In shared environments such as hospitality, co-living and retirement accommodation, creating inviting spaces for downtime is no longer just a nice-to-have, it's essential. These projects increasingly require dedicated areas to nurture mental wellbeing, encourage rest and support emotional and social engagement. Whether it’s a quiet lounge in a boutique hotel or a communal social area in a retirement village or co-living development, a well-designed downtime zone will offer a tangible uplift in quality of life.
In today's high-stress world, environments that promote relaxation and mental recovery can be transformative. In hospitality, guests are looking for peaceful chill out spaces that elevate their stay beyond just function, while residents in communal living units benefit from areas that encourage interaction and a calm sanctuary. A thoughtfully designed space will improve mood, reduce stress, and can even support cognitive health.
Floor pictured: Lunar Limestone, Natural Limestone
Designing for relaxation calls for a blend of sensory elements and practical materials. Neutral tones on walls and floors act as a grounding base, supporting a restful ambiance without overwhelming the senses. Biophilic materials featuring natural textures and patterns can enhance wellbeing and lower anxiety. Comfortable soft furnishings, warm materials and acoustic dampening materials help to create a sense of calm, while enhanced natural light using soft ambient lighting and calming scents can also positively influence mood.
Flooring is a key surface for setting the tone of these relaxing spaces. Combining aesthetic versatility with practical performance, the new Knight Tile range presents a curated collection of soothing handcrafted designs with an authentic look of rare and exclusive natural woods and stones in calming earthy tones, making this the perfect fit for contemporary biophilic style.
Floor pictured: Cocoa Limed Oak
Options like Cocoa Limed Oak, with its timeless deep brown and warm espresso tones, or Lunar Limestone, an understated off-white design with subtle depth and plenty of character, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while flexible laying patterns allow designers to subtly define zones within open-plan areas. For example, a herringbone wood design in a seating nook can differentiate it from a more functional area laid in a straight-lay pattern or in a contrasting stone design.
Tonal choices influence more than just aesthetics; they shape the emotions people experience within a space. Softer neutral hues will calm the mind, while natural textures serve as a grounding experience. The Knight Tile collection offers this balance beautifully, with a selection of designs inspired by reclaimed timbers and rare stones that give each floor a cosy familiarity and an undeniable sense of luxury.
Floor pictured: Nutmeg Limed Oak
Warm and soft compared to ceramic or stone, every Karndean floor is comfortable underfoot and also compatible with underfloor heating for additional comfort during the colder months. With a durable and slip-resistant surface that’s also easy to keep hygienically clean, this is a safe flooring option suitable for those with impaired mobility, vulnerable health or allergies.
So, from a restful lounge in a hotel to a multi-purpose relaxation area in a retirement community, Knight Tile presents the perfect blend of outstanding technical performance and the freedom to design restorative spaces that truly support wellbeing and relaxation.
Explore the Knight Tile collection
Fancy another read? Discover our previous blog about designing shared spaces for productivity.
