10 Expert Tips for Transforming Your Home Into a Stress-Free Sanctuary

With the way modern living has dictated our lives (from working long hours to managing a family), running a home can feel daunting and stressful. Many of us need to carve out time to pause, take hold of what we have and enjoy how lucky we are. One way to relax is by creating a home that serves as a stress-free sanctuary. Read on for 10 ways to transform your living space into an ethereal haven.

Sarah Baeumler has an eye for all things design. She stars in Home to Win and co-hosts Bryan Inc. alongside Bryan.

A white vanity with a pink chair and a closet with women's shoes

Jarrett Ford

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Declutter

Step one: toss or donate anything that’s hidden away or hasn’t been used in recent years. This includes clothing, decor, art and anything else that’s making your home feel chaotic. If it doesn’t bring you happiness or have a practical use, it should go. You should also avoid these 10 decorating mistakes that make your home look cluttered.

mudroom with grey top bench and and three steel wall hooks

Tracey Ayton

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Create Hidden Storage

Hidden storage is a great idea to help declutter and lend more functionality to your home. Add a storage bench, or install built-in cabinets to keep things orderly without interfering with the room’s ambiance.

Wooden bench with a thick plush white blanket thrown over it

Jarrett Ford

3 / 10

Layer Textures

Incorporate warm and cozy textures to create a soothing, cocoon-like feeling. By layering these textures together, perhaps through throws, pillows, rugs and draperies, you’ll lend more warmth to your home. These other 12 low-cost decorating tricks will make your home look more expensive.

Blue couch with pink patterned pillows and warm lamp on top of a white end table

Jarrett Ford

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Add Soft Lighting

Bulbs have come a long way in recent years! Not only can certain types help save energy, but there are plenty more stylish options. By using a softer light in your home, and installing a dimmer switch, you can control the brightness and ambiance for a more stress-free environment.

white living room with white and green patterned drapes, ottoman and green and blue abstract

HGTV Canada

5 / 10

Eliminate the Noise

Homes can be noisy places, and achieving a stress-free sanctuary probably won’t be helped by annoying sounds coming from inside and out. Using soft music in your sacred spot can really help, but you can also look into quieter appliances for your kitchen or having a space that is TV free.

full on view of round stone fireplace with tv above and flanking white cabinets

DWK Interiors

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Add a Fireplace

There’s no better way to add warmth than to actually add warmth. The glow of a flickering fireplace, located in the centre of a space, makes everything feel more harmonious. Looking for inspiration? These 25 gorgeous fireplace mantel decorating ideas will keep you cozy.

Candle holders and roses on dining room sideboard

Heidi Lau

7 / 10

Add Candles

If a fireplace isn’t feasible, think smaller. Light a fragrant candle to create a more ambient space and inject that much-needed warmth. Try to source one that has a subtle fragrance, as you don’t want the scent to be overwhelming, and opt for a natural variety.

Minimalist white bedroom, with a plant on the window sill and a plant hanging by the window

Lauren Kolyn

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Let the Outside In

Plants and flowers have the natural ability to make a space more calming. By using them strategically, you can easily make your home feel more like a sanctuary. It’s important to keep them healthy, as a dying plant isn’t conducive to a stress-free environment. Get more inspiration from these 15 gorgeous plant-filled living rooms.

Calming bedroom with plush pink duvet cover, grey bed frame and a floral painting

HGTV Canada

9 / 10

Use Light and Natural Colours

Using light, natural hues will bring a natural, earthy element to your space. Paint your walls white, cream, greige or blush for a peaceful feel that promises sweet slumbers.

Chic modern living room with grey couch and large tv

HGTV Canada

10 / 10

Focus on Flow

When choosing furniture, think carefully about how it will fit into the space. Over-sized pieces can make a room feel more confined and therefore more stressful. You should also allow for enough space between furniture so the room is easily navigated and it has the right flow.