A Home that Nurtures You
A home that nurtures you. Doesn’t that just sound so wonderful as you read it? Instantly, I am filled with feelings of warmth, goodness and of memories of home when I was a little girl.
I talked about my playhouse in my first book- and when I think about it now- it was a place where I landed that made me feel like the world just slowed down and was quiet. So quiet. My dad built it when my brother and I were young and when our parents were divorcing- and ‘home’ felt upside down- it was a place that I would retreat to after school and get lost for a bit. I remember the little fabric curtains & sunshine that poured through them and the ‘treasures’ that I had inside. Random things that made me happy when I saw them. Favorite toys and dolls and blankets from my bedroom, tea sets for imaginary parties, trinkets and collected things like acorns and oranges- and wilted fallen roses.
Our neighbors rose garden that was just behind the playhouse. I would crouch down and wander through the tall bushes down the ‘path’. It was dark and cold until you reached the end-where it opened up to the edge of a sunny rose garden. It was absolutely magical. The peppery smell, the colorful blooms and the warmth of the sunshine on my face. I would sit tucked just under the canopy of the hedge by the garden until I felt ‘full’ of that wonderful feel good energy that I couldn’t get enough of. On occasion, I would wander a tad further into the garden & collect a few fallen roses to bring home. Though they didn’t last long, their petals & scent in the playhouse made me smile and they brought a bit of that magical, warm, welcoming, cozy, ‘good’ feeling home.
A Soft Place to Land
I now know – that feeling- that good ‘juju’ or energy that I loved – was probably one of my first experiences in immersing yourself in a nurturing space & the effect it had on you. That playhouse and rose garden provided a warm and beautiful place in the middle of the divorce ‘storm’ inside our house. It was a safe haven mentally- it was filled with objects that made me happy, inspired me and made me feel safe and warm.
That energy and feeling inspires me in my home now as well. I aspire to create a place that welcomes, loves and feels like a warm hug for your soul. A place that nurtures you.
Welcoming my daughter back today and she is talking about creating a nurturing home that takes care of You and feeds your soul in your daily life.
7 Ways to Create a Nurturing Home
The places that we spend the most time in have a powerful effect on our overall well-being. From how a room is painted to the flow of its decor. Studies have shown that our mental health is directly affected by our home environment and the items we put in it. When it’s full of things we love, we are happier and more at ease. When it is full of clutter and filler objects, we often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, yearning for something different.
More than anything, your home is your sanctuary.
It’s the place that we spend most of our time in, especially in our world today. And it should be crafted to feed our soul as a result.
Thankfully, changing your home space to create a more enriching environment that empowers you is a lot easier than you think. Today, I am sharing 7 tips for how you can create a nurturing environment in your home where your soul can thrive.
1. Surround yourself with things that make you happy
The first way to build a nurturing home environment is to surround yourself with the things you love. This tip is one of my favorites because there is no right or wrong way to decorate when it comes to this.
It’s simple; Whatever makes you happiest should be added to your environment.
Whether it’s an old antique tea set that was passed down to you from your grandma. Or a wall decor piece that makes you smile. These personal touches, however simple they may seem, are the little things that transition your house into a home. And they inspire that calming sense of familiarity and comfort whenever you’re in it. For that reason, be sure to always prioritize these meaningful items more than anything else in your home to create an environment that better nurtures your soul every time you’re in it.
2. Enhance your home with soft light like candlelight
Warm and cozy up your space with softer light by using dim lighting and adding candles.
While we all love bright and light spaces- and some of us definitely subscribe to the idea of ‘the more chandeliers the better’ – the softer the lighting is – the more soothing your environment will feel.
One way is to use dimmer switches- this allows you to brighten up the room more on a dreary day and also lower the lighting to create a quieter ambiance. And another way is to incorporate candles. Whether you’re a lover of votives, tea lights, or pillar candles- having an assortment of your favorite candles is an excellent way to slow down the flow of the environment and create the perfect atmosphere to unwind in at any time of the day. As always with candles- don’t leave them unattended- Safety first. Bring in LED for a safe option.
3. Lift your mood with natural scents
To go along with adding your favorite candles to your space, another way to create a soothing home environment is to fill it with all your favorite smells. Whether that’s fresh florals, a soft citrus linen spray, or a selection of your favorite earthy essential oils. Maybe it is something that reminds you of someone or a happy memory that brings back a warm, cozy feeling.
The scents in your home have an instant way of creating a nurturing space, lifting your mood and giving you a revitalized feeling. Pick up a few of your favorites and tuck them in places throughout your home to create a serene feeling as you walk through.
4. Decorate with fresh flowers & greenery
Bring something fresh into your home for a welcoming and nurturing feeling.
