How to Create a Calming Home Sanctuary: Simple Steps to Transform Your Space
Why do people turn to magazines or Pinterest for home design decisions? Ever wonder why so many homes today feature white kitchens or white walls? It’s easy to look for inspiration, but when the results don’t match your expectations and something still feels off, have you ever asked yourself why? What if what you truly want and need for your home is already within you? I’m here to tell you, it is—it just takes a little digging.
Your home is meant to be your sanctuary: a place to relax, rejuvenate, entertain, and express yourself. During COVID, we learned that our homes can also double as workplaces, but more importantly, they need to be spaces where we can heal.
A sanctuary, by definition, is "a place of refuge or safety." For birds and other wildlife, it’s a place of protection. Your home should reflect your values and what fills your heart and soul—not just what looks nice on Pinterest or Instagram. These platforms don’t represent you, and that’s why something often feels off when you finish a project and it doesn’t resonate.
We are all unique, and no two people are alike. That’s why it’s crucial to dig deeper into what YOUR version of a sanctuary looks like. Is it a certain color? Is there a color or feature from your childhood bedroom that forever brings you comfort and joy? Is there a texture that grounds you, reminding you of lazy afternoons reading books in the living room? Your sanctuary should reflect your experiences—not mine, and certainly not what’s currently ‘on trend.’
To help you get started, our office, Beth Maricic Design, has developed a short questionnaire that takes only a few minutes to complete. It offers an initial glimpse into your design preferences and guides you toward understanding which patterns, colors, and finishes resonate with you. We’ve identified four design styles: The Nature Nurturer, The Skyward Soul, The Vibrant Visionary, and The Calm Curator. Each is rooted in the elements of nature and helps lay the foundation for what your soul might be craving in terms of peace and design. Keep in mind, you may identify with more than one style, but the goal is to find your dominant leanings.
Your concept of a sanctuary might differ from other members of your household, and that’s perfectly fine. Consider having your family members take the questionnaire as well. The more you know, the better you can create spaces that reflect what each person needs. This can be especially helpful in designing sanctuaries for your children—their bedrooms, for example.
Once you’ve figured out your ideal sanctuary features, consider how all five senses are being engaged in each space. Here are some important questions to ask, along with examples to guide you:
1. What colors do you find visually calming?
If you're drawn to soft, muted tones, consider shades of sage green or soft blues, which are known for their calming effect. These colors are reminiscent of nature and can help create a peaceful environment. Alternatively, if warm tones bring you comfort, try soft beiges or warm terracotta to add a grounding warmth to your space.
2. What patterns are you drawn to, and why?
Some people find intricate patterns energizing, while others prefer simplicity. If you love bold, geometric designs, incorporating them through accent pillows or area rugs can add vibrancy without overwhelming the room. On the other hand, if you prefer subtlety, consider soft, organic patterns, like a woven texture or a simple botanical print, which can evoke a sense of tranquility.
3. What textures provide comfort and joy?
Think about the tactile experiences that bring you joy. Do you love the feel of soft, plush fabrics like velvet or faux fur? These can bring warmth and luxury to your living space. Or perhaps natural materials, like linen or cotton, feel more grounding. Incorporating woven baskets or wooden furniture can add texture while enhancing a sense of connection to the earth.
4. Do you feel overwhelmed by too much noise, and need it dampened?
If you're sensitive to noise, consider adding soft furnishings like curtains, upholstered furniture, or natural area rugs to help absorb sound. You could also install sound-dampening panels that double as artwork. For a serene environment, you might want to introduce a water feature, like a small tabletop fountain, which adds the calming sound of trickling water while blocking out external noise.
5. Are you more drawn to any of the earth elements: air, water, earth, or fire?
If you love the element of air, focus on creating a sense of openness with large windows that let in natural light and fresh air. For water, you might incorporate soothing elements like aquariums, fountains, or even soft blue hues that evoke the calming presence of water. If earth grounds you, lean into natural materials like stone, wood, or plants, which help bring the outdoors in. And for fire, a cozy fireplace or candles could create a warm, inviting glow that makes your sanctuary feel comforting and alive.
6. Do you have too much stuff and need to declutter, store, and organize the space?
If clutter overwhelms you, start with a clean slate by removing items you no longer need or use. Look for functional storage solutions that keep things organized yet accessible, such as storage baskets, built-in cabinetry, or multi-purpose furniture. You could even embrace minimalism, focusing only on the items that bring you joy or serve a purpose in your sanctuary.
7. What type of lighting do you prefer? Natural, warm, blue, or bright?
Lighting is key to setting the mood in your home. If you prefer natural light, maximize your windows and use blinds to allow sunlight to fill the room, but don’t filter it entirely. If you need bright, energizing light, opt for white or daylight bulbs in task areas like the kitchen or office. Avoid harsh lighting in areas where you want to unwind.
Creating your sanctuary takes time—it’s not a quick fix. I understand the temptation to want instant results, but when you rush the process, it often doesn’t turn out how you hoped. It requires some inner work and exploration. While professional guidance (from someone like me) can certainly help, it’s not the only step needed to make your home truly reflect you and your deeper soul. Remember, this is a journey—one step at a time. And as you grow, so will your space. That’s the beauty of design—it’s a reflection of you and your heart in this moment.