How to Make Your Room Your Sanctuary
Your room should be the most peaceful place in the world for you! If not, here's a few things you can do to change that =)
Things you will need:
- paint (or plain white walls, depending on what makes you feel more peaceful)
- artwork and/or photos to display
- scented candles or other "homey" feeling products
- bedding
- window treatments
- favorite chair or other "comfy spot" or "retreat spot"
- cleaning supplies
- organizational tools such as baskets, tubs, hanging shoe organizers, etc.
- creativity!
Step 1: Choose a theme or overarching "feeling" you want your room to evoke. All your colors, artwork, and other decorations will be based on this theme or idea. If you are looking to create a calming/peaceful atmosphere, cool colors such as blues, greens and purples can accomplish this. If you are envisioning something a little more dramatic, consider using warmer colors such as reds, yellows and oranges.
Step 2: Start with your walls, and work from there. If you live in a place that allows you to paint, consider painting one wall (the wall you see first when you walk into the room). This will be your "accent wall". You can leave all the other walls white, or paint the other walls a lighter color that fits your color scheme. Adding a splash of color really brightens the room and can, in turn, make your room feel more homey and comfortable, and even more calming to your soul.
Step 3: Pick a comforter or bedspread of your choice. Make sure it is very comfortable and inviting. Make sure your mattress is not too hard and not too soft, so that you are getting a good night's sleep each evening and find yourself rejuvinated and ready to go each morning.
Step 4: Use window treatments to your advantage. Light, flowing window treatments in a cool color, or even white or off-white color, can create a feeling of calm and peace in a room. Or, if you're going for a bolder look, there are plenty of options to achieve that look as well.
Step 5: Keep your space free from clutter, which creates a feeling of chaos. Instead, use organizational tools to cultivate a stress-free environment. There are many tools out there you can use, such as shelves, shoe and clothing organizers, etc. Try to keep everything organized throughout the week into their proper places, and you'll be amazed by how much this affects your personal life. Studies show that a cluttered space makes people feel more stressed, while an organized space makes them feel calmer and more peaceful.
Step 6: Add decoration and character to your room in the form of paintings, photographs, pictures of family and friends -- anything that makes you happy. For example, I have a few framed works of art on my walls which I created myself. I also have my degree up on the wall, to remind me of all my accomplishments. You could also display photos of family and friends, and even cards people have given you, to remind you of the influence you have in other's lives and the joy you bring to others. Adding other special touches that relate to your theme is a good idea, too. For example, many people are embracing the "vintage" look, so adding a cute vintage typewriter or sewing machine to your desk or nightstand would be lovely. Or, if your theme is "beach", for example, you could add seashells, photos of beaches or palm trees, etc. The sky is the limit! There is only one YOU! What better place than your room to showcase that?
Step 7: Consider having a special chair or comfy spot in your room where you can go to "retreat" from the world and it's cares. This could be a single chair with a nightstand and lamp, where you do your daily devotions and pray. This could also be a window seat or couch, depending on how big your room is and what options are available to you. This could even just be your bed or even your desk. It's up to you, but the point is to create a little "nook" or sanctuary where you can retire to think and reflect. This area can also double as a spot for a friend to sit when they visit you, so the two of you can chat and your friend will feel at home.
Step 8: Add comforting touches to soothe and relax your spirit. Putting a scented candle in your room, for example, and lighting it at night as you read a book, or tidy your room is a great way to relax and decompress from the day's events. Burning incense is also nice. (Just make sure you exercise caution when dealing with an open flame, i.e. make sure you blow it out when you leave the room or go to sleep for the night).
Step 9: Have cleaning supplies handy, so you can keep your room free from dirt and dust throughout the week. Having paper towels, Windex, floor cleaning supplies such as a Swiffer mop, and dusting supplies handy is also a great way to cut down on the amount of dust and dirt you are breathing throughout the week. Those dust bunnies under your bed may be irritating you more than you know! Keeping a clean space can eliminate allergic reactions and can help your room to feel more like a sanctuary and less like a dungeon.
Step 10: Enjoy your new, wonderful sanctuary of a room! If you can think of any other ideas to create a calm, peaceful space, let me know if the comments below! Thanks for reading =)
