From home to haven

Transform your interior into a relaxing realm where you can unwind at the end of a long day and focus on your wellbeing

our home isn’t just a shelter – it’s a space where your emotional needs are met. It stores personal possessions and holds memories, so it should be a place where you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. You should be able to recharge and emerge revived into the world, ready for anything.

Looking after your happiness at home can take many forms – from getting a good night’s sleep or treating yourself to a long, hot bath to savouring a refreshing cup of tea or sharing precious time with your close friends and family. It’s important that you take time out and relax.

YLight a candle

It’s mesmerising and therapeutic to watch a flickering flame, so if you need to chill out after an exhausting day, just light a candle or two. Choose scented ones to set specific moods to suit your needs. For instance, lavender or aloe aromas will help you to relax, whereas fruity scents can stimulate and help focus your mind.

Embrace Wabi Sabi

The Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi is all about finding beauty in imperfection, and it’s a good idea to keep this concept in mind when styling your home. Sometimes, if everything looks too perfect, you can’t relax, so embrace your home’s quirks and a little chaos. Similarly, shop for accessories with organic, imperfect elements, as these can be more interesting than sleeker items.

Have a tea ceremony

Take inspiration from other cultures and turn the simple act of having a cuppa into a mini event. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony can last hours and the emphasis is on the process, not the result – so take your time. Savour the moment, focusing on the here and now, concentrating on how the cup feels and how the tea tastes. Linea Ceremony double duvet set, £60; bird print cushion, £20; Geo swirl cushion, £30, all House of Fraser