How to create the ultimate 'insperience'

Have you heard? Staying in is the new going out. Creating an unforgettable 'insperience' - a delightful experience within the confines of your own home - has now become an art form.

By Carolyn Tate

We don’t need fancy restaurants or venues to have a great time, when everything we need is right here at home.  

Creating a delightful insperience is not just about being at home; it's about transforming your space into a haven of enjoyment and relaxation.

How do you do that? We’re glad you asked. This guide will walk you through how to curate your very own ultimate insperience.

What is an insperience?

An insperience is the practice of turning our ordinary indoor routines into extraordinary experiences. It’s about elevating your home environment and activities to create enjoyable, memorable moments, often mirroring the experiences you might seek outside, from the comfort of your home.

Why are insperiences suddenly popular?

The rise of insperiences can largely be attributed to the global COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and social distancing norms, necessity had us turning to our homes for solace and entertainment. This shift has since sparked a creative revolution, leading to the discovery of the joy and potential that lies within our own four walls. Who knew!? Even as the world is opening up again, the allure of a well-crafted insperience remains strong. Plus, we can wear our comfiest clothes without judgement.

What elements make up a good insperience?

There are a few key ingredients that we think you need to create the best kind of insperience. Namely:

●  Ambiance: The right ambiance is crucial. This could mean dimming the lights, lighting candles, or setting up cosy seating areas with plush cushions and throws.

●  Activities: Tailor activities to your interests. This could be anything from a movie marathon, a DIY spa day, or a gourmet cooking session.

●  Personalisation: Personal touches make an insperience uniquely yours. Whether it’s curating a playlist of your favourite songs or setting up a photo booth with fun props, it’s the details that can really elevate the event.

●  Technology: While not strictly necessary, we think you can use technology to your advantage. Virtual reality experiences, online classes, or even a high-quality sound system for music can enhance your insperience.

●  Food and drink: No experience is complete without food and drink! Whether it’s homemade, takeout, or a mix of both, ensure it’s something you love.

Mistakes to avoid with your insperience

Insperiences are all about enjoying yourself and elevating your home into something special - not about stressing yourself out. Here are a few things we think you should avoid:

●  Overplanning: Trying to cram too many activities or overly complicated plans can lead to stress. Keep it simple and flexible.

●  Neglecting comfort: Comfort is key! Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable seating area or the right room temperature.

●  Ignoring individual preferences: If you’re hosting guests, consider their likes and dislikes. An insperience should be enjoyable for everyone involved.

●  Forgetting to unplug: The idea is to relax and enjoy the moment. Try to unplug from digital devices and social media to fully immerse yourself in the experience, and ask your guest to do the same.

Must-have insperience items

Okay, nothing is ‘must’ have - it’s your insperience, after all. But these are things we think can help to elevate your home into something special for the day:

●  Comfort items: Soft blankets, comfy pillows, and comfortable loungewear are essential for creating a cosy environment.

●  Mood lighting: Make sure your lighting suits the mood you’re trying to set. Fairy lights, candles, or dimmable lamps can instantly transform the atmosphere of a room.

●  Entertainment options: Board games, books, a good movie, or art supplies - choose what entertains you the most.

●  Gourmet treats: Stock up on your favourite snacks, drinks, or ingredients for a special meal.

●  A good playlist: Music sets the mood. Have a playlist ready that suits the mood of your insperience.

Creating different types of insperiences

Not sure what sort of insperience you’d enjoy? The only limit is your imagination, but here are a few of our favourites types to host at home - for a small group of guests, or just for us because we’re special:

●  The spa day: Turn your bathroom into a day spa with scented candles, bath bombs, body scrubs, and a selection of luxurious lotions and potions.

●  The gourmet evening: Experiment with cooking a new recipe, or arrange a tasting session with various wines and cheeses.

●  The home cinema: Create a movie theatre experience with a projector (or just your TV), popcorn and snacks, and a line-up of your favourite films.

●  The virtual adventure: Explore virtual tours of museums, concerts, or travel destinations from your living room. Google will be your friend in finding the genre of cultural experience you’re interested in, but try the Australian Museum’s virtual tours or Tiny Desk concerts for starters.

●  The creative workshop: Set up an art studio or craft corner and spend the day creating something beautiful.

An insperience is a wonderful way to rediscover the joy of being at home. It’s about creating special moments and memories without stepping outside your door. Whether it’s a solo endeavour or shared with family or friends, an insperience can be tailored to suit any mood or occasion. Embrace the concept, and let your home be the backdrop for some of your most cherished experiences.

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