Making Your Home A Retreat

I love traveling and getting away with my family. However, I’m also a homebody and love staying home whenever possible. Why? Because it’s my little retreat that brings me peace and relaxation. Now you might be thinking that in order for your home to be a retreat it has to look a certain way. But making your home a retreat has nothing to do with how you decorate it or even the size of your home. It’s about getting rid of the things that don’t bring you joy and replacing them with what you love. Here are a few simple ways to make your home a retreat, so you can enjoy the space you live in.

Making Your Home A Retreat

Make it cozy

This is going to depend of what your definition of cozy is. I personally enjoy having a throw available in the living room so I can curl up with a good book. I also like to light up a candle with seasonal scents, so I can bring the outdoors in. Neutral tones and decorating with pops of seasonal colors can also warm up a space. Since we don’t have a fireplace in our current home, I also enjoy using softer lights that give out a warm glow.

Keep it clutter free

I love the feeling I get at a hotel room. Everything is in it’s in place and only the essentials are available. If we can survive with just the basics in a hotel room, why do we feel the need to stuff our homes with things? I can assure you that if you worked diligently to de-clutter your home, you’ll begin to see the beauty and peace it can offer. Start tackling one space at a time and before you know it, you’ll be a purging expert.

Create a nook for yourself

In a house full of kids, it’s easy to feel like there’s no place to go to and hide escape. Creating a space that’s yours where you can escape to is crucial. Our home is not large, but I have a char in my living room that has a soft throw and small table next to it. I love that chair and enjoy sitting there early in the mornings. It’s my favorite place to read, do devotionals and even work. I may not have a room to myself, but this little nook brings me joy and I always look forward to spending my time there.

Take it to the kitchen

Food is a great way to make your home more inviting and bring your family closer together. A warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day, or a batch of homemade cookies that fill the home with delicious scents are great ways to make your home a haven. I love sitting at the kitchen table with a warm meal while chatting with my family. During the winter season, we also enjoy making hot chocolate in the evenings after dinner. The kitchen is were many memories are created with the ones that matter most.

Limit technology

I love watching a good family movie on Friday nights or joining my boys to watch football on the weekends. However, TV time is limited in our home. I find that it’s way too easy to use the television and the internet as a crutch for entertainment. Instead, set time aside for your kids to read or have quiet time together. I find that my kids actually enjoy reading and can easily spend hours doing so. We also like friendly competition and like to whip out some of our favorite board games. Find things your family will enjoy that doesn’t rely on electronics.

Check your attitude

Your attitude can easily sway your feelings. If you have a negative attitude about your home, you’ll never see the great qualities it has to offer. Start by being grateful for the home you’ve been blessed with. Even if it’s not your “dream” home, embrace your home’s positive features. My home is not large, but I’m grateful that it forces me to keep it clutter free. I also love that it doesn’t take me forever to clean up. You’ll never fully appreciate your home if your attitude is negative to begin with.

What are some of your favorite ways to make your home a retreat? I’d love to hear your tips and ideas!