21 Ways to Create a Calm and Peaceful Home Environment

Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof. ~Nate Berkus

Your home is your sanctuary. It's where you relax and recharge after a day of stress and challenges.

Unwinding in a fresh-smelling home that is aesthetically appealing, neat, and orderly goes a long way to help you regenerate and prepare for the next day.

Unfortunately, our home environment doesn't always make us feel calm and peaceful.

Sometimes, our home environment adds to our stress levels and anxiety. For example, when we return home to a sink full of dirty dishes, disorganization, and décor that needs updating, we are reminded of the unfinished housework and chores that have been waiting for us.

Overwhelm sets in.

But it doesn't have to be this way. There is a solution.

21 Simple Tips to Create a Calm and Peaceful Home Environment

By making some simple changes, you can create a calm and peaceful home environment that will start to relieve your stress as soon as you walk through the door. Just let your senses guide you through your home, and you will be on your way to serenity and comfort.

The first thing you notice when you enter your home is the smell of the air.

Whether the air in your home is stale or sweet is evident when you set foot in your home and breathe in. Your guests notice the scent in the air, too.

So make the first thing you think of when coming in the front door a positive, memorable experience.

Use aromatherapy to infuse the air with calming scents.

1. Fill the air with relaxing scents. Using candles, potpourri, or essential oils in a scent of your choice creates a peaceful and cozy environment.

2. Place handmade soaps strategically in your home. They deposit fragrance and look great when displayed in a decorative bowl or used as a sachet in a dresser drawer among clothing.

3. Open a window and let the fresh air fill the room. Fresh air rejuvenates all who breathe it in and feel the breeze. And the light scent of the fresh air will remain in your home long after you close the window.

4. Place eucalyptus, potted herbs and grass, or flowers throughout your home. They will give your home a light, long-lasting aroma.

5. Line-dry or place blankets and linens outdoors to absorb the wonderful scent of nature. Then, be sure to leave one of those blankets or throws on the back of the couch to spread the refreshing smell of the outdoors through your home.

6. Cook your favorite comfort foods in a slow cooker or crock pot. The delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread, homemade mac and cheese, hearty beef stew, soups, and delicious pasta sauces will fill your home. These are just a few of the many possibilities. And it couldn't be any easier thanks to a built-in timer.

Use beautiful sound as a tool to create a calm and peaceful home environment.

The wrong type of noise in your home can add to the noise in your head. Introducing the correct sound into your house can enhance your time at home and help you recharge.

Make sure your home includes sounds that increase your quality of life.

7. Add indoor water chimes or fountains for a soothing sound to help you unwind. The gentle sound of moving water will lull you into a relaxed and peaceful state.

8. Stream calming music on your television or Bluetooth speakers at a low volume. The quiet music will give you just enough background sound to help you focus and complete tasks.

9. Gift yourself a singing bowl, sound bath, or gong. The sound they produce will help redirect your mind from your daily concerns and be more present for meditation.

10. Run a ceiling fan on low for soothing background noise and to add a sense of rhythmic movement in the room. The sound and movement will help quiet your mind and aid in relaxation.

11. Tuck a white noise machine under a chair or table or behind a potted plant. Most machines allow you to adjust the volume and choose from an assortment of sounds, such as running water, thunderstorms, or wind. Pick the right sound to help lull you to sleep, drown out unpleasant background noise, or improve your concentration.

Use visual cues to enhance the serenity of any space.

Pay attention to the appearance of your space and make changes when necessary so you can get the most out of your home.

The things you see when you look around your home impact how you feel.

If you look around your house and get sensory overload, it's unlikely you will feel focused or relaxed. Be mindful of the appearance of your home so you can enjoy a calm and peaceful home environment.

12. Declutter your home. Remove items you don't need or use. Sell or donate items you don't intend to use in the future.

13. Leave white space (vertical and horizontal) on surfaces and in rooms. This creates a crisp, clean, and uncluttered look in the area.

14. Position furniture for easy navigation. This rule also applies to any decor that occupies floor space. Your living spaces shouldn't look like a maze. Instead, think practical, functional, and easy to access for cleaning.

15. Decorate with natural materials like wood, stone, and plants. Not only are these materials aesthetically appealing, but they are suitable for arranging to make an attractive area for meditation or reading.

16. Select the appropriate lighting. Make it easy for your body to distinguish when it's time to be alert and when it's time to wind down and relax. Opt for bright light during the day and softer light in the evening. Utilize appropriate light bulbs, dimmer switches, and three-way light bulbs. Open and close blinds and curtains at proper times.

17. Reduce your color palette to a few primary colors. Use neutral colors for larger surfaces such as walls and furniture. Accessorize with brighter colors or patterns for tabletop décor, pillows, and throws.

Use texture as an accessory to upgrade your other choices.

How something feels when you touch it is crucial to making your home environment calm and peaceful.

Something with a soft texture makes you feel very different than when you touch something that feels rough, sharp, or prickly. Having something with a soft texture in each room of your home will go a long way to create an environment of warmth, nurturing, and coziness.

18. Add soft throws on chairs, sofas, and the foot of the bed (think hotel style). Their cozy warmth draws you in and adds comfort to your environment.

19. Prop pillows on indoor and outdoor furniture. A pillow adds aesthetic appeal to furniture and provides lumbar support, which helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

20. Layer cloth tablecloths, runners, placemats, and napkins for a cozy-looking table. Choose soft, natural fabrics. Avoid fabrics that are stiff or prickly to the touch.

21. Choose a simple, soft bed linen such as a coverlet or duvet. Avoid the overdone look of a giant, puffy comforter covered with an excessive number of throw pillows. Likewise, try to minimize, if not eliminate, decorative throw pillows on the bed.

You have seen how your senses of smell, sound, sight, and touch work together to make your home environment calm and peaceful.

By following these 21 "sensible" tips, you can quickly transform your home into a place you can't wait to come home to.