Creating an Retreat at Home: Transform Your Space into a Sanctuary

Sometimes finding time to rest, reflect, and recharge can feel like a luxury, do you ever feel that way?  But no matter how hectic your schedule, it can help to have somewhere in your home that you can retreat to for just a few minutes during the day to reset and reconnect.

Thankfully you don’t need to makeover a whole room because a small space works just fine; maybe a corner of a room with a comfy chair or meditation cushion in, keeping it simple always works for me.

It’s not about the size of your space but more about cultivating a calming atmosphere that encourages relaxation and helps you focus on self-care. As the season shifts and we begin to welcome cooler days, now is the perfect time to create that much-needed space for yourself.

Here are some simple, actionable tips to help transform a space in your home into a retreat that nurtures your mind, body, and soul.

Create a Clutter Free Space 

It’s important to create a space that feels fresh and inviting. Whether you’ll be using a corner of your bedroom, a cosy nook in your living room, or even your kitchen, start by clearing up any unnecessary clutter. Take a moment to sort through the things you no longer need. Donate or store them elsewhere, leaving only the essentials that bring you joy or relaxation.

Welcome Calming Colours

Colour a key role in the energy and mood of a space. There’s no need to re-decorate but think about the shades that naturally make you feel calm and grounded. Soft, neutral tones like beige, grey, and cream, or earthy colours like sage green, soft blues, and warm browns can help set the tone for relaxation.

Use small accessories like pillows, throws, rugs or artwork to add a splash of those colours and bring a sense of peace and balance into your retreat space.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bringing nature inside is one of the easiest ways to foster a sense of serenity. Plants, flowers, or even small natural elements like stones or wooden objects can connect you to the earth and provide a grounding atmosphere.

Houseplants like peace lilies are great low-maintenance options that also improve air quality. For grounding energy, try adding a small selenite bowl of crystals which can easily be placed on a shelf, table, or windowsill to enhance the room’s calming energy.

Create a Sensory Experience with Scent

A significant part of creating a retreat at home involves engaging your senses, and scent is one of the most powerful ways to shift the energy of a space. Candles, incense, and essential oils are wonderful tools to create a peaceful atmosphere that invites relaxation.

Our soy wax meditation candles are perfect for bringing a warm glow and natural scent to your retreat space. Remember to incorporate white sage or palo santo for a short smoke cleanse every once in a while to refresh the energy in your space regularly.

Incorporate Sound for Relaxation

Sound can influence our mood in powerful ways. Consider adding soothing sounds to your space to enhance the overall retreat atmosphere. This could be calming music, nature sounds like ocean waves or bird song. Alternatively, if you prefer complete silence, make sure your retreat area is tucked away from noisy areas of your home, so you can truly enjoy the peace and quiet.

Light Up Your Space with Warm Lighting

Dim lighting naturally encourages relaxation, helping your body to wind down and creating a peaceful vibe. If natural light is available, try to utilise it during the day, as it not only brightens your space but also lifts your mood. In the evenings opt for soft, warm lighting that creates a cosy atmosphere; consider using lamps, fairy lights, or candles to create a gentle glow.

Personalise Your Retreat Space

Try and make your retreat space a reflection of you with a few items that bring you peace and joy. This could be anything from books you love, crystals, your favourite card deck or simply a cosy cushion. This helps to make your space feel intentional and like a sanctuary designed just for you.

Establish Rituals for Your Space

Once your retreat space is ready to use, it can help to create some rituals to help you use it regularly.  This could be starting your day with a few moments of meditation, lighting a candle before bed, or taking a few deep breaths before diving into a busy day. By incorporating these small but meaningful practices into your routine, you’ll begin to build a deeper connection with your space and yourself.

In the hustle and bustle of life, having a small space at home that allows you to pause, reflect, and recharge is an intentional way to take care of yourself. With these simple steps, you can transform any corner of your home into a nurturing retreat where you can unwind, refocus, and reset for the months ahead.

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.