Creating a nurturing space within the confines of your home is not just about the look and general aesthetics, but it needs to be an environment that is going to cultivate that innate sense of well-being physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is why we need to not just think about some of the surface-level ideas, but we should consider what turning our home into a nurturing haven really should consist of. I’m going to show you a number of different approaches to ensure that you get what you need. It’s something that I have taken seriously lately with my re-design of my room.
Privacy and Security
For many people, enhancing that sense of privacy can make a huge difference in how you feel within yourself. We can all experience some sense of anxiety because we live in a neighbourhood that may have excessively loud noises on occasion or we don’t feel like we’re able to protect ourselves in the right ways. This is why privacy and security are two sides to the same coin. You can enhance privacy in the key spaces with blinds for your living room, which can provide shade and add an element of sophistication to your space. Blinds are such a simple thing, but can work wonders to create a modern aesthetic. You should also look at those entry points and reinforce them with sturdy locks or if possible a security system.
Home alarm systems these days are more than just a solid lock or a security camera, but can give you access to professional security. When it comes to home security systems you should feel like you have full control over every aspect of your home from the cameras to the door locks and the lights. While the best smart home security systems can be pricey when you invest in high-end systems you are opting for something that’s easy to use but also provides speedy response times in an emergency.
Personal space design is also another aspect that can make a big difference because if we’re talking about the notion of privacy, it’s not just a barrier between us and the outside world, but also ensuring everybody feels secure and has the right to privacy within their own homes. A designated corner for meditation can be something that will ensure you can have that all-important notion of privacy and personal space. It’s also worth thinking about something like soundproofing solutions as well because so many of us are looking to create a quiet and peaceful environment. This could be particularly important for maintaining privacy, especially within shared living spaces. I love having my own little sanctuary to relax in.
Health and Well-being
There are so many different aspects to creating a haven for a home that health and well-being can span so many different areas but here are a few of the most important:
A home gym setup is a simple way to promote your overall health. Researchers have shown that exercise is the most important component of our health because it can help you manage your weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen muscles and bones, and can improve your brain health. We all live in an age where we don’t do enough physical activity unless we have to get up and out of the home. This is why we should all consider a home gym, no matter how basic it is. A space that allows you the room to swing a kettlebell can make a bit of difference to your overall physical activity levels. When it comes to exercising at home, there can be that temptation to do a lot every single day, but make sure you don’t run the risk of overtraining as it can have a negative effect on many aspects of your health.
Air purification systems are also another thing that we can do to ensure that we are breathing in clean and fresh indoor air. If you live in a home where you have a lot of carpet and there are members of your household that may have asthma or some form of allergy, it could be very likely because of the lack of high-quality air. Our home should be the place where we can reduce allergens and pollutants to create a healthier living environment. The best air purification systems can take that bad air and make anybody feel better almost instantly. You can also look at introducing aromatherapy such as through scented candles or essential oil diffusers. Certain scents like eucalyptus and lavender have a positive impact on our stress levels because of their calming properties. If you’re sensitive to smells, this might not be a good option, so a simple humidifier or de-humidifier might work for you.
Lighting solutions can also make a big difference. You have to think about how to positively influence our circadian rhythm. This is where having regular sunlight can make a massive difference but also ensure that we have proper darkness at bedtime. We should have access to natural daylight as soon as we wake up but if not there are lightboxes you can use that mimic it. To be at its most effective, a light therapy box should be at least 10,000 Lux, which is the same light intensity as sunlight. Likewise, installing blackout blinds in your bedroom means that you are sending the signals to your brain that it’s time to shut down for the night and when we have our circadian rhythm in sync, it will make a big difference to our energy levels and our mental health. I also sleep with a silk eye mask which helps keep the light out.
Designing for Comfort and Tranquility
We need to look at how effective the space is for our sense of self. Natural light and ventilation will work wonders at enhancing the overall ambience of your living spaces which contributes, not just to a positive mood, but will improve indoor air quality. It’s such a simple thing but if we are looking to turn our home into a haven there can be unhealthy habits that creep in, such as keeping the windows shut, and these can have an impact on our general health.
When designing a calming space we should look for a colour palette that is neutral rather than stimulating. You should create a serene atmosphere with earthy tones, such as blues and greens or go for creams/beiges with subtle pink, like I did. You should be actively chasing that sense of relaxation that can send subconscious signals to our brains. Displaying personalised decor like mementos or artwork that evokes a sense of positivity can add a lot of comfort and familiarity to your living space. When we evoke the familiar, it’s going to help us feel calmer and more in tune with an innate sense of relaxation. We always need our home to be a place to retreat to after a difficult day.
Spaces to Help You Make the Right Decisions
Our home needs to be a logical extension of our personality but also the rooms need to serve specific purposes. The kitchen can help you to choose the right food for your diet, but the bedroom can also promote instant relaxation, and this is why we should look at each space and see if it is serving the right purpose. Sometimes, we can live in an extremely cluttered environment which means that, after a while, we end up with too much stuff; an efficient and organised space will ensure that it serves a better purpose. I can’t portray enough how important it is to de-clutter and keep a minimal, clean space. It really changes your brain and mindset. I lived with clutter too long and it really got me down.
When turning our home into a nurturing space, the keys lie in a number of different approaches. From our health to design and personalised elements, while also ensuring that each space is serving a real purpose, you can then create something that doesn’t just look the part, but is able to work wonders for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We won’t get it right first time as creating a nurturing home is something that will change and reflect our evolving needs, but now is the time to decide to let your home be a sanctuary.
