How to Transform Your Home into a Self-Care Sanctuary

Between the piles of laundry on the bed, the dishes in the sink and that flickering lightbulb in the bathroom, your space could use some help in the serenity department right about now. Fortunately, a few small changes can help you gradually transform your home into a pampering, restorative oasis. Take a deep breath, consult the list below andrelax.

20 Ways to Practice Self-Care Right Now


transform your home entryway
Twenty20

1. Create A Welcoming, Beautiful Entryway.

First impressions (like a console table with a pretty piece of art) can signal the brain that you’re entering your safe space.

transform your home candles
Spinkle / Getty Images

2. Add The Warm Glow Of Candles To Every Room.

(Yup, even the bathroom). Go with simple white options for the least visual clutter and subtle, soothing scents like lavender, rose and vanilla.

transform your home fresh flowers
Twenty20

3. Ditto Fresh Flowers.

Even a bud vase of wallet-friendlygrocery store bloomsmakes a huge impact both visually and aromatically.

l变换你的家ivingn plants
CreativaStudio / Getty Images

4. Add Living Plants, Too.

Happy greenery evokes the calm of nature, looks lovely and purifies the air to boot.

把你家窗户
Twenty20

5. Scrub Your Windows Squeaky-clean.

Let in that restorative natural light.

把你家窗户no curtains
克劳斯Vedfelt /盖蒂图片社

6. While You’re At It, Swap Out Your Heavy Drapes.

Go for gauzy, space-creating curtains (or heck, ditch curtains entirely). Then, open those windows wide and let the breeze blow in.

transform your home paint
Twenty20

7. Paint Your Walls In Calm, Soothing Hues.

Try a foggy blue, warm white or soft dove gray.


l变换你的家ight bulbs
Oscar Wong / Getty Images

8. And When It Comes To Lighting, Switch To Full-spectrum Bulbs.

They mimic natural light better than standard ones.

transform your home clutter1
Twenty20

9. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter.

Editing is essential for a peaceful space, so toss any decor/knickknacks that don’t truly bring you joy (thanks for that mantra,Kondo). Then, organize any remaining chaos. Everyone has some random junk floating around (looking at you, Zara receipts), but corralling it in trays and baskets reduces visual stress. In that vein, be sure to ditch any belongings with a negative emotional association (like those fugly wine glasses gifted by your ex’s mother).

transform your home wall art
Twenty20

10. Frame Your Favorite Photos.

There’s no reason for treasured memories to linger in a dusty album. And hang art that makes you happy just looking at it.

transform your home pillows
Twenty20

11. Pillows = Coziness.

So double your stash. (That goes for the throw pillows on the couchandyour bed setup.)

transform your home blanket
Westend61 / Getty Images

12. Layer Up On Blankets, Too.

Every spot you use for lounging or reclining should have a soft throw to curl up in.

transform your home textures
Twenty20

13. Work In Soft Textures Where There Weren’t Any Before.

Think upholstering a headboard or layering a foot-friendly hide over a coarse rug or hardwood.

RELATED: 12 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Weekend

transform your home vanity
Photo by Alex Tihonov / Getty Images

14. Craft A Sit-down Vanity For Primping And Pampering.

(Because you’re a princess, dammit).

transform your home towels bathroom
Twenty20

15. Swap Out Ratty Bath Towels For Fresh, Xl Bath Sheets.

Double the mass, double the comfort. And add an element of luxury to your bathroom, like a tufted stool, small chair or accent table next to the tub (for placing a book or glass of wine).

transform your home shower head
adamkaz / Getty Images

16. Replace Your Standard Showerhead With A Massaging One.

Why not treat yourself to something a bit more luxurious?

transform your home solitude
Twenty20

17. Create A Spot Of Solitude.

Create a space just for you, whether that means converting a swing room into a dreamy walk-in closet or simply carving out a nook by a window for a comfy reading chair.

transform your home wicker chairs
HRAUN /盖蒂图片社

18. Incorporate Calming Natural Elements Into Your Decor

Try wicker, wood, stone and seashells.

transform your home work space
Twenty20

19. Designate A Work-only Zone.

And keep the rest of your home entirely stress-free.

transform your home no tv
Luxy Images / Getty Images

20. Remove Stimulating Screens And Tech Gadgets From The Bedroom.

(Or if watching TV in bed is your happy place, at least conceal it in an armoire).

transform your home mattress topper
penkanya / Getty Images

21. Add An Insanely Comfy Mattress Topper To Your Bed.

(Or spring for a new one if yours is getting super worn).

RELATED: 12 Totally Free Ways to Practice Self-Care