Staying home this holiday season? Turn your home into a relaxing escape with these 5 simple styling secrets.
Feeling restless at home this summer? You don’t need to travel far to find calm. Your home can feel just as relaxing as a hotel if you know the simple styling secrets they use.
Hotels are designed to help you relax and recharge. They use easy tricks that work with how our brains respond to space and comfort. Here’s how you can copy those tricks at home:
1. Use Crisp, Light-Coloured Bedding
Studies show that lighter colours, especially whites and soft neutrals, signal cleanliness and calm to your brain. Hotels use crisp white sheets because they promote relaxation and better sleep.
What you can do: Switch to light-coloured cotton or linen bedding and keep it neat and wrinkle-free to create an instant sense of calm.
2. Keep Surfaces Clear and Clutter-Free
Clutter overloads your brain’s working memory, increasing stress and making it harder to relax. Hotels keep surfaces minimal to create mental clarity.
What you can do: Clear your bedside tables, coffee tables, and countertops of unnecessary items. Use baskets or trays to organise essentials neatly out of sight.
3. Control the Lighting
Soft, warm lighting helps your brain produce melatonin—the hormone that regulates sleep. Harsh or blue-toned light interferes with this process. Hotels use layered lighting to create a gentle atmosphere.
What you can do: Use lamps with warm bulbs and add dimmers if possible. Avoid bright overhead lights in relaxation areas.
4. Bring in Natural Elements
Natural materials and plants reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and improves your mood. Hotels often feature wood, stone, and greenery to connect guests with nature.
What you can do: Add a few easy-care plants or fresh flowers. Swap synthetic fabrics for cotton or linen cushions and throws to invite a calm, natural feel.
5. Create a Dedicated Relaxation Zone
Your brain learns to associate specific places with specific behaviours. Hotels have quiet corners or seating areas designed for rest.
What you can do: Set up a small area with a comfy chair or floor cushion, a soft throw, and a side table for your book or tea. Use this spot only for relaxation to reinforce its calming effect.
Creating a calm, restful home doesn’t require a full renovation or expensive purchases—just a few smart, science-backed tweaks. Whether you’re enjoying a staycation or simply want your space to feel more peaceful every day, these small changes make a big difference.
Try one of these simple changes today and see how your space starts to feel more peaceful. If you’d like personalised help turning your home into your own boutique retreat, I’m here to guide you.
Reach out anytime, and let’s create your perfect relaxing space together.
