When you’re at home alone, or when the kids are all in bed, do you feel relaxed and inspired by your space? Have you taken the time to thoughtfully design your space, no matter how big or small, how luxurious or basic, to reflect the person you want to be? It matters! The way we decorate our homes can have a profound impact on our mental well-being, which ultimately powers everything - mood, emotions, and overall sense of peace and happiness. Purposeful home decor choices can literally transform your house into your sanctuary, promoting tranquility and joy in your life….two things we could all use more of!
How Can You Make Your House More Relaxing?
Use Colors and Lighting Wisely
Colors are super important and can help make your home feel like a relaxing retreat. Soft, soothing tones like pastel blues and greens are excellent choices for a calming atmosphere. Warm hues like soft yellows and earthy tones can evoke feelings of comfort and contentment. No matter the colors you choose, always make sure to maximize natural light – any amount of natural light will help to create a feeling of openness, optimism, and being one with nature within your space.
Declutter!
Keep your space organized. A messy, unorganized, cluttered space results in a feeling of having no control. There are already enough areas of life where we have no control – your home does not have to be one of them! By decluttering and organizing your home intentionally, you will have created a space that fosters peace and relaxation.
Incorporate Elements of Nature
Bring as much nature indoors as you can – and this is a lot easier than it sounds. Items like plants, anything that uses natural materials, and nature-inspired décor all help. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to nature, even in the form of indoor greenery, can reduce stress, boost mood, and even enhance cognitive function.
Create Your Own Private Space
We all need our own private space to rejuvenate – and the good news is that size does not matter at all, as long as it is your own place of solitude. When all of our waking hours are spent caring for, thinking about, and supporting everyone around us, we can very easily lose ourselves. Nurturing, or in some cases re-discovering who we are is critical…we each only have one trip thru this life and one chance to live our unique purpose and passions.
Create a place in your home that feels private, safe, quiet, and relaxing and is your place for introspection – your place to read or meditate or just sit with yourself. This can be anything from a small reading nook, to a cozy chair in the corner of the bedroom, to a corner of the table where you enjoy your coffee while the rest of the house is still asleep. The size of the space doesn’t matter – use beautiful, natural soul-filling home décor to just make it yours.
The Connection Between Decor and Mental Health
Prioritizing thoughtful decor choices and creating a living environment that is peaceful and connects us with the natural beauty in the world will enhance your mental well-being. Make sure your home nourishes you and rejuvenates your spirits.
Every one of our homes, no matter where they are, no matter their monetary value, no matter the size, have the potential to be sanctuaries that nurture our souls and elevate our daily experiences. Prioritize your living space by embracing the transformative power of purposefully chosen, responsibly sourced home décor and the wise use of natural light and color. Your home is your sanctuary. It is in the moments of solitude and quiet that you create there where you will re-discover yourself and re-claim your unique purpose and passions. And this world desperately needs YOU.