One of our favorite ways to boost the welcoming feeling in your home and nurture your soul further is to bring some fresh florals and greenery in. Choose what speaks to you- that may be potted house plants on the windowsill, greenery from your garden or fresh florals from the flower market- or those somewhat smooshy roses that are kept a little longer.
5. Welcome in the warmth of natural light
Let that beautiful sunshine and light in. Having a dimly home during the day can feel cozy and inviting on a rainy day by a fire. I love a day when I can sink into creative work while the rain falls outside. But on the other side – that darker light can also have the opposite effect and weigh down the space and make it feel sluggish and small.
Natural light has been proven to help boost our mood. Opening the curtains and inviting the light in is a wonderful way to create a nurturing feeling open up your room further. If privacy is a concern- consider adding sheer curtains. Again- this is one of those things where you need to let your personal craving and need speak to you and what you need.
If you thrive in moody lighting- go for it and create a cozy place to be inspired. If you love sunshine splashing across the floor and the warmth it brings- open those curtains up and let more of it in.
6. Create a space dedicated to comfort
Create a dedicated area full of items that speak comfort to you. This could be a cozy bedroom chair placed near a window that looks out to the garden. A sofa full of plush pillows where you enjoy your morning coffee. A bench in the garden or a private reading nook full of all your favorite books and scented candles.
Wherever it may be, dedicating a spot in your home to start your morning or to relax in after a long day can help slow the pace of your daily routine. Which allows you to live more presently & to better enjoy all of the simple treasures of everyday life that often go overlooked.
7. Remember that less can be more
And lastly, simplifying your space and decluttering is another way to help calm your home environment and nurture your soul. In fact, many believe that decluttering your physical space is the key to decluttering your mental space as well. For that reason, aiming to create an environment rich in the most important items that bring a sense of nourishment and bliss while tucking away the rest is a great way to shift the vibe of your home.
This doesn’t mean you need to remove the layers of decor and trinkets and treasures that you find enjoyment in. This is a highly personal preference and should reflect what you feel to be the right balance for you. Even if you prefer a more is more is more approach – there are likely things that you arrange to create a more organized feeling home that allows more ‘breathing’ space while enjoying the comfort and cozy that way of living brings for you.
More than anything, this shows that isn’t about how many things you have in your home – it’s the value that each item holds for you.
Taking a more minimalist approach (however that looks for you) and clearing away filler that doesn’t inspire you can bring so much more. It can help you better fill your space with the things that ‘speak your language’ and that ‘fill you up’ energy wise everyday.
Overall
While creating a nurturing environment may seem like a small step in achieving a more enriching life, it can make all the difference in your productivity, mood, and your ability to unwind from stress. The most important thing to remember is that a comfortable home environment isn’t just about the way your home looks; it’s about how it feels, and creating an environment that feels right to you is a very personal thing – and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. It’s a new year and a new you, and it may be time to bring that mindset into your home space too. Truly, you never know what a little refreshing change could do to the feel of your home & what new inspiring thoughts it could help to stir within you.
What about You
What do you feel that for You is the best way to help create that energy that nurtures you and your soul at home? If you have an idea of what works for you- focus on that and run with it. Bring that feeling in all through the house and be mindful of the things that don’t speak to you. That is a first step to creating a home that speaks your language and nourishes you.
Happy Monday everyone.
Angela says
A clean house helps me to relax like nothing else. Add some uplifting music and a cup of tea.
Constance Rivers says
So love this idea. It is dear to my heart. I inherited all my mother’s lovely, English period style furniture and the many prints (many impressionists with a good smattering of classical paintings) and I draw such comfort from it all because it so reminds me of her! She taught me everything I know. Recently my dear husband built me a butler’s pantry and i delightfully cluttered it, in a tasteful, english way, with all the vintage pieces i have both inherited and collected over the years. It is a lovely, lovely space and is a painting in itself. And of course, i have the portraits of charlotte and peter adorning the walls. So, in the end, the living room, which houses her sentimental and romantic pieces, reminds me lovingly of her and all the lessons of acquiring and surrounding one with beauty she gave to me. legacy!
Chere’ Sterk says
I learned alot thank you!
Leslie Watkins says
I love this so much…and agree with each. Beautifully written.
rosemary race says
My mother and I had been collecting a royal derby china together since i began my first job … beautiful colourful flowers on the tinest jug to the huge teapot my last acquisition……it’s edges are gold as i only use them on extra special occasions..but really i should use them more often they are so quaint and gorgeous …
Ann C says
Oh yes, please use them and enjoy them! Today may be your last OPPORTUNITY to CHERISH them. Tomorrow ISN’T promised to any of us. Plus Mother Nature can take our treasures in a heartBeat.
Aussie Jo says
Somebloody great ideas
Jeanne Bolubasz says
Pillows and throws and candles are my comforts. Im glad to always see what you come up with. Thanks so much.
Pam says
That was an awesome post so glad i got to read it!!! Thank you