Busy commutes, long workdays and unpredictable weather make it more important than ever to come home to a flat that feels calm and restorative. But turning your space into a sanctuary doesn’t mean knocking down walls or spending your savings on designer furniture. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a home that feels more like a retreat – somewhere you can switch off, slow down, and just breathe. 

These small shifts can make a real difference to how your home feels day to day. 

Experiment with lighting

Overhead lights rarely do any favours when you’re trying to relax. They tend to flatten the space and create a glare that feels more like an office than a home. Try mixing different sources of soft, warm light to create a more layered, intimate atmosphere. A small table lamp by the sofa or near your bed adds just enough glow without overpowering the room. To get that gentle flicker of candlelight – without the waxy mess – scatter a few LED candles around your living space. They give off a subtle, cosy light and work brilliantly on windowsills, shelves or inside lanterns. If you’re up for a little DIY, you can always wrap fairy lights inside a glass jar or bottle for an easy, budget-friendly fix.

Natural elements

Nature has a calming effect on your senses, so it makes sense to bring a bit of it indoors. You don’t need a jungle of houseplants to get the benefit. A single leafy plant, like a peace lily or rubber plant, can soften the edges of a room and purify the air at the same time. You can also use materials like wood, stone or linen to ground the space and make it feel more connected to the outdoors. A rattan tray on the coffee table, or a jute rug underfoot, adds texture without feeling fussy. 

A calming palette

Your walls and furnishings do more than fill space – they influence how you feel in it. Colours like soft grey, warm taupe and muted sage help tone down visual noise and make the flat feel settled. They’re also easy to layer with other colours if your style evolves. Try painting a single wall in a gentle hue to shift the mood without overwhelming the room. You could also switch to lighter curtains or replace a bold cushion cover with something in washed cotton instead. These tweaks can create a sense of calm that’s felt, even if it’s not immediately noticed.

Think zen

You don’t need to transform your flat into a minimalist temple, but a bit of clear space goes a long way. Clutter can create low-level stress, even if you think you’ve learned to ignore it. Start small: clear off just one surface and give everything a purpose or a home. Invest in a few clever storage pieces that double as furniture. An ottoman with hidden space inside or a bench with baskets beneath can keep everyday things tucked away but close at hand. A clear floor, an empty shelf, a quiet corner to sit with your morning coffee – the things that quietly support your peace.