Your cluttered, chaotic home could be sabotaging your mental health. Here's how simple shifts can transform any space into a healing sanctuary.
TL;DR/Quick Overview: Five subtle environmental changes, from clearing visual clutter to setting protective boundaries, can transform any space into a peaceful sanctuary without major renovations or expense.
Key Takeaways: Turn Your Space Into a Sanctuary
- Visual simplicity beats perfection: Rather than completely redecorating, start by removing excess items from one surface or corner to give your eyes a place to rest and your mind space to breathe.
- Sensory elements create instant calm: Strategic use of natural light, warm artificial lighting, soft textures, and calming scents can shift your nervous system from stress to peace more effectively than any expensive home makeover.
- Boundaries protect your sanctuary: Creating phone-free zones, limiting disruptive media, and controlling who and what energy you allow into your space is essential for maintaining the peaceful atmosphere you've cultivated.
Some seasons make your home feel like a retreat. Others, not so much. Clutter builds, corners lose their calm, and the place that once offered peace starts to echo everything you're trying to quiet.
When life gets overwhelming, a total reset might not be necessary. Sometimes, making a few small adjustments can bring back a sense of calm.
How to make a room feel like a sanctuary?
Short answer: Create a peaceful space by decluttering, using soft lighting, meaningful decor, and clear boundaries.To make your home feel like a sanctuary, follow these simple steps:
- Clear surfaces of unnecessary items to give your eyes a place to rest
- Use warm, soft lighting instead of harsh overhead lights
- Add texture through soft blankets, rugs, or cushions
- Include meaningful reminders like inspirational quotes or spiritual artwork
- Create phone-free zones and limit disruptive media
- Use calming scents through candles, essential oils, or plants
5 Subtle Shifts to Make Your Space Feel Like a Sanctuary Again
Don't worry, making your space feel like a sanctuary again doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five subtle changes you can make right now to experience the difference.
1. Declutter: Clear the Visual Noise
Too much visual stimulation increases stress levels and prevents relaxation, even in clean rooms.Start with a simple subtraction:
- Choose one specific area (table, shelf, or corner)
- Remove items that don't contribute to clarity or calm
- Leave some breathing room rather than filling every surface
- Focus on one area at a time to avoid overwhelm
The result: Spaces that feel peaceful rather than chaotic, using what you already own more thoughtfully.
2. Add Light: Increase Comfort and Calm
Light has a subtle way of transforming the way a space feels.Natural Light
Let in as much daylight as you can to brighten your space and boost your mood.
- Keep curtains and blinds fully open during the day to maximize natural light.
- Even on cloudy days, allow sunlight to reach deep into your rooms for an airier, more cheerful feel.
- Use sheer curtains if you want privacy without blocking daylight.
Artificial lighting
Choose warm, layered lights to create a cozy, calming atmosphere in the evenings.
- Replace harsh overhead bulbs with warm-toned, dimmable lamps throughout your home.
- Add string lights to reading nooks or bedroom corners for a gentle glow.
- Light candles in the evening to help you unwind and transition into relaxation.
- Mix different types of lighting to turn everyday routines into peaceful rituals.
Emotional light
Pause daily to notice and savor how light shifts in your home, turning ordinary moments into mindful rituals.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from a favorite spot to start or end your day with intention.
- Light a candle before bed as a way to create a calm evening routine.
- Use moments of changing light as reminders to slow down and find meaning in simplicity.
Letting light in is also about giving yourself permission to pause and find meaning in simple moments.
3. Affirm: Surround Yourself with Positive Reminders
The things you see every day shape what you believe, even when you're not fully aware of it. Be intentional.- Visual cues: Place reminders, such as framed quotes, favorite poems, or spiritual artwork, in areas you pass by daily. These positive visual anchors silently encourage you and set a comforting tone each time you see them.
- Emotional support: Remove decorative objects that carry negative memories, and replace them with personal mementos, uplifting art, or faith-based reminders that align with your values and aspirations.
- Atmosphere shift: Create "anchor spots" in each room where positive visuals reinforce your sense of safety and belonging. Intentional pieces, especially those with meaning, have the power to shift the atmosphere.
A few small reminders of what matters can turn a room you pass through into a place that supports you.
4. Engage the Senses: Add Texture, Scent, and Sound Thoughtfully
Multi-sensory elements calm the body and mind, turning rooms into restful retreats.Touch
This physical softness invites relaxation and makes your space feel physically nurturing.
- Layer different fabrics and textures to add comfort and warmth.
- Use soft area rugs, plush throw blankets on chairs or beds
- Mix in pillows with varied textiles like velvet, linen, or faux fur.
Scent
Scented elements can instantly transform your mood and cue relaxation. Introduce calming aromas.
- Place a bowl of dried lavender on your desk.
- Use reed diffusers or candles with essential oils like eucalyptus or vanilla
- open windows for regular fresh air.
Sound
Create a peaceful soundscape to block out external noise and enhance calm.
- Thick rugs and drapes help absorb sound.
- Experiment with soothing background sounds like white noise, ambient playlists, or water fountains to create a calming space.
