When you spend most of your life busy – and let’s face it, most of us do, then it’s always so lovely to come home after a long day and just relax. The problem is most of us have chores to do – tidying, checking homework, preparing dinner… and all of that other fun stuff.
Making your home into a comfortable cosy retreat doesn’t have to be difficult.
Quick grab box
If you like to luxuriate in your comfort but are prone to forgetting where to find your socks, blankets, hand warmers and that type of thing, get a storage box or basket and pop in your cosy essentials. Slippers or slouchy socks are always a winner. Your favourite jumper, best blanket and hot water bottle can also be kept in there. Perhaps even a magazine and few favourite snacks or box of indulgent chocolates! Every week have a simple change of the contents as required.
Hearth
Home is where the heart is, and where the hearth is. Think about your current ‘fiery’ view. Are you looking at a blank radiator or an empty fire surround? Think about having a real fire fitted. Nothing compares to the luxury and cosiness of a real fire in the home – especially in the winter. If this stokes your interest, read more here.
And while fires provide a wonderful focal point, if there’s no space in the property, you can create that cosy warm sensation with underfloor heating. It’s easy enough to install a warmup thermostat so you can control how cosy you want it. Home is where the heat is, and there is nothing quite like that warm feeling in between your toes.
Scent
The smell of your home is very important. Fragrance can greatly affect your mood. Fresh, zingy smells like citrus and mint make you feel alert, stimulated and uplifted. Conversely, lavender is well known for helping you to relax and sleep. Other calming odours include vanilla, vetiver and camomile. How about using seasonal scents? Summer smells like freshly mown grass, strawberries and even sun tan lotion! Autumn is in the air when we can smell pine, fallen leaves and bonfires. Christmas is synonymous with smells such as cinnamon, gingerbread and roasting chestnuts. You can introduce scent into your home in many ways. Use candles, incense, room sprays, room diffusers, essential oils and scented plants & flowers.
Meditate
There’s little use in you trying to relax and get cosy in the evening if you aren’t in a tranquil enough space to do so. Use an app like the Calm app or Headspace, so that you can take part in guided meditation sessions. There’s a range to help you deal with things like everyday stress, work issues, anxiety and tension. Getting your mind into a relaxed state at the end of each day will mean your home will become an ideal place to retreat to when needed.
Clean
A clean & tidy home is much more comfortable and enjoyable place in which to spend time. It’s not as simple as it sounds. Fitting in cleaning chores can be incredibly difficult for those with an already busy schedule. It needs to fit in around other important commitments such as looking after family, work and hobbies. If possible, do a couple of brief chores during the week and then do a bigger tidy at the weekend. Break up the tasks into smaller chunks to make the whole job more manageable.
Home should be where you can shut the door and feel safe, secure and happy – hopefully these tips help you achieve your cosy retreat.
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