How to make your home a personal sanctuary

My sanctuary

A sacred space one may retreat to that is safe allowing for rest and true indulgence in oneself and personal life. It’s our space, to decorate the walls, stock the cupboards, listen to music, and go to the loo, as, when and how we please. It’s also commonly a shared space, with family and loved ones, a space to catch up, bond and nurture our relationships. Home is the space that we take to to heal when wounded, to take a break from the demands of work, social pressures and people. So how do you make the most of your home, and embark on creating a personal sanctuary?

Firstly I acknowledge not everyone can control their home environment, but our arrangements rarely last forever. So whether you’re considering upgrading your home space now or dreaming of the future, here are my three top considerations for creating your personal sanctuary.

Organise to optimise

Keep it clean, organised, simple and set. How infuriating is it when you lose your charger, your tired, you want to sleep, but you need to set an alarm. Your phones on 2% and the charger is no where to be seen. When your space is cluttered it prepares you for set backs, and oh my it dampens your mood. Personally I thrive knowing my items all have a home, and that their home is functional. I simply will not journal if I have to fish through my draws for my diary.

I keep my makeup where I do my makeup, and I only keep what I use, and my diary lives on my bedside table with a pen. I get out my outfit and pack my work bag the night before to eliminate as many decisions as possible come morning. The placement of my items goes hand in hand with the success of my habits. When my space is organised I’m not wasting time looking for things. Evocative objects in the home expand beyond memorabilia, we see clutter and we immediately think of our to do list or feel stressed and unsettled.

Enhancing immersion

What a treat the senses are, it’s only when we have a cold that we miss tasting our food and the smell of fragrances. Scents can evoke so many emotions, take us to a time or place we experienced treasured memories. Keeping our home fresh and filling your home with scents that make you feel at home is a great way to sanctify your space.

The potential that sounds have to transform an experience is immense, we all know how music makes us feel. Suspense, relief, excitement, nostalgia, grief and empathy are induced in theatres world wide through the power of music. Creating ambience in the home can be done through music, trying to relax? Try something soothing and unproblematic. Music is a prescription code to access and operate versions of ourselves that would otherwise lye dormant.

Get that torch out of my face! Seriously, personally I hate white light in the home (in fact just anywhere). So particularly in the evening I have my trusted salt lamp, which projects a warm, soft, pink toned light as well as an arrangement of candles. Bonus points for crackling candles! Set the scene, what are you doing? Think about how film sets prompt you to know what the scene is about before a single word is spoken, in all of the cues and tones,even the lens. Senses tell a story. Textures and temperature are important too, when picking furniture remember this is where you are going to reside in your most vulnerable moments. This is the sofa you will take to with an upset stomach, or to watch movies with loved ones. You want it to be comfortable.

Clear communication for smooth sailing

If you’re planning on moving in with say a partner, consider discussing your expectations, boundaries, habits and standards. This is your sanctuary, make sure you both understand what you need to make it feel that way. For me, I can’t sleep with distractions, so someone reading or on their phone beside me is an absolute no.

Remember home is somewhere you should feel like you can be released from your barriers, not have to retire your boundaries. Home is a place that you can rest without feeling like resting is merely a substitute for productivity or acceptance of inadequacy. But an important step in your success. Home can foster growth, helping you to access your potential.

What makes home feel like home to you?

Love, Amy