8 Simple Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Restful Sanctuary

Feb 2 2022 by Kathleen Harper Owens

advertiser content from John Lewis

In today's world, most of us seek self-fulfilment by improving our health and well-being through a lens of betterment. Together with John Lewis, we're redrawing the traditional boundaries of wellness to help you prioritise better versions of yourself over unrealistic expectations and ideals.

With so many of us both working and living from our houses or flats, there's never been a more perfect time to truly make your home your own. And while taking control of your space feels empowering, transforming it into a calming sanctuary isn't just about aesthetics; it's about feeling at peace in your environment, prioritising your mental health, and learning to live intentionally.

Today, our homes are our everything: gym, office, cinema, you name it. And since we're spending more time than ever inside, it's important to transform your space into somewhere you actually want to be. But you don't need a home makeover to make it happen. Small, easy adjustments are all it takes to notice a big difference. The hacks ahead will help you refresh your home, leaving you feeling energised and comfortable.

1. Purify Your Air

Clean air isn't just important, it's essential. While you may think you're breathing fresh air at home, unless you have an air purifier, chances are, your air isn't as clean as it could be.

With the Dyson Purifier Cool™ Fan, which is available at John Lewis for £499.99, you get a cooling fan and an air purifier in one. But whether you use the cooling feature or not, it captures dust, allergens, and bacteria, keeping particles tightly sealed inside. It also features three sensors that diagnose and display your air quality, then react to fill the room with purified air.

The fan's HEPA filter captures 99.95% of particles and is fully sealed to prevent the particles from leaking back out into the air¹, which is a key step in turning your home into a zen haven. Even better, when you purchase from John Lewis, you get a two-year guarantee.

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2. Decorate With Botanicals

Every plant parent knows just how refreshing it can be to welcome the outdoors in. Plants of all types are known to bring new energy to a space, improve your mood, and even boost creativity. In short, adding a plant or two is by far one of the easiest ways to instantly liven up a room.

If greenery isn't your thing, try a vase of flowers on the kitchen table or at your bedside. To cut down on maintenance, you can even decorate with dried botanicals such as lavender, pampas grass, thistles, or bunny tails.

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3. Clean as You Go

For many of us, cleaning and organising our home is a daunting task. At the same time, a decluttered space is a decluttered mind. A clean home is even known to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. But there's no need to tackle the whole house at once.

To help ease the pressure of cleaning, try setting an alarm for 15 minutes, and do what you can within that allotted time. As another tactic, make it a goal to pick up one or two misplaced items every time you enter a room and put them away immediately.

Of course, the best plan of attack is to clean as you go and to have a system of organisation in place (hello, labels, baskets, and bins!). Bottom line: whether you're getting dressed, cooking, or working on a project, make sure little messes don't morph into large ones.

No matter your tactic though, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Vacuum Cleaner will become your secret weapon. After all, vacuum cleaning is one of the quickest, most satisfying ways to clean your space. This machine in particular has three power modes and features a laser that detects particles you can't normally see — plus its fully-sealed filtration traps 99.99 percent of microscopic particles and allergens². It also seamlessly works on all floor types while providing you with up to 60 minutes of fade-free power. Bonus: when you purchase from John Lewis, you receive a two-year guarantee.

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4. Focus on Lighting

The proper lighting can either make or break a setting. Choose your lighting carefully, and make sure it's adaptable depending on your mood. Keep in mind that bright light is ideal for focusing, dim light helps you wind down, warm tones make you feel cosier, and natural light can make you happier.

Depending on each room's needs, maybe install a dimmer, add a new lamp, or simply change the type of lightbulb you use. Don't shy away from colour, either. Sometimes a blue bulb can create the chill vibes you're looking for. Other quick fixes include lighting a few candles or stringing some lights.

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5. Play With Scent

The power of scent is not to be underestimated. Scent can evoke major mood shifts and unlock memories. For example, if you want to feel relaxed, try lavender; citrus scents can help you feel more energised; and the smell of eucalyptus is often used to reduce stress.

Essential-oil diffusers, incense, reed diffusers, candles, potpourri, and room sprays are all effective ways to add fragrance to your home. You can even try placing orange and lemon peels inside your garbage disposal. Flipping it on will release a light, fresh aroma into the air. A simmer pot is another way to infuse your home with scent. Just fill a small saucepan with boiling water, and add your favourite herbs, spices, and fruit slices.

No matter how you go about it, be intentional with the fragrances you're releasing into the air, and let them transport you somewhere else.

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6. Hook Up a Sound System

Just like with light and scent, sound (or lack thereof) is important when creating an ambience. If you want to go the sound route — aka total silence isn't the vibe — make it easy for yourself to play your favourite music. And because phone speakers aren't always enough, you may want to treat yourself to a Bluetooth speaker or two, or better yet, a full-fledged sound system.

Playing your favourite song is an easy mood changer, but don't forget that setting a soundtrack for just about anything is another way to make yourself feel more comfortable at home. Making pasta for dinner? Play some classic Italian music. Need some nondistracting background music while you work? Opt for classical or instrumental. A sound system can also be used to project white noise or nature sounds when you're trying to relax or fall asleep.

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7. Add Meaningful Touches

Ask yourself, what makes you feel good? Maybe it's an especially soft blanket or a luxe set of sheets. Decorate your space with these accents. A decorative pillow here, a piece of art that makes you smile there. Find your happy colours, and base your style choices on them. Photos also make a space feel more inviting and comforting. Frame a few special memories, and keep them close by.

If you need some inspiration, think about your favourite places outside of home. Channel those vibes, and think about why and how they make you feel grounded. From the comfortable seating and smell of coffee at your favourite cafe to the minimal aesthetic and scent of lavender at your yoga studio, these are the small yet impactful changes that will help you feel at home.

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8. Create a Dedicated Workspace

It can be hard to fully unwind when you work in the same place where you sleep, eat, and spend your leisure time. Separate work from play by sectioning off a specific area dedicated to all things work.

This could be a separate room, a corner in your bedroom, a spot in the guest room, or at the dining room table. Regardless, make sure it's comfortable and that everything you need is within reach. Above all, it should foster productivity and be distraction-free.

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More From John Lewis

John Lewis wants to help you explore a holistic approach to health and happiness. Forget about quick fixes and focus on ongoing self-fulfillment by pursuing your passions, developing feel-good habits, and, ultimately, enriching your life.

To help you on your journey, when purchasing a Dyson Purifier Cool™ Fan or a Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Vacuum Cleaner from John Lewis, you receive a two-year guarantee as well as free standard delivery. These products are also available for click-and-collect.

¹Tested for filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns (EN1822, ISO29463)

²Filtration tested against EN IEC62885-4 CL5.11 in Boost mode

Image Source: John Lewis

1. Purify Your Air

2. Decorate With Botanicals

3. Clean as You Go

4. Focus on Lighting

5. Play With Scent

6. Hook Up a Sound System

7. Add Meaningful Touches

8. Create a Dedicated Workspace

More From John Lewis

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