8 easy ways to transform your home into a relaxing paradise!

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Some of you may be thinking that as long as you have a comfy bed and soft sheets to go on it that’s all you need…Well if you’re one of those people then I have to say that this post is not for you (sorry, not sorry).

To all my fellow “high maintenance” folks out there, when you finally have a place of your own (whether it be an apartment, or an actual house) you want to feel like it’s your escape! When you walk through your front door you want to feel like your soul is at peace and all of the stresses of the day have finally faded away.

AND THAT’S HOW IT SHOULD BE!

Even if you don’t have the grandest of homes or even the most updated, it can still be transformed into your own little slice of heaven. Say goodbye to the days when you could only relax by going to a spa for a few hours (although every woman likes to be pampered every once in a while, like the Queen she is).

You can get most of those serene, cool vibes in your own home on a daily basis if you know where to start!

Here’s my 8 easy tips to creating that sweet getaway that you’ve always been dreaming of (warning: once you create this home escape you may never want to leave so make sure you do all of your errands before going home for the day):

Essential Oils (Or Candles)

Yes, I am guilty of being a part of the crazed essential oils trend but it’s only a trend because they’re great (duh)! No judgment if you prefer candles (I used to burn through at least 3 candles every couple of weeks #DontJudge) but honestly, I migrated over to essential oils because, in my opinion, essential oils last longer, smell stronger, and are healthier than many candles that you may be using in your home. 

Also, essential oils allow you the flexibility to mix various oils and create your own blends/scents to your liking (compared to candles where you have to buy multiple to fit your mood). Check out this post of my favorite essential oil blends for Spring! If you want to create an outdoor, rainforest scent in your home or a cozy, warm scent to wind down then you can do that just by mixing a few oils. The combinations are really endless!

Get yourself a diffuser, add water, add your oils, and voilà a dream escape with the aromas to match! But if you’re really against essential oils (or just not ready to open your eyes to the possibilities yet) then candles are always an option!

Plants, Plants, and More Plants

If you’re anything like me, the words “plants” or “gardening” immediately makes me want to pull my hair out from the frustration and stress because I have absolutely NO green thumb (is this a skill you learn or are you just born with it?).

The solution is simple: FAKE PLANTS or LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS.

Low maintenance plants like snake plants, peace lilies, and money trees are ideal as house plants that require little to no sunlight and/or water (I have snake plants in my bathrooms because they thrive in humid conditions, don’t require much light, and they filter out air pollutants. WIN, WIN, WIN!).

Fake/Artificial plants may not have the same environmental benefits as living plants but they’re super easy to take care of and add that natural, vacation vibe that you’re seeking in your sanctuary.

Plants are simple décor elements but they make a HUGE impact in elevating your space and I don’t know, it just feels like you’re on your own little island with plants all around!

Downsize Your Junk (Less is MORE!)

When you first move into your own place, you want to get rid of all of the useless stuff you have but then you get overwhelmed with all of the packing so you just say f*** it and box everything up ( I could kick myself for doing this). DON’T DO THIS! You will feel stressed, disorganized, and less at-ease due to the unnecessary hoarding (yes, I said it, you hoarder you).

But…If you have already moved all of your junk with you (welcome to the club, sis) then start from scratch and de-clutter each box or each room one by one. If you don’t use it or if it’s not a family heirloom then get rid of it! These items are either going to take up space, crowd your shelves, or stay in a box in the corner…so let’s just rip the band-aid off and start separating these things into a “USE IT or LOSE IT” pile and cut down on the junk.

Once your home is less cluttered (and you don’t have things falling out of the closet when you open it), you will feel like you can breathe a little easier and your home will feel airier. 

Natural Light

Natural light is my favorite as it brings in so much light (obviously) and it brings in so much positive energy without making your electric bill skyrocket! Something about when I wake up in the morning and open the curtains to let the natural light shine through just brightens my day and makes me feel ready to conquer the world!

Even if you only have time to see the sunlight a little bit in the morning or a little after you come home from work, make it a part of your routine and embrace the sun at least once a day. It’s a huge mood booster and can make any room feel warm and peaceful.

Pillows Are Your Friend

It doesn’t really need to be said that you should already have a comfortable bed and soft sheets to sleep on but for some reason people are missing out on the endless possibilities of PILLOWS! 

I LOVE PILLOWS!! Pillows help to create the “cozy” effect and come in many sizes, textures, colors, and patterns so you can mix and match different styles and still not be too all over the place. They are great to lounge on and can amp up any room that is missing a little something. Simple as that!

Brighten Up Your Décor

If you came home to dark walls and dark furniture, how is your life going to feel? DARK! 

Dark décor can have a negative effect on how you view life as well as yourself. Think of the colors that make you feel at-peace when you look at them…

Use calming and relaxing colors like white, tan, yellows, blues, pinks, and greens (these are mostly what I use in my home and with living on the water these definitely bring in the beachy, relaxing vibes I’m going for). When I’m at home chilling, I like to feel like I’m at a resort in Tahiti somewhere, so applying these colors help encompass that vibe (*heavy sigh**sips margarita**).

Change the colors of the pillows, couches, chairs, rugs, knick-knacks, anything you can. Change anything that does not serve a purpose into making your home feel like a tranquil space.

We want to get rid of feelings of stress and anxiousness and want your house to look bright, feel bright, as well as brighten your mood!

Make Your Bedroom Feel Like Cloud Nine (AKA Cloud Good Vibes)

(See, what I did there?) Bring in ALL of the good vibes with beautiful plants (snake plants work well in bedrooms too as they produce more oxygen at night!), comfy bedding, lots of pillows, soft rugs, bright décor, calming scents, and keeping everything tidy! Making your bed is essential!

Making your bed when you wake up sets you up for a productive day and you’re also welcomed to a nicely made bed when you come home (this is one of the most oddly calming feelings to me).

Everything mentioned previously should be utilized in your bedroom as your bedroom is your final retreat before going to sleep. It should be stress-free and the most calming place in your home! Prioritize your bedroom and create the vibes so you can rest your mind and wake up more relaxed than the day before. 

Set the Mood When You Come Home

Finally, we’ve laid down the foundation and you’re ready to start utilizing your staycation dream home. Every time you come home, set the mood.

Kick off your shoes, turn on your diffuser or light your candles, lightly play a soft, relaxing tune in the background, and even draw yourself a bubble bath if you’re feeling fancy! Do whatever you need to bring all of your calming elements together and relax everyday in the comforts of your own humble abode…bet you didn’t believe me when I said you would never want to leave!

What are some of your favorite ways to relax at home?