How to Turn Your Home into a Sanctuary
From running to orange orchards as a child to find sanctuary and a reprieve from the chaos at home, not much has changed when it comes to establishing a sanctuary around me. Early on in life, I admired how those orange trees grew up in drought, then survive through long flooded cycles. They survived in the mud and grew to be beautiful rich trees with a purpose. I equated the exposed tree roots in the mud to myself and my environment. It was an example that in the toughest of circumstances I could excel just like those trees. That I too could be beautiful inside and out like the orange blossoms.
As I spent many moments crying underneath the blossoms, I believed somewhere inside that I could radiate peace like the scent they gave off. The trees showed me to see the unpredictable circumstances of nature, but most of all that I too could be successful despite how I grew up. It gave me hope that I would survive and thrive no matter what I faced.
Nature was my faithful teacher. It was a teacher that did not hit, or yell at me, but one that brought beauty through my eyes, my nose, and my hands. This was the beginning of the desire to decorate to establish beauty around me and create spaces of sanctuary. Later in life, I incorporated this concept into my car, how I decorate my office, and creating special spaces at home. It led me to be mindful of how others react to the feeling of being in my home, entertaining, and even how I eat. Decorating and living in a sanctuary is an extension of the beauty that lives within your heart and soul. It’s the visual reflection of what makes you uniquely you.
In today’s world, where stress and anxiety have become commonplace, turning your home into a sanctuary can make a significant difference in your mental and physical well-being. A sanctuary is a place where you feel safe, at peace, and comfortable. Turning your home into a sanctuary can be an excellent way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a place to heal, and a place to find true rest. In this post, we will share some practical tips on how you can turn your home into a sanctuary.
Before we start with tips and ideas, let’s quickly acknowledge that what a sanctuary will look like for each person will be different. From color scheme to decor, what someone finds rest and peace in may be very different from the next person. Spending time discovering what you find rest in is as important as these tips. Ok, let’s get started!
In today’s world, where stress and anxiety have become commonplace, turning your home into a sanctuary can make a significant difference in your mental and physical well-being.
Declutter
One of the easiest ways to turn your home into a sanctuary is by decluttering. A tidy, clutter-free home can help you reduce stress and anxiety. A cluttered environment can also make it challenging to relax, focus, and sleep. It allows you to focus on what’s important and shift your mindset from overwhelmed to peaceful. Decluttering gives you space to breathe, allowing you to feel calmer as well as gain clarity and insight. It can help to bring more positivity into your life and make it easier to focus on the things that matter.
Take some time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Remember to organize your belongings in a way that makes sense to you and is easy to maintain. Start by going through each room of the house one at a time and get rid of anything that no longer serves you or brings joy into your life. Ask yourself questions like: Do I need this? Is this item still useful? Does it bring me happiness?
Create a Soothing Color Scheme
The colors you choose for your home can significantly impact how you feel. Bright, bold colors can be energizing, while soft, muted colors can have a calming effect. Decide on what colors invoke the mood that you are going for.
Start by choosing neutrals as your base colors – such as white, cream, beige, or taupe tones. These will create a backdrop that won’t overwhelm other elements of your decor. If you prefer a cooler palette, try shades of blues and greens that evoke feelings of serenity and freshness. Accentuate these gentle hues with pops of more vivid colors such as orange or pink for a vivid contrast. You can do this by incorporating these colors into your decor, furniture, bedding, and wall colors.
It’s also important to consider the size of your room when selecting colors. Small spaces can become cramped if you choose bold and dark shades, while large rooms often require darker colors to make them feel cozier. Consider how much natural light is available in your home before making any decisions on wall paint and fabrics – softer hues will reflect more light, which can make a small space appear brighter and airy.
Introduce Plants
I have always loved the beauty of plants but in addition to their beauty, there are so many health benefits to having them in your home. Adding plants to your home can help purify the air, reduce stress, and even improve your mood.
Because taking care of plants provides an inherent sense of purpose, having them around can help keep feelings of loneliness at bay and provide a necessary distraction from every day worries. Take advantage of the many psychological benefits that come with having indoor plants in your home and create a tranquil sanctuary to foster positive mental well-being.
There are numerous plants that are low maintenance but still offer numerous benefits. Some popular options include snake plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns.
Bring in Soft Lighting
Harsh lighting can be stressful, but soft, warm lighting can create a soothing atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. The warm glow of the light gives a sense of belonging, security, and relaxation.
Try incorporating some soft lighting options, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and candles, throughout your home. And don’t forget to install dimmer switches to allow you to adjust the brightness of your lighting throughout the day and night.
Add Cozy Textures
Adding cozy textures can make your home feel warm and inviting. Soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and comfortable rugs can make your home feel like a cozy retreat. Consider incorporating these textures into different areas of your home, such as your living room, bedroom, and even bathroom.
The right textures in different rooms can bring warmth and character to any space while providing comfort that will make you never want to leave. Choose colors and materials that speak to your personal style and find creative ways of incorporating them into your decor for an atmosphere that is truly unique. With a few simple touches, your home will become a sanctuary that radiates with your own signature style.
Conclusion
Your home should be a place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge. By implementing some of the small steps mentioned above, you can turn your home into a sanctuary. Remember, while these tips can be helpful, it’s essential to create a space that works for you and your unique needs. Take some time to design a home that meets your expectations and helps you feel at peace.
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