Peace isn't just something you feel. It's something you can sense.
5. Set Boundaries: Protect Your Sanctuary (Physical and Emotional)
Boundaries are key for maintaining a space that feels peaceful, safe, and restorative.Physical boundaries
Be intentional about how you structure and protect your space to support rest and limit distractions.
- Designate specific areas—such as the bedroom or a meditation corner—as tech-free spaces to limit distractions.
- Set routines for quiet time by turning off TVs and other screens during rest hours.
- Use furniture, rugs, or dividers to visibly separate "work zones" from "relaxation zones" within larger rooms.
Emotional boundaries
Be mindful of the energy and interactions you allow into your sanctuary.
- Choose who you invite into your space thoughtfully, and focus conversations on supportive topics within your home's calm zones.
- Limit consumption of media or content that brings stress or negativity
- Prioritize routines that make you feel emotionally safe and recharged.
Video Guide: Tips on How to Create a Home Sanctuary
Turn your living area into a calm oasis with these easy and practical design ideas from interior designer Ashley Childers.
Quick Summary: Changes to Make Your Space a Sanctuary
A sanctuary doesn't have to be perfectly styled or silent. It just needs to support the version of you that's learning to breathe, grow, and feel more whole. These five shifts are small, but meaningful.Choose one. Try it. Let your space reflect the peace you're making room for.
FAQs: How to Make Your Space Feel Like a Sanctuary Again
How to make a big space feel cozy?
Short answer: Make a big room feel more cozy by breaking up large areas into smaller, intimate zones using furniture arrangement, lighting, and texture layering.- Create distinct seating areas with rugs to define smaller spaces within the room.
- Use multiple light sources at different heights instead of one central fixture.e
- Add warm textures like throws, pillows, and soft furnishings
- Position furniture to encourage conversation and connection
- Use warmer paint colors or add wood elements to create intimacy
- Add plants or artwork to fill empty wall space without cluttering
How to make a space feel welcoming?
Short answer: To make a space feel welcoming, focus on comfort, cleanliness, pleasant scents, and personal touches that make guests feel at ease.- Keep entryways clear and well-lit for easy navigation
- Add comfortable seating options at appropriate heights
- Use inviting scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or fresh flowers
- Display personal photos or meaningful artwork that sparks conversation
- Provide good lighting for different activities and times of day
- Keep the space clean and organized so guests can relax
How do I make my room feel like a spa?
Short answer: To create a spa-like room, highlight cleanliness, natural elements, calming scents, and minimal visual distractions to create a serene, wellness-focused atmosphere.- Use neutral, calming colors like whites, soft grays, or earth tones
- Add natural elements such as plants, wooden accents, or stone textures
- Incorporate essential oils, diffusers, or naturally scented candles
- Keep surfaces clear and organized for a clean, uncluttered look
- Use soft, fluffy towels and high-quality linens
- Add ambient lighting and remove harsh fluorescent bulbs
- Include a comfortable seating area for relaxation
How to make your room feel magical?
Short answer: To bring magic into your home, layer ambient lighting, add whimsical elements, and create visual interest through unique textures and personal treasures.- Use string lights, fairy lights, or candles for soft, enchanting illumination.
- Add mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of expanded space
- Include crystals, plants, or other natural elements that feel special to you
- Display collections or meaningful objects that tell your story
- Use rich textures like velvet, silk, or faux fur for tactile interest
- Create height variation with hanging plants or wall-mounted decor
- Add unexpected elements like vintage finds or handmade items
What makes a place a sanctuary?
Short answer: A place becomes a sanctuary if it provides physical comfort, emotional safety, and spiritual nourishment while being protected from outside stressors.- Offers a sense of peace and refuge from daily pressures
- Reflects your personal values and provides emotional grounding
- Maintains clear boundaries about who and what energy is allowed
- Includes elements that support your mental and spiritual well-being
- Provides physical comfort through appropriate lighting, seating, and temperature
- Contains meaningful reminders of what matters most to you
- Feels safe for vulnerability, rest, and personal growth
7 comments
Dear friend Lux, thank you 😊 so much for sharing this ❤️ I love to clean and organize, and clutter really does affect our mood and mental health. I have a neighbour in my building who is a hoarder.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I have never been a hoarder but the people who are do not realize how negatively it affects them.
I appreciate all you share on your blog.
My favorite photo is the one above the space welcoming paragraph. It seems to have a kitchen and a sitting room ... but the light and the colors make it look warm & cozy. thanks for the ideas. My rooms are a little too sterile and I need to make them look a bit more.
ReplyDeleteI am not one for clutter, I do need a calm like this. and so many good tips to make it more cozy
ReplyDeleteI love this post Lux. Such great information.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the best pieces of advice here is removing clutter! It really is restful to have a neat area. Thanks for all the tips here!
ReplyDeleteThese are some amazing tips to build a peaceful and calming place for yourself.. Thanks for sharing dear :-)
ReplyDeleteBeauty and Fashion
Focusing on one area at a time is definitely the key to de-cluttering. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDelete