It only takes a glance at the news or a moment on social media to realize that no matter who you are or where you live, the world is a bit of a mess right now.
The last thing you need is a home filled with this same negative energy.
Your home should be your sanctuary, a place to relax and restore your spirit, not another source of stress.
Are you tired of your house’s current state, but aren’t sure how to change it for the better?
Sanctuary home decor can take many forms depending on your preferences, but there are a few tenents of cozy design that are worth following.
Here are a few of the basic principles of soothing decor that can transform your home from chaotic to peaceful overnight.
Begin by Decluttering
Before you can turn your home into a peaceful oasis, you’ll need to get rid of stress-inducing clutter.
Take this opportunity to clean up existing messes, getting rid of unnecessary belongings as you go.
If decluttering and paring down your possessions feels daunting, try treating it as a mindfulness exercise.
Pick up each item that you’re considering parting ways with.
As you hold it, remember the times it’s helped you, the emotions or experiences attached to it, and think about whether it still has a place in the lifestyle you’re trying to create.
If it no longer serves an essential purpose, allow yourself to let go and embrace freedom from the hold of “stuff”.
Enhance Your Natural Lighting
Sunshine does a world of good for your mood and nothing beats natural lighting when it comes to a home sanctuary.
Try to remove as much harsh, overly-bright lighting as you can, such as by switching your normal lightbulbs for warm-tinted LEDs.
Avoid blocking your windows with furniture or heavy, dark fabrics.
If you tend to keep the curtains drawn for privacy reasons, try installing a removable window film on your glass instead.
These inexpensive films let light through while obscuring the view of outside observers.
Choose a holographic or prism-cut window film to fill your house with rainbows on sunny days.
Bring the Outdoors In
Now that you’ve opened up the windows, consider bringing in a houseplant or two (or ten).
Far from being just the latest millennial craze, houseplants have real psychological benefits.
Research suggests that they can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and help us create “sacred spaces” that feel more connected to nature.
If you can’t commit to growing plants of your own, try displaying a new bouquet of fresh flowers each week to add a tiny touch of nature to your home.
Other ways to bring the outdoors in include displaying botanical art and choosing wooden furniture.
Create a Meditative Space
Whether you have a regular meditation practice or not, creating an area with the express purpose of being still is one of the best ways to turn your home into a sanctuary.
Choose a corner of your bedroom or living room, a spare office, or even a walk-in closet.
Try to include a place to sit, be that a chair, yoga mat, or cushion, and a table for meditative items.
These could include a zen garden, candles, incense, or meditation stones.
Whenever you’re feeling stressed, head over to this area and take a few moments to center yourself.
Over time, your mind will begin to associate the space itself with feelings of calm and relaxation.
Mute Your Color Scheme
Bright pops of color are fun and energizing, but if soothing is the ambiance you’re going for, it’s best to stick with a neutral or muted color palette.
Doing a bit of reading into color psychology will tell you that blues, greens, and lavenders are best for calming and relaxation, while red-browns, ochres, and muted oranges stimulate feelings of warmth.
Whites, icy blues, and blush pinks are perfect for small spaces where you want to create a light and airy environment.
Try to avoid large areas of true primary and secondary colors.
Don’t Prioritize Interior Design Over Comfort
Don’t get us wrong—we love a modern, minimalist, streamlined look.
But if a cozy home sanctuary is what you’re going for, comfort should take priority over aesthetics.
This is especially true when it comes to seating.
When possible, choose thick, cloud-like cushions that still offer back support.
If you can’t afford to replace your hard furniture, make a small but worthwhile investment in a gel cushion seat.
On the flip side, it’s also possible to go too cozy while chasing an aesthetic.
Heaps of throw pillows and piles of blankets can make you less comfortable because they don’t leave enough space for you to settle in and relax.
Try to find a balance by adding in one or two comfortable pillows and a soft blanket where it makes sense, keeping any extras in storage.
Use Aromatherapy
We’ve talked a lot about how to improve your home’s appearance and physical comfort, but another aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked is how your home smells.
Filling the air with the soothing scent of lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can help you relax as soon as you walk through the door.
Consider getting an essential oil diffuser or hanging dried flowers and herbs.
Use These Sanctuary Home Decor Tips to Transform Your Space
These basic principles of cozy design serve as a launch point for creating your ideal home.
What will your sanctuary home decor style look like?
Whether you go all-in on cozy or prefer a light and fresh aesthetic, following these tips will put you well on the way to total relaxation.
Looking for more DIY and decorating advice?
Read through the other content on our site to get inspiration for every room in your home.