Your home is more than just a place to reside; it’s a sanctuary where you seek solace and tranquility amidst life’s chaos. The way you decorate and organize your living space can significantly impact your emotional well-being and sense of peace. Thoughtful decorating choices can cultivate a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and stress relief, while cluttered or disorganized rooms may have the opposite effect, contributing to feelings of unease. To help you create a personal sanctuary within your home, we’ve gathered insights from top interior designers. These expert tips and decorating ideas will guide you in transforming your space into a soothing and stress-free haven that you’ll cherish every day.
Embrace the Serenity of Neutral Tones
To establish a serene ambiance in your home, consider starting with a neutral color palette. Muted and soft tones are gentler on the eyes, contributing to a sense of tranquility. Karin Bohn, the founder and creative director of the House of Bohn, suggests that neutral spaces promote the calm and sanctuary-like atmosphere you seek.
When incorporating white or light-toned neutrals like cream, off-white, or taupe, focus on adding texture to create visual interest. Avoid flat white walls and smooth furnishings, which can appear monotonous. Instead, layer in various fabrics and subtle patterns to add depth and dimension. Introduce warm accents such as gold, pale tan, or faded yellow to prevent the neutral palette from feeling overly sterile and to infuse the space with a comforting glow.
Create a Cluster of Color
To inject a dose of happiness and positivity into your space, consider incorporating a cluster of brightly colored accessories. Meghan Hackett-Cassidy and Erin Hackett of Hackett Interiors recommend adding items like vibrant pillows (such as the Better Homes & Gardens Blue Velvet Blooms Throw Pillows available at Walmart), throws, and pottery in your favorite hues. Additionally, consider incorporating lively artwork and jewel-tone vases to create focal points that draw the eye and foster a sense of focus and delight.
For maximum impact, group these cherished accessories together in a designated area, creating a visually stimulating focal point. This arrangement allows you to bask in the collective joy these items bring every time you pass by. Select a prominent location you encounter daily, such as a fireplace mantel or an entryway console table, to infuse your day with the uplifting energy of these vibrant accents.
Elevate Your Fireplace for Cozy Comfort
A fireplace possesses inherent charm, and its inviting ambiance extends beyond the warmth of a flickering flame. To fully embrace its relaxing appeal, pay attention to the entire hearth area and transform it into a cozy vignette that soothes the senses.
Even when not in use, you can enhance the visual appeal of the firebox. Consider adding a decorative screen, a cluster of birch branches, or an arrangement of pillar candles to enliven the space. By doing so, you prevent the dark and empty spot from detracting from the room’s overall comforting atmosphere. Embrace the decorative potential of the walls surrounding and the floor in front of the fireplace to create a captivating and comforting setting that exudes tranquility.
Embrace Serenity with the Gentle Glow of Candles
Incorporating candles into your home decor can infuse each space with a sense of ease and tranquility. Don’t hesitate to use them generously throughout your house, as they have the power to create a soothing ambiance that adds a touch of luxury to your day.
One of our design experts, Jade Joyner, co-founder, principal designer, and chief creative officer of Metal + Petal, loves to begin her mornings by lighting candles in the kitchen and living room, allowing them to burn until evening. This simple ritual envelops her space in a calming glow, setting the tone for a serene day.
To fully embrace the comforting influence of candles, ensure you keep a substantial supply of various types (tapers, pillars, or votives) and have several favorite candleholders on hand. This way, you’ll always be ready to set the mood and create a tranquil atmosphere whenever you desire. Just remember to blow them out when you leave your home or retire for the night, prioritizing safety along with serenity.
Work with Light
To create a welcoming and well-designed atmosphere, it’s essential to incorporate a variety of lighting types in every room. By strategically utilizing natural, ambient, and task lighting, you can transform your space into an inviting and harmonious sanctuary.
Sara Barney, co-founder, and principal designer of BANDD DESIGN, highlights the importance of well-lit rooms. Brightening up your living spaces not only makes them more inviting but also imparts a sense of cohesion and elegance to your home. To achieve this, consider incorporating different lighting fixtures such as sconces, floor lamps, desk lamps, or pendant lights. These additions will bring more light to areas that may lack natural brightness, creating a well-balanced and enchanting environment.
During the day, make the most of natural light by opening blinds and allowing the sunlight to stream in, creating a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere. As the evening approaches, ensure your lighting scheme is just as delightful as the daytime glow. Opt for bulbs that emit a soft, warm light to foster a cozy and calming ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day. With the right combination of lighting, you can create an enchanting atmosphere that complements the natural beauty of daylight, making your home a true sanctuary of comfort and tranquility.
Scent the Air
If you’re seeking a quick path to relaxation and a feeling of well-being, nothing beats a pleasant aroma. Darla Bankston May, an interior designer, recommends incorporating delightful scents into your home to create a calming ambiance. Consider lighting your favorite scented candles, such as the Better Homes & Gardens Salted Coconut & Mahogany Bell Jar Candle available at Walmart. The gentle flicker of candlelight combined with a soothing fragrance can instantly set the mood for relaxation.
To further enhance the sensory experience, place fresh and fragrant flowers in the rooms you frequent the most. The presence of these blooms will not only add a touch of natural beauty to your space but also infuse the air with their lovely fragrance, creating a serene atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can opt for an essential oil diffuser to fill the room with your personalized signature scent blend. Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design, suggests scents like eucalyptus, geranium, and chamomile, which bring a spa-like tranquility to any environment.
Embrace the power of aromatherapy to envelop your home in a sense of peace and serenity. Whether it’s the gentle glow of scented candles, the refreshing aroma of flowers, or the calming fragrance of essential oils, the right scents can work wonders in creating a soothing and rejuvenating space that nurtures your well-being.
Display Family Photos
Transform your home into a sanctuary of cherished memories by using framed photos to transport your mind to pleasant places you’ve been. Whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation or a beautiful family wedding, surrounding yourself with these happy moments and the faces you love can infuse your space with warmth and joy. According to Abbe Fenimore, an interior designer, incorporating these personal touches can be a great way to create an inviting and comforting environment.
Strategically place framed photos in areas where you’ll frequently see them, such as on shelves, walls, or your bedside table. Seeing these beloved images throughout the day can bring a smile to your face and uplift your spirits.
For additional convenience, organize your treasured photos in easily accessible albums or storage boxes. These albums can become cherished keepsakes themselves, allowing you to revisit your cherished memories whenever you wish.
By incorporating framed photos of your loved ones and happy experiences, you can infuse your living space with a sense of comfort, love, and positivity. Your home will not only reflect your unique personality but also serve as a constant reminder of the special moments that bring joy to your heart.
Bring the Outdoors In
Bringing a touch of nature indoors can instantly refresh and invigorate your living space. Whether it’s a bunch of fresh flowers, an arrangement of branches, or some houseplants, these natural elements can breathe life into any room. According to designer Linda Eyles, it’s easy to infuse your space with a breath of fresh air.
For a simple and cost-effective solution, gather a bunch of branches from a tree in your backyard and place them in a vase. This effortless display can add an organic and rustic charm to your space. Alternatively, create a spa-inspired centerpiece by filling a wide, shallow bowl halfway with water and floating your favorite blooms on the surface. This elegant arrangement will bring a serene and calming vibe to your home.
To ensure low maintenance, opt for dried flowers or hearty houseplants that require minimal care. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of nature without worrying about wilting petals or neglecting delicate plants. Reserve fresh flowers for special occasions to savor their ephemeral beauty.
By incorporating natural elements into your decor, you can create an environment that feels vibrant, peaceful, and harmonious. These simple touches of nature will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation.