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Home is where the heart is, and whenever you set foot in the door, you should breathe easily knowing that your home is your sanctuary. It’s a reflection of who you are, what you want, and how you feel — at least, it should be. 

It’s okay to change your home design and decor with time. Trends come and go; needs and wants change. But, at the core of your home environment, you should be focused on fostering a living space that is relaxing, refreshing, and safe. 

Thankfully, creating that environment is easier than you might think. From lights and smells to bringing a bit of nature inside, you can create a refreshing home environment that makes you happy to spend as much time in your personal sanctuary as possible. 

Keeping Things Clean

One of the easiest ways to change the feel of your home is to get rid of clutter and keep things as clean as possible. That doesn’t mean you should strive for a perfect, polished look. After all, your home should look lived in. But, keeping things clutter-free can help to reduce stress and improve your mental health. It can also boost your confidence and help you feel more secure. 

In addition to clearing away clutter, consider establishing a cleaning schedule that works for you. Something as simple as vacuuming regularly can keep your home feeling fresh. Dusting every other day will make things feel cleaner and can make your house smell better. Once in a while, schedule a deep clean of your home. When you do it a few times a year, you won’t feel as overwhelmed by the smaller, daily cleaning tasks. 

Speaking of which, smell has a lot to do with how clean people perceive a home to be. If you want to naturally improve the smell of your home, try things like essential oils, reed diffusers, linen sprays, and simmer pots. 

If you do choose to fill your home with certain scents, consider which ones are the most calming. Lavender, eucalyptus, and vanilla are all wonderful relaxing scents that can instantly help you feel comfortable when you come home after a long day. The right scents can also be incredibly inviting if you have guests over, giving them a glimpse of your refreshing home environment, too. 

Become One With Nature

We could go on for days about the health benefits of nature. Multiple studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help to:

• Reduce stress;
• Improve mood;
• Boost energy;
• Facilitate concentration.

You can add a touch of nature to your home with an herb garden. Whether you choose to have a large garden just outside or a small herb garden in jars on a windowsill, that bit of greenery can make a big difference. There are plenty of herbs and spices that can easily be grown at home, including basil, oregano, rosemary, and sage. The scent of these herbs will provide a welcoming comfort every time you step outside or into the kitchen where they’re growing. 

Having a garden can also improve your confidence, give you a sense of purpose, and reduce stress. 

If you want to take things one step further, consider implementing a biophilic home design. This method of design focuses on being as natural as possible. Things like open design spaces, houseplants, large windows and skylights to increase natural light, and artwork that depicts the synergy between the indoors and nature can all be a part of biophilic design. Not only can this type of design improve your well-being, but it can help to reduce clutter and save on utility bills. 

Do What Inspires You

At the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of your personality and should serve as a safe haven for everyone who lives there. Consider roommates or family members in your design decisions. For example, if someone lives in your home who has allergies or respiratory issues, things like improving airflow with more windows or adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help to reduce allergens in the air. 

Artwork can inspire you and give you a sense of peace and security. While it’s okay to want to be trendy, spend more time focusing on art and design pieces that speak to your soul. 

Finally, consider how you arrange your furniture. You’ve probably heard of the feng shui practice, but do you know the basic principles? Feng shui is meant to allow space for chi to flow freely, and to appreciate the environment. There are other design practices like this, so don’t be afraid to do your research to determine what works for you. 

Whether you bring the outdoors in, rearrange your furniture, or dive into a minimalistic approach to living, it’s easier than you might think to create a refreshing home environment that enriches all of your senses. Try some of these simple suggestions to change the vibe of your living space and to potentially feel more “at home” than ever.