FOR MANY FAMILIES, IT CAN BE ALL TOO EASY FOR OUR HOMES TO BECOME LITTLE MORE THAN PLACES TO EAT, SLEEP, AND STORE STUFF BEFORE HEADING BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD AGAIN.
Sound familiar? When life gets crazy (and it inevitably does), we all need a sacred space of our very own where we can go to get away from it all—to rest, reflect, and unwind. For this reason, your home should be a sanctuary for you and your family. Here are a few easy ways to make your home feel like the relaxing retreat it was always meant to be.
BE GROUNDED
Bringing the outside in immediately boosts the energy of indoor areas. Many people choose to apply this style tip by introducing high quality, realistic artificial flowers and fruit to revitalise kitchen and dining areas, bedrooms, and quiet corners around the home. Others choose furniture that deliberately embraces the natural characteristics of timber (knots and all!) brings a beautiful, warm, laid-back feel to living areas. Our ‘Wood Design’ collection, for example, is custom-made from reclaimed Australian hardwood—mostly seasoned fence palings, but also roof trusses, wall frames and the occasional horse rail. Even the nail holes are still visible!
PRIORITISE COMFORT
If your family and you are to truly relax in a space, comfort must be at the forefront of your mind while decorating. So when it’s time to update the seating in your home, whether it’s a new lounge suite or a set of coordinating breakfast stools, make this your number one priority. As you shop around, let your individual sense of style be your guide as you ponder over all the colours, shapes, and materials that take your fancy, but never forget to try before you buy! If you find a fabulous looking dining chair, for example, but then sit and find yourself wondering if the floor would be more comfortable, it has not earned a place in your family’s sanctuary. Next!
Another surefire way to give your home an instant cosy feel is to add textured rugs, fluffy blankets, and scatter cushions here and there, giving your family and future guests the visual cues they need to relax, and truly feel ‘at home’.
USE YOUR ‘GOOD’ STUFF
Stop waiting for the queen to come for dinner to finally use your best dinner set. Lighting a scented candle is a great idea all year round, not just Valentine’s Day. When you start actually using all of your ‘good’ stuff rather than waiting for an elusive special occasion to dig it out of the cupboard, you’ll find you can enjoy touches of luxury every day without the cost of a resort holiday!