In a world that often moves too fast, coming home should feel like arriving your very own personal retreat—a space that supports your well-being, invites you to exhale, and reminds you that rest is not a reward, but a necessity.
Whether you're carving out a cozy corner in a small apartment, transforming an entire room, or living in a tiny home like I do, creating your home sanctuary is a beautiful way to support your nervous system, your sleep, and your overall sense of peace.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to cultivate a space that nurtures rest, inspiration, and calm.
🧺 1. Remove the Clutter
Before adding anything to your sanctuary, take a moment to clear away what’s no longer serving you. Clutter—both physical and energetic—can create a subtle sense of overwhelm, even if you’re not consciously aware of it. Piles of laundry, unopened mail, or overstuffed shelves can weigh on the mind and make it harder to fully relax.
Creating spaciousness doesn’t mean you have to live like a minimalist; it just means being intentional. Try focusing on one area at a time—a nightstand, a corner of the living room, or your bathroom counter. Let go of what feels chaotic or stagnant, and make room for peace.
Clearing clutter is a form of energetic hygiene. It invites new energy in, supports clearer thinking, and makes it easier for your nervous system to settle.
🌿 2. Bring in the Greenery
Nature has an incredible way of calming the mind and reconnecting us to the present moment. The botanist in me simply cannot thrive without plants around.
Adding plants to your home not only brings in beauty and life, but also offers real, measurable health benefits. Houseplants help to purify indoor air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, making each breath a little more nourishing.
If you're new to plants, don't worry—start simple. Succulents are simple, require little water (some even thrive on being neglected!), and don’t require a lot of space. Snake plants, pothos, and spider plants are hardy and forgiving. If your space lacks natural light, consider adding a small LED grow light to support your plants' growth (they’re more affordable and energy-efficient than ever). You can even bring in herbs that can add a fresh touch to your cooking.
And if plant care feels overwhelming or you're always on the go, try bringing home a weekly bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Look for local blooms when you can. Even a small bunch from the farmers market or grocery store can dramatically uplift the energy of your space and add a seasonal touch of color and aromatherapy.
🕯 3. Invest in Cozy, Layered Lighting
Lighting plays a quiet but powerful role in how we experience a space. Bright, harsh overhead lights can create a sense of alertness and even anxiety—great for work mode, not so great for winding down. By contrast, warm, soft lighting helps signal your body that it’s safe to relax.
Try integrating a combination of light sources to create a layered, cozy atmosphere. Table lamps with warm bulbs, fairy lights, salt lamps, beeswax candles, or even dimmable track lighting can all help create a space that feels calm and grounded. Aim for lower, indirect light in the evenings to support your natural circadian rhythms and prepare your body for deeper, more restful sleep.
This is also a beautiful way to build ritual into your day: switching off the overhead lights and turning on a soft lamp or lighting a candle can be a gentle cue that it's time to slow down and transition into rest.
🎶 4. Let Music Set the Mood
Sound is one of the fastest ways to shift your energy. Music, nature sounds, and specific healing frequencies all help to soothe the nervous system, lower stress levels, and bring a sense of spaciousness into your home.
Experiment with what feels best for you. Maybe it’s a playlist of gentle acoustic guitar, lo-fi chill beats, or soft piano in the background. Personally I love listening to yogic mantras and occasionally chanting along with the Sanskrit. Nature sounds of rain, ocean waves, and birdsongs are also wonderful for helping the nervous system to wind down and let go of tension - just one of the reasons spending time in nature helps us to de-stress. You could even explore vibrational tools like singing bowls, chimes, or tuning forks if you’re drawn to sound healing like I am.
Curating a soundscape that supports your energy can be a powerful (and often overlooked) part of creating your relaxation station.
Not sure where to start? Check out my Spotify playlists for ideas - I’ve got several for gentle yoga classes, sound healing background music, opening and closing classes, and a collection of traditional yogic mantras.
🖼 5. Let Your Home Be a Reflection of You
Your sanctuary should feel like yours. It doesn’t need to follow trends or look like a Pinterest-perfect space. The most nourishing spaces are often the ones that tell a story—your story.
Surround yourself with things that have meaning: art you’ve created or collected on your explorative journeys, photographs that bring a smile, books that inspire you, accents that are gifts from dear friends or family, textures and colors that reflect your personal energy. Maybe that’s earthy and grounded, maybe it’s light and airy, maybe it shifts with the seasons—just like you do.
Let your home reflect your values, your creativity, and exude the kind of energy you want to live in. That authenticity is what transforms a house (or even a single room) into a sanctuary.
🌙 Final Thoughts: Build Your Sanctuary with Intention
You don’t need a perfect space. You don’t need to spend thousands investing in high-end furniture or a complete renovation or makeover, or to land your dream home.
I lived in a school bus for four years and now share a 400sqft space with my partner and a dog, and these are some of the most comfortable sanctuaries I’ve called home.
Creating a sanctuary is about intention—choosing to make your home a place that feels supportive, peaceful, and aligned with who you are.
Start with what you have. One plant, one candle, one beautiful song can begin to shift your space and your state of mind. Over time, these little choices add up to something deeply nourishing—a space that reflects your values, honors your rhythms, and holds you through all seasons of life.
Want some more ideas? Check out this recent Rent article I was featured in with a few of my thoughts!