Your home is your abode of peace and your personal sanctuary. It should be a cozy and soothing environment for everyone to recharge. There has been a shift where venues for outdoor retreats and relaxation became inaccessible, therefore, we have had to make use of what we have, and turn into our own peaceful spaces. As we have gotten used to spending more time indoors and wanting to escape the stresses of the world, it makes more sense to transform your home into your place of zen. 

With these 7 tips, it’s guaranteed you’ll love your home even more. 

How to make your home a sanctuary

1. Organize Away Chaos

First and foremost, let’s Marie Kondo your space. The beauty of your home goes beyond visual appeal. It’s an extension of your personality and the energy you bring and are known for. If your home is in chaos, so is your head. A cluttered space amplifies anxieties and impairs focus. That in turn can create a ripple effect and throw you off alignment in other areas of your life. When your home is clean and tidy, you’ll feel energized and empowered to seize the day. It’ll give you more mental space to breathe and be more productive.

2. Keep it Neutral and Natural

Colors have a way of impacting the way we feel. They also exude certain energies. An elegant home design is best expressed with muted, neutral tones. It’s inviting and promotes calmness. You can transform your home into a soothing environment with smooth white walls and furniture of different textures, preferably made of natural materials. Accentuate wide spaces with decors including plants. Some favorites are white-washed wood, ceramic, ratan and other sustainable materials. You can add a pop of color, but keep it very minimal so as not to overstimulate the eyes.

3. Sunlight and Light Effects

Studies have shown that natural sunlight received through windows still helps the body produce Vitamin D. It boosts our mood, increases mental health, physical health, and augments productivity. Take the opportunity every morning to bask in the sunlight. Create a soothing environment by sitting by the window and enjoying a cup of tea and a book. Maximize your dose of sunlight by having easy-to-open curtains, shutters, or blinds. Place a comfortable chair to define your own quiet space.

When it becomes dimmer, you’d still want to preserve a level of the ambiance when it comes to light. Artificial lighting will help emphasize a room’s purpose and ambient mood. 

There are five types of lighting; general, ambient, mood, accent, and task. Uniform light that spreads across a space like how florescent does in an office space is called general lighting.  Ambient lighting is similar. The difference is, it is softer than general light and can be controlled to change the overall feel of a room. Uplights are commonly used to fit the mood and compliment an elegant home design. Carefully positioned table lamps and freestanding lamps help balance light and dark. It is more precise in targeting the occupant. This is what we call mood lighting. Next is accent lighting. This draws attention to objects in a room. You can use spotlights on bookshelves, artwork, photographs, and ornaments. 

Finally, task lighting.  As its name suggests, is a light source to help you with a certain task or activity. These can range from putting on make-up or reading. One trick is to position lights near mirrors to illuminate the room more or emphasize a certain spot.

4. Scent the Air

Have you ever walked into a room, and that one thing that pleasantly catches your attention is the scent in the air? Transform your home, not only visually, but with an aroma to tantalize your senses. Scented candles and diffusers are best to use in making sure your home is complemented with an inviting vibe. Scents that relax like eucalyptus, lemongrass, floral, or citrus scents are welcome in a spa-like soothing environment. Place your candles or diffusers away from vents to maximize their performance. Be extra cautious with candles. An elegant home design can sometimes have dedicated meditation spaces. These are great places to put your scents. Use decorative plates or trays to arrange your scents in an organized way. 

5. Art and Photos

A great way to make your home “your ” sanctuary is adding a little personal touch with the use of framed photos or art that interests you. Show your character with subtle to quirky art but don’t overdo it. Framed photos will help you remember good times with family and friends. Cluster your favorites in an area where you pass by often and on a daily basis. Entryway tables, hallways, living rooms, or staircase walls are ideal.

6. Soften with Textiles

Working with neutral tones in a uniform texture can make a space feel bland. If you’d like to keep colors monochromatic, play with textiles instead. Every homeowner may have their own taste in style, whether it is contemporary, vintage, or modern. Whichever style you want to go for, select fabrics that pop at a minimum. But maximize textiles that smoothen the feel of a room. Laying a throw blanket across the sofa instead of neatly folding it, is one idea to achieve that. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it’s functional for colder nights. For the more comfortable spaces, like places to nap or sleep in, use fabrics that are soft and comfortable to the touch. Before purchasing textiles for finishing touches, feel them on your fingertips or skin. That’s the best way to know if it’s made for your home.

7. Purify the air with plants

Bring life to your home with life itself. Artificial plants can look tacky. Go for house plants that are easy to care for. House plants are great for purifying the air so it’s a good idea to have one in every room. Aesthetically, they are great to fill empty corners. Consider large plants with big glossy leaves where nature will blend in your nurturing home.  Caring for your plants is also a form of therapy. So water them regularly and wipe the dust off the leaves to keep them beautiful and blooming.

We hope these tips inspire you to create your own retreat at home. Dedicate time to put more thought into your space. Make it feel more welcoming while promoting wellness in mind, body, and spirit.