for a quiet corner of the living room or a sunny porch perch, a comfy lounge chair or a small settee serves as the perf foundation, then, “incorporate items as visual prompts for relaxation,” she advises. Think incense, sound bowls, candles and journals. “Having these items visible will remind you of the space’s purpose and encourage you to use them regularly.”
Focus on Color & Organization
These two tips “are intrinsically linked in creating a serene environment,” says Wren, who recommends using an earthy palette of soft beiges, grays and creams that “have a profound emotional impact, helping us feel grounded and peaceful.” Her go-to shade? Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream, natch. For chromatic harmony, Design by Tula’s Tula Summerford opts for “similar hues and materials to help give the space a calming vibe and create clean lines and unity.”
And since “clutter can cause significant anxiety,” maintains Wren, “maintaining a tidy and orderly space is essential for fostering a sense of calm.”
Embrace Natural Elements & Personal Touches
To bring Zen vibes to life—literally—incorporating greenery and “designing with rattan, marble and other organic materials allows us to enjoy design that isn’t too precious—due to their durability,” emphasizes Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors—helping the space to feel like it can really be lived in.
“Plants have a natural ability to make us feel more connected to nature,” adds Wren, who admittedly relies on plants and floor pillows for that lived-in feel. Plus, fun fact: “Sitting on the floor can lower our heart rate and promote relaxation.”
Plants, pillows and palette aside, ultimately, focus on what centers you. “I love to create a beautiful altar with meaningful items such as photos of teachers or loved ones, candles, crystals, and an old handcarved mirror,” Wren shares. “These personal touches add a sense of peace and reflection to the space.” Then all that’s left to do is breathe in—and bliss out.
