How does your home make you feel? Seems like a simple question, but most times when we think of our living spaces, we tend to think of them first for how they look. True sanctuary is a feeling, however. It’s the ability to meet you in the moment, emotionally—and counter any feelings that aren’t calming and supportive.
So many factors have converged over the years to make us feel unsettled and off balance that sanctuary as an approach to interiors has really gained a foothold in design. So much so, that interiors experts have devised a checklist to help homeowners devise a sanctuary scheme of their own.
1. Because the term sanctuary can mean different things to different people, you should start by defining an emotional goal for your space. Ask yourself some basic questions:
Is this your space to exhale? To restore energy? To have a cocooning effect or a feeling of openness?
Note: Every choice that follows should support your intention.
Photo courtesy of lazannifurniture.com
2. A degree of minimalism is intentional in a sanctuary scheme. So, don’t be timid about what you wish to edit out.
• Remove pieces that feel purely functional but emotionally draining. • Store visual clutter behind closed doors. • Keep what tells a story, sparks a memory, or serves daily rituals
Note: It’s okay to have negative space. In these scenarios, it’s room to breathe.
3. Let texture lead the way. Layer it in accordingly.
• Use soft, tactile fabrics (think linen, wool, cotton, velvet) • Natural materials (wood, stone, rattan, leather) • Mix smooth textures with chunkier ones; some matte textures can even have a subtle sheen
Note: A space should be inviting enough to touch, not just look.
Photo courtesy of thenordroom.com
4. Choose muted, warm, and nuanced tones over a stark color palette.
• Use earth tones, softened neutrals, dusty blues, and greens • Try monochromatic or closely related hues to reduce visual noise • Contrast is created through texture, not high color drama
Note: Think “sun-faded,” not “brand-new.”
5. Consider how you really live day-to-day.
• Seating should be placed where you naturally pause • Lighting where you read, rest, or gather • Choose surfaces that integrate with your daily rituals: morning coffee, evening journaling, personal care
Note: If a room looks beautiful but doesn’t get used, it’s not a sanctuary—it’s a showroom.
6. Appropriate lighting is mission critical in sanctuary schemes, as it sets the tone for your nervous system.
• Use layered lighting: ambient + task + accent • Choose warm-glow bulbs over cool white • Dimmers wherever possible • Lamps are preferential to overhead lighting in living and sleeping spaces
Note: Soft light = softer thoughts.
Photo courtesy of decorilla.com
7. Use biophilic elements to ground a space emotionally.
• Real plants or the best fakes available • Natural light left unobstructed • Views framed intentionally with furniture and window treatments • Choose organic shapes over sharp angles
Note: Nature signals safety and restoration on a subconscious level.
8. Engender personality over trend so your space doesn’t look like it could belong to anyone.
• Art that resonates, not just coordinates • Objects from travel, family, or meaningful moments • Books, textiles, or scents tied to memory
Note: Sanctuary isn’t trend-driven—it’s identity-driven.
Photo courtesy of majortvlift.com
9. Lean into aspects of quiet luxury.
• Use fewer, better pieces • Choose timeless form over statement piece overload • Choose finishes that grow graceful with age
Note: Think quality, not quantity.
10. Leave room for evolution.
• Edit aspects and pieces seasonally, if you wish • Shift your furniture as your routines change • Add or subtract from the space as your life evolves
Note: A true sanctuary is never “done.”
