5 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Sanctuary

When you arrive home at the end of a long day, do you immediately feel a sense of tranquility? Or does stress seem to follow you through the door and linger throughout the evening?

If the latter is usually the case, then it may be time to take a good look around you and take some steps to make your home a welcoming, peaceful place that evokes a sense of calm and contentment.

Fortunately, turning your home into a sanctuary doesn't require an expensive investment of time or money, just a few simple strategies that help offer refuge from the hectic pace of life. Try one or two of the following ideas to create a calming home environment.

1. Change up your lighting. 

Consider how your home is lit, especially in rooms that are meant for unwinding, such as the family room, den or bedroom. Change out harsh overhead bulbs with those that give off a warmer glow. Or incorporate more accent lighting instead, such as decorative table and floor lamps. Installing dimmer switches will allow you to create a relaxing atmosphere in a moment's notice.

2. Make space for your favorite things.

 If you're an avid reader, create a corner with a comfortable chair, reading lamp and a bookcase filled with your favorite titles. A music lover? Find an area to put your albums and turntable on display, along with an instrument if you play one, so that you can sit back and decompress with some tunes. If you're a wanna-be artist, find a spot where you can leave your paints, pads and canvases out so that you can pick up a brush and unwind at any time.

3. Bring nature indoors. 

Houseplants and freshly cut flowers will bring the benefits of nature within your home, providing a touch of beauty and the calming influence of the natural world. If you're worried about your not-so-green thumb, research plants that are relatively easy to care for, such as succulents and snake plants.

4. Use the power of scent. 

Aromatherapy is an effective way to give your home a calming atmosphere, and often provides an attractive decorative touch as well. Consider one of the many varieties of incense burners available today or a scent diffuser that vaporizes essential oils into the room. Scented candles are also an effective option and provide the calming nature of candlelight as well.

5. Bring spa elements into your bathroom. 

Even if you share a bathroom with other family members, you can still be sure to outfit it with some spa-like essentials, such as soothing soaps and body scrubs, cushy towels and a luxurious robe to wrap up in. Add a plant and scented candle to the mix as well to help complete a spa-like experience. 

In addition to the above ideas, make sure your home has plenty of comfortable seating, a place where you can plop down and cuddle under a blanket when you need to get away from it all.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2025. All rights reserved.

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