Where we live is truly a sacred space.  It isn't just a place to eat, sleep, bathe, and get dressed.  It is where we recharge after a long day, and it is a place where we should be able to relax, rejuvenate, have insights, and also create beautiful memories.  I believe what makes a home feel good is to come inside and see beauty in the things that you love, as well as a home that is clutter-free.

After showing a tour of our modern apartment, I wanted to share a few tips on how you can transform your home into a sacred space.

The biggest step to creating a sacred space is to get rid of everything that you don't light up with excitement when you see it.  When first beginning the minimalist lifestyle, I decluttered unnecessary furniture which created more open space.  Open space allows energy to flow through effortlessly.  Open space also makes small spaces feel bigger.

Take the time to release unloved decor, duplicate items, and anything that you do not use daily or monthly.  Keep only a few seasonal items.  The key to creating beauty at home is to declutter absolutely everything which is not beautiful to your eye.  Be ruthless with this process.

1. A Serene Bedroom

In my opinion the bedroom is for rejuvenation.  It is very common to see many electronic items in the bedroom.  Electrical equipment gives off harmful electromagnetic waves which create an environment of everything but true relaxation.  Limiting the amount of electrical items in a bedroom can make a world of difference.

Use color to create the serene atmosphere that you desire.  For our bedroom I chose white, yet I also used a neutral wall art to give the room texture and interest.  You could choose soft blues, purples, pinks, greens or whatever color relaxes you.  I personally avoid black, brown, and gray as decorating color choices, and especially other energizing colors such as red or orange as my intention is relaxation.

Also having an organized closet that isn't overflowing with clothing creates a peaceful environment for getting ready each morning.  Take time to downsize your wardrobe, and consider creating a capsule wardrobe for the season.  When you love your wardrobe you will honestly not miss having tons of clothing with nothing to wear.  Lastly remove all items from your bedroom that have nothing to do with relaxation or getting dressed.

2. A Multifunctional Kitchen

We have only one table in our home.  Our kitchen table is obviously used for eating and entertaining.   It’s also used for sewing and where I sometimes do my writing.  Although the table serves multiple functions, when it is not in use it is completely clear or holds a vase with flowers.  This allows room for the next activity when it is time.

There is nothing more frustrating to me than a disheveled kitchen full of dirty dishes.  Taking the time to clean up after every meal, and also clean up before leaving the home, can make preparing meals so much more enjoyable.  Having more respect for keeping your kitchen clean also brings a higher consciousness for the food that you prepare in it.  Please check out these tips on the importance of an organic whole foods diet.

3. A Beautiful Bathroom

I was just watching a video yesterday where there was a short clip in the bathroom.  There were four toothbrushes on the tiny sink as well as other beauty products covering the counter.  Although people like to be able to see what they are using and/or have it in sight, clear surfaces are much more soothing to the eye.

A simple way to keep all surfaces clear in the bathroom is to have bathroom baskets or caddies for each person to store their cosmetics and other bathroom needs.  You could use fabric or woven baskets so it doesn't feel like you are living in a college dorm.  If you have a shelf in the bathroom, you can display these lovely baskets, or otherwise store them in a cabinet or closet.

By keeping the surfaces clear in the bathroom it is also easier to do maintenance clean ups throughout the week, and it is also more respectful for others living in the home.  I prefer to only keep a soap dish on our sink.  On occasion I will also place a candle.  Also use color to brighten up the space with a shower curtain, wall paint, or a beautiful painting.  Pare down the cosmetics that are old, full of toxic chemicals, and that you have no intention using.

4. Life in the Living Room

The living room is where family memories are created.  It is the heart of the home and also the room of the house that can become the most imbalanced.  In our home the living room has the most decor, is where we entertain, and where we keep our books and television.  I used plants to help calm the space and other natural elements to create warmth.

When my husband and I first moved in together we both had furniture that we considered our beloved and most comfortable pieces.  Having both sets of furniture which didn't compliment each other just added to the clutter.  Finding one extremely comfortable couch was the solution for us which replaced the other mismatched pieces.  Instead of having a bunch of things which kind of work, look for one great piece that does it all.  We surpringly lucked up on our couch in a Craiglist listing.  We found our most recent couch at The Salvation Army!

One important element to designing a sacred living room space is to find a way to decorate in a way that functions with the television, but is not solely focused around the television.  Although our couch faces the television, the bookshelf is actually more prominent, and so is the large sliding glass door.  Being able to snuggle up to watch a great movie is wonderful, yet you also want to have a space that is cozy for conversation and reading with a cup of tea.

Use a large basket, chest, or bin in the living room to store remote controls, DVD's/CD's (if you have not gone 100% digital), as well as children's toys to keep the room organized.  Paring down on these types of items is also extremely helpful. Having a specific place for everything is fantastic, yet having less to organize is even better.

Some other general reminders/ideas that can create peace and serenity at home are keeping all surfaces clear or only three decorative items per surface, using flowering and green plants as well as fresh flowers to invite beauty, using scent from soy candles to create a pleasant atmosphere, and keeping on top of closet