When I began The Inspired Room in 2007, my “tagline” was Refining Your Home for Authentic Living. While I don’t use that tagline now, it certainly remains true to my philosophy of home. While we certainly have embarked on some bigger renovations over the years, I actually find the most joy in the smaller refinements that can be made to one’s surroundings. I believe it’s the refining process that can make any house your home.

REFINE: improve (something) by making small changes, in particular make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate.

When we understand how to refine our surroundings and know how to make the appropriate adjustments, the impact on the room will be significant in all of the ways that truly matter.

Designing a picture perfect space is not the same process as creating a sanctuary.

A sanctuary is a place of refuge where you feel at peace.

Even if you create a picture perfect scene in your home, a photo cannot tell the whole story of how you actually feel in your surroundings. You are the one who can write that personal story and feel the impact of it every day.

To create a true sense of sanctuary, you must learn how to refine the details that will make a difference to you and the people who live there. Those details could in time make it picture perfect (when it’s all clean and the lighting is just right!) but more importantly each refinement will begin to make your home a reflection of you and transform how you feel when you’re there.

When you learn how to refine a room in this way, you can go through the rhythms of care for your home and begin the design process with what you have and can gather over time. You will know exactly what decisions need to be made each season in order to bring all of your senses into harmony! These refinements are what will finally invite you to exhale and experience a sense of peace in your surroundings.

Would you like to learn how to create a true sanctuary in your own home?

I can help you create a simple, soulful sanctuary — a home where you feel your best.

For less than the cost of one design regret (which I can help you avoid!) HomeBody members get access to all of our workshops and custom resources designed for people who want to create a sanctuary. HomeBodies just like YOU!