Top tips
How to make your home a sanctuary
Create your own home sanctuary with my 10 tips and expert advice. Image credit: @homebylyndsey
31st January 2024
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a welcoming and relaxing space.
At least, that’s what your home should be.
With the past few years having tested everyone’s stress levels in one way or another, it seems people are looking for ways to turn their homes into retreats;
An escape from the outside world and a cocoon of safety when things go a little awry.
Your home can be many things but most of all, it should be a calming space where you feel safe, warm and comfortable.
Achieving this can feel like an impossible task when you’re contending with household chores, work, family timetables and other commitments.
That's why I'm here to help.
Read on for my top 10 hints for giving your home a mood-boosting makeover.
1. Declutter
It may be easier said than done but decluttering is more than a domestic exercise.
Tidying your space can be very therapeutic and you may find that something as simple as having homes for things can be a great way to de-stress, making it easier to think and relax in your home.
If sorting out masses of items feels like an overwhelming task, start with a small space such as a single cupboard or drawer.
Don’t be tempted to start with a big clear out project as you may run out of time and/or steam half way through which will result in you feeling exhausted and with a big pile of things out of their hiding places.
Be realistic about what you really need to keep and sort the other items into things you want to gift or donate to charity, and things that need to be binned or recycled.
Cruz Lamp Table with Drawer
Image credit: @zoeandrhyshome
2. Get organised
It’s well proven that feeling organised can reduce stress levels.
Find a place in your home for a planner or make an online calendar to share with partners or housemates for super organised social planning and chore sharing.
And who knew that one of the most taxing things about being an adult would be deciding what to have for dinner every night?!
Construct a weekly meal plan (a quirky chalk or corkboard displayed in the kitchen will do) and write down what you’ll plan to have for dinner each evening.
Not only will this save time and potential fall-outs when dinnertime rolls round but could also save money by avoiding last minute trips to the shops and the inevitable impromptu buys!
3. Have a quick clean up before you go to bed
It’s a horrible feeling.
Walking into your kitchen and seeing the washing up sitting there from the day before.
We’ve all done it.
But doesn’t it just feel like you’re starting the day off on the back foot?
Do yourself a favour and do it before you go to bed.
It probably won’t even take as long as you think.
A 10-minute job of washing up and giving your sides a quick wipe will save you some stress and you’ll thank yourself in the morning!
Image credit: @the_robinsonfamily_abode 70
The same goes for the living room.
Before heading to bed, do a swoop of the living room.
Put toys back into boxes, fold blankets and pop them away or place neatly on the sofa if that’s where they live and clear the coffee table of teacups.
Also, plumping your cushions and putting them back into position will have your sofa looking inviting and ready to welcome you the next day.
It may seem small but these little rituals will make the morning routine a little more bearable!
4. Decorate with mood-boosting colours
Bring a burst of sunshine into your home with a splash of a happy shade.
A vibrant yellow or mid-orange are a sure-fire way to raise your spirits.
If you’re a little apprehensive, buy a tester pot and try on a small area first.
You don’t have to cover the whole room to get the fuzzy feels of a warm shade.
Paint the inside of an alcove, make a glowing featuring wall, or add dashes of colour through artwork or framed prints.
Before undergoing any type of redecoration, planning should always be the first step. Having a good, sound plan in place can help relieve stress and help you set achievable goals to bring your vision to life.
Image credit: @renovatingno39
5. Choose calming colours
There are certain shades which evoke peace and serenity.
Colours found in nature, such as greens, browns and terracotta are very grounding - perfect for creating a calm and comforting environment.
These colours are extremely versatile with a myriad of shades to choose from, depending on the type of mood you want to achieve.
When it comes to colour choice, consider your theme and how this is personal to you.
If you want the space to be bright and light then opt for brighter, neutral colours.
However, if you’re looking for a cosy vibe then deep, warm colours may better suit.
The key here is to ensure the space invokes the feeling you’re going for so that it hits you as soon as you enter.
Image credit: @ llys_llew
6. Create a quiet place in your home
Having space to relax and unwind is essential for feeling at peace in your own home.
Somewhere to retreat to at the end of a long day, where you can read a book, listen to music or enjoy a favourite pastime.
Think strategically about the factors external to this room, for example; a reading nook in a busy, sociable space wouldn’t be ideal, particularly if there are always people around.
Instead, assess whether there is a quieter space within your home or a room that could be used for designated relaxation time or a hobby you’d like to pursue that gets you away from reality.
This could be a cosy corner or snug, an outside space with a garden room or garage, or even your bedroom.
Image credit: @maddy_athome
If you don’t have an extra room in your home, I've got plenty of easy ideas for turning your bedroom into a sanctuary,
such as keeping it clutter free with under-bed storage and opting for cosy brushed cotton bedding with plenty of extra pillows.
Wherever you can find room, creating a little escape where you can wind down at the end of the day can make all the difference.
7. Cosy textures
One way to help your home feel like a snuggly sanctuary is by filling it with soft, cosy fabrics.
For adding texture, I recommend basing your interiors around the purpose of your room.
Having comfy underfoot rugs or soft and fluffy pillows and blankets can help bring that comforting, restful feeling.
Whereas using more natural materials such as rattan, wicker or jute will help you feel closer to nature and more grounded.
Choosing the right textures for your space does depend on what you’re using it for, but the main thing is that you’re comfortable and feel like you can spend extended periods of time there.
Devon Fabric 2 Seater Sofa Bed
Image credit: @koko_at_no.5
8. Personalise the space
Put your own stamp on your space by surrounding yourself with things that you bring you joy.
You could make a gallery wall of treasured family photographs or curate a display of holiday mementos or artwork by your favourite artist.
Anything that evokes special memories and remind you of loved ones is bound to make you feel happy.
When adding in the smaller details, consider the objects that you’ll want around you in this space that both reflect your personality but also the intention for the space.
Having hanging lights to create a calmer atmosphere, placing your favourite photos around the space, or a book stand for your current read are all smaller details that can really make all the difference and level up your space.
9. Let the light in
Lighting can have a huge effect on your mood.
Natural light in particular has been proven to boost serotonin levels, reducing anxiety and depression.
Try to allow as much natural light in as you can.
A pale colour palette and light curtains will help to lift the room if you have a dark environment.
In the absence of natural light, set an intimate, relaxed ambience with table and floor lamps as opposed to a large, bright ceiling light, which may feel too harsh.
@ the_life_of_holly_94
Image credit: @victorian_reno_project 106 2 1
10. Add plants
Adorning your home with a few potted plants is an easy way to add a homely feel to any space.
Not only do plants add colour to your home, they are also known for their ability to boost moods and reduce stress, evoking a sense of serenity.
I hope I’ve given you plenty of ideas for how to make your home your sanctuary. For more ways to create your perfect homely haven, read our article Cosy Living Room Ideas.
.png)
Never miss another sale! Sign up to our emails today
