5 Ways to Create A Relaxing Space

When I come home from a busy day, the first thing I want to do is relax and unwind. Your space can be a sanctuary or simply functional. Over the last few years, I've put more thought into creating a space that is beautiful, livable, and allows creativity. Regardless of whether your space is big or small, here's five tips for turning it into a place to allow the cares of the day to slip away.

(Image via Gray Malin blog)

1. Choose your decor carefully.
One of my favorite pieces in my room is a large aerial photo of a beach with the sunlight sparkling on the turquoise water, brightly colored umbrellas lined up in the sand, and beachgoers tanning or playing along the shoreline. Every time I look at this, I'm instantly transported to vacation mode. After a busy or stressful day, we could all use a little vacation, am I right? Pieces that inspire, relax, or make you smile are a great way to add some personality to a space, or send you on a little mental vacation.
Shop a few of my favorite vacay-inspired pieces, and find a budget-friendly option here.

2. Light a candle.
I love the ambiance that a flickering candle creates. Aside from the fact that they make your home smell fabulous, candles can really help you to unwind and relax. Choose your favorite scent or pick up a few unscented versions for dinner parties and lighting additions. It's fun to rotate out your candles depending on the time of year. I'm often drawn to a clean, fresh, and light floral scent in spring, a tropical-inspired pick through summer, something cinnamon or woodsy in the fall, and peppermint or balsam for the holidays.

3. Pick your playlist.
Music plays a large part in the atmosphere of a place, doesn't it? There's certain songs that are perfect for a morning run, but not so great after a long day. Others are just right for a relaxing evening and too slow for the start of the day. Choose songs or even a style of music that will help recharge, inspire, and help you to decompress. Some of my personal favorites for relaxing are smooth jazz, anything Sinatra, classical guitar, jazz piano, and even a bit of Hawaiian music.

4. Add some fresh flowers.
It's amazing to see the effect that fresh flowers can have in a space. There's something about those blooming beauties that adds just a little extra to a dining area, bedroom, guest room, or kitchen. Pick up a bunch at your local grocery and arrange them in various vases or jars. It is always lovely to walk in to a room and instantly be greeted with a colorful arrangement.

5. Keep things clean.
After a busy day, the last thing I feel like doing is cleaning up a messy desk or room. One great way to ensure that your space is relaxing, breathable, and a happy place to be in is to keep it clean. This may sound obvious, but there's always the temptation to let things slip a little, and sooner or later, you're faced with a mess. Make it a habit to put things away, dust off the counters or dresser, keep things organized, and make the bed as soon as you get up in the morning! You'll find that this little tip makes a world of difference for the atmosphere of your space.