Make Your Home a Relaxing Place

Most of us lead busy lives. We spend most of the day running around juggling endless tasks from walking dogs and looking after kids to giving presentations at work, then doing the laundry and cooking dinner when we get home.

Modern life is…a lot, right? But we should be able to switch off whenever we can. We need to switch off so that we can stay happy and healthy and keep on top of those busy lives when we need to. That’s why our home’s should be our relaxing place; the place where we can flop and relax and not have to worry about a thing. Sound good? Here’s to make your home more relaxing than your average Buddhist retreat.

This is a contributed post.

START BY DECLUTTERING THE CHAOS

We know. “Decluttering” is one of those words that makes people want to lie down. But stick with us. You don’t need to become a minimalist who owns three mugs and a houseplant. Just give everything in your home a little moment of consideration. If it’s collecting dust, doesn’t spark joy, or is part of a hobby you gave up in 2014, maybe it’s time to let it go. Clearing surfaces, emptying that drawer of doom, and getting your shoes off the stairs can do more for your mental health than you might think.

FURNITURE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS FOR YOU

Comfort is key. If your sofa is basically a stylish torture device or your dining chairs make your spine cry, it might be time to upgrade. Have a wander through some decent furniture shops and try things out properly. Sit on the sofas. Poke the cushions. See if the coffee table would survive an accidental toddler stampede. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but a few well-chosen pieces can turn your home into somewhere you actually want to be. Bonus points if it comes with built-in storage for hiding life’s mess.

LIGHTING: THE HERO OF CALM

Overhead lighting is fine if you want your living room to feel like a hospital corridor. For proper relaxation, go soft and layered. Think floor lamps, table lamps, fairy lights, and maybe even a candle or two if you’re feeling whimsical. Warm tones make a room feel cosy, and dimmers are your new best friend. You want lighting that whispers “wind down,” not shouts “surprise, meeting.”

TEXTURES, TEXTILES AND THINGS THAT FEEL NICE

Want your space to feel snug? Add softness wherever you can. Throws, rugs, cushions, even a nice fluffy towel can make a difference. It’s all about creating that sense of comfort and warmth. If your home looks like the inside of a yoghurt pot, try adding colour through textiles rather than committing to painting an entire wall avocado green.

SCENT IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON

A relaxing home isn’t just about what you see, it’s also what you smell. Whether you’re into lavender, sandalwood, or that slightly smug “clean linen” scent, adding a diffuser or a decent candle can change the whole mood of a room. Just keep it subtle unless you want your lounge to smell like a perfume counter exploded.

Your home doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect to be a peaceful place. It just needs to feel like yours. A few tweaks, a bit of comfort, and maybe one less piece of flat-pack furniture you secretly hate, and you’re on your way. Peace and quiet? Optional. Relaxed and content? Much more realistic.