The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist: The Apothecary & Spiritual Space
APOTHECARY & SPIRITUAL SPACE — FULL SHOPPING LIST
Purpose: Ritual, grounding, healing, preparation, sacred work
Vibe: Calm, reverent, warm, intentional, quietly joyful
1. ZONING & FLOW (FOUNDATIONAL)
Area rug(s) to visually separate zones
Room divider OR visual boundary (cabinet back, curtain, shelf unit)
Clear walking path between zones
Floor markers (rug edges, furniture placement) that define purpose
2. SPIRITUAL SPACE — CORE FURNITURE
Seating & Body Comfort
Meditation chair OR floor chair
Floor cushions or zafu/zabuton set
Small footstool or kneeler
Throw blanket or ritual shawl
Altar & Surfaces
Altar table or low cabinet (doors preferred)
Secondary altar shelf (wall-mounted)
Side table or stool for temporary placement
Furniture Protection
Furniture pads
Non-slip rug pad
Fire-safe surface mat (altar use)
3. APOTHECARY SPACE — CORE FURNITURE
Storage Furniture
Tall cabinet with doors (adjustable shelves)
Lower cabinet or sideboard
Drawer unit (soft-close preferred)
Step stool (stable, quiet)
Work Surfaces
Counter-height prep table
Stainless steel, stone, or sealed wood surface
Pull-out tray or work board (optional)
4. STORAGE — APOTHECARY (EXTENSIVE)
Containers
Glass jars (multiple sizes, uniform where possible)
Amber jars & bottles
Dropper bottles
Tin containers
Ceramic bowls
Fabric bags (herbs/tools)
Organization
Drawer dividers
Shelf risers
Turntables (lazy Susans)
Waterproof shelf liners
Label maker
Waterproof labels
Date stickers
Inventory notebook or binder
5. APOTHECARY TOOLS & PREP ITEMS
Mortar & pestle
Stainless prep trays
Measuring spoons (dedicated)
Measuring cups
Funnels
Scoops
Small sieve/strainer
Mixing bowls
Glass droppers
Gloves
Paper towels
Trash bin with lid
6. SPIRITUAL TOOLS & RITUAL ITEMS
Candles (real + battery)
Candle snuffer
Matches + lighter (stored safely)
Incense + holder (fire-safe)
Essential oil diffuser (quiet, auto-off)
Tuning fork / bell / chime
Crystals or stones (stored + displayed)
Tarot/oracle decks + storage box
Journals + pens
Offering bowls
Ritual cloths
7. LIGHTING — LAYERED, SACRED, FUNCTIONAL
Overhead
Dimmable ceiling fixture
Task Lighting (Apothecary)
Bright prep/task lamp (warm-neutral)
Under-cabinet LED lighting
Adjustable arm lamp (prep surface)
Ambient & Sacred Lighting (Spiritual Space)
Salt lamp or amber lamp
Table lamp with soft shade
Floor lamp (diffused)
Fairy / Pebble Lights (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Warm fairy lights OR pebble lights
Timer plug or built-in timer
Remote control (if applicable)
Adhesive clips/hooks
Extra batteries
Suggested placements
Along altar shelf
Inside glass jars or lanterns
Along cabinet tops (apothecary)
Behind seating for soft glow
Bulbs & Controls
Warm bulbs only (2700–3000K)
Smart bulbs or dimmers
Spare bulbs stored in cabinet
8. SOUND, SENSORY & REGULATION
Area rug(s) + thick rug pads
Curtains or fabric panels
Felt pads on furniture legs
Sound-softening wall art
Optional white noise or ambient sound device
9. JOY & PERSONALIZATION (THIS MATTERS HERE)
2–4 framed pieces (art, symbols, photos)
Plants (real or high-quality faux)
Decorative trays (ritual + apothecary)
Natural textures (wood, stone, ceramic)
Seasonal elements (flowers, branches, cloths)
At least ONE deeply meaningful object
10. POWER, SAFETY & FINISHING (DOWN TO THE SCREWS)
Surge protector (hidden)
Extension cords (neutral)
Cord concealment channels
Light plate covers
Plug-in plate covers
Wall anchors
Screw assortment kit
Fire extinguisher (small, accessible)
First aid kit
Outlet safety covers (unused plugs)
11. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE
Cleaning cloths
Gentle surface cleaner
Dust brush
Lint roller
Trash bags (stored)
Extra labels
Touch-up paint noted
Inventory update pen
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
