If you have a busy schedule like I do this fall, you probably crave more peace, order and serenity in your home. As important as it is to make visual statements in your home (the ta da! moments we all seem to strive for) it is also very important to create places of calm to counteract the chaos of life. The more you have going on in your life, the more this will resonate with you.
Having a home that reflects serenity can truly give you a sense of peace. In today’s world, that is more important than ever.
I am really craving that serenity right now (yes, I even feel like chanting “serenity now, serenity now!”). So to kick off the busy week ahead in a positive direction, I’m thinking of ways to bring more calm to my life and to create a peaceful haven at home. Here are some suggestions:
1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER
The best way to create serenity is to clear the clutter and visual chaos. When your home is filled with stuff, be it clutter, piles of papers, dirty laundry, projects, or even too many accessories or an abundance of furnishings, your eye has no peaceful place to land. You want to allow breathing room for your own sanity!
Most of us could do with about half as much stuff in our house and things would feel a lot calmer. If you are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, grab some grocery bags and run around the house filling them with clutter. You can attack each bag later, and enjoy a calmer home right now.
2. ESTABLISH ROUTINES
If you struggle with disorder, or just general chaos in your life, routines can be the key to bringing calm to your life! Start with a morning routine, a cleaning routine, or a bedtime routine, and build from there. Once you have a few basic routines established, you’ll feel more in control of your life and the disorder of life will not feel as overwhelming.
3. SIMPLIFY YOUR DECOR
In your decor, you can do a number of things to create a more visually serene environment. Including getting rid of excess stuff, you can fill your home with soothing color palettes and and soft textures. It is amazing what a difference a color scheme and lots of cozy fabrics can make in how a room feels, so be sure to consider this if you are looking for a more peaceful environment.
4. CREATE A SPA BATHROOM
Some people find their bathrooms are a calm destination during the storms of life. While most of us can’t justify a regular trip to a spa, we can “get the feeling” of one in our home. Creating a spa-like environment to shower, bathe, or pamper yourself as you get ready each day or evening can make a real difference in your attitude!
I love having a luxurious faucet, a big bowl of fragrant soaps, jars filled with bath salts, and fluffy towels ready for after a bubble bath.
5. PRACTICE DAILY SOLITUDE
Give yourself permission to enjoy peace & quiet every day! If you take care of yourself you will be better equipped to face the day’s challenges. I’ve had a couple of times in my life where I let myself get so busy, I got stressed out and didn’t take care of myself emotionally, spiritually or physically. Having time to rejuvenate yourself is part of setting a healthy tone for your home.
Create a small corner where you can think (preferably in a locked room if you have children!). Put in a comfy chair, soft lighting, a candle, and have your favorite books or magazines at the ready for some quiet time. Spend a little time every morning in solitude and you’ll be much more equipped to face the day. In fact, just seeing your quiet corner can lower your stress level during the day!
The outside world can be a stressful place, but with a little attention to our home and how we live in it, we really can find that sanctuary we all need at the end of the day!
If you have not yet taken the time to join the You.Propelled Community over at Divine Caroline, I encourage you to spend some time there. You’ll find articles and forums that encourage positive changes in your life and a community that promotes well-being, health and balanced living. Take a little break for yourself and check it out, I know you’ll find some inspiring ideas and information!
Thanks to Propel for sponsoring The Inspired Room! I’m proud to be working with Propel on the You.Propelled project this fall.
photo inspiration: House Beautiful
