What is it that we all love about going to the beach? Is it the smell of salt in the air? Digging our toes into the sand? Listening to waves rolling up on shore? Seeing the ocean that goes as far as your eyes can see? Or the fresh seafood around every corner? Maybe it’s all of those things. The beach is an oasis for many, a place that feels like home. But who’s to say that our own home shouldn’t feel like an oasis too?
Most of us spend a lot of time at home. And when you walk in the door, whether from work, errands or a vacation, you should feel like you have entered your refuge. Home should be the place where you are comforted, where you can be yourself, where you can relax and recharge.
But sometimes, our homes need a little help to give us those feelings. And, as women, we are usually the ones in charge of making our homes feel more like an oasis. So, how do we go about doing that?
Here are a few tips and tricks to turn your home into an oasis by focusing on your senses.
9 Tricks to Turn Your Home into an Oasis
Use essential oils and/or candles.
Give some thought to how you want your home to smell. Do you want it to smell like the beach or freshly washed laundry? Or perhaps you prefer a seasonal smell like citrus in the summer and pumpkin in the fall? I am a sucker for honeysuckle in the summers. What smells make you smile? Figure that out and find an essential oil or candle to match.
Cook something.
There’s nothing my husband likes better than to come home after work and smell dinner cooking in the crockpot. Maybe you have memories of going to a grandmother’s house and the smell of freshly baked pie or bread wafting through the house. Pass down those memories to your own kids by baking something special once a week.
Treat yourself to some comfortable clothes.
After a long day, sometimes just slipping into comfy pants, house shoes or a robe can make everything feel better. Do you have any clothes that comfort you the instant you put them on? If not, buy some. There is no more appropriate place to feel comfortable than in your own home. Sometimes just changing into comfortable clothes can signal your mind that you are home and allow you to relax.
Outfit your living area with comfortable blankets and rugs.
Sometimes, we choose accessories for our homes that are attractive at the expense of our own comfort. But I’m pretty sure you are spending more time at your house than your guests. So buy blankets that are soft and warm to snuggle up with. (My husband is a big fan of sherpa blankets.) And, select rugs that feel good to sit or lay on. I like rugs I can sink my toes into.
Consider the sounds that fill your home.
At least 70% of the time, my home is filled with the sound of kids screaming, singing and playing. And that is fine. But I can also set the tone with the music I play. Energizing, upbeat music is great for mornings to get us all going, and slower, more relaxing music is better as we get closer to bedtime. I would much rather have music playing in the background than the TV. And, in the winter, what about playing a soundtrack of a fire crackling in a fireplace to make your home feel cozy. Take advantage of non-musical sounds too. If you do love the oasis of the ocean, play a soundtrack of ocean sounds.
Choose décor that makes you happy.
When you are selecting wall décor or housewares to sit around the house, don’t just pick something because it will fit in the spot. Consider whether you really love it, and whether if will make you smile when you look at it. Some of the things in my house are there just because they work, but not because I particularly love them. Think about whether you like décor with quotes, or lots of pictures, or items with a lot of
Bring the outside inside.
Flowers or indoor plants brighten up a room and smell fresh. You can usually score some cheap flower bouquets at grocery stores. And, if you have a green thumb, try adding a couple of indoor plants to your home. Just be careful about the type you choose if you have little kids or pets in your house.
A little bit of lighting can make a big impact.
The fluorescent light in our kitchen makes a big impact, but not really the one I’d like. Table and floor lamps can make any room feel cozy, and letting in some natural light is a mood booster. Have a variety of light sources in each room so you can customize the amount and kind of light based on your mood or time of day.
Treat your taste buds.
I am all for eating nutritiously, but what is life without an occasional treat? Keep your favorite drinks on hand, whether that is fancy coffee or tea, wine or a flavored soda. The same goes for your favorite foods. Or pick up a favorite treat from a local restaurant or bakery. Make sure you have plates or glasses that you like. Schedule time on your calendar to enjoy your treat and take your own escape, right in the comfort of your home.
Our homes can be an oasis if we take the time to curate them, just like you would if you owned your own beach house and were setting it up to meet your guests’ needs.
What do you do in your home to make it feel like an oasis? I would love to hear all about it. Just send me an email or leave a comment on my Instagram page.
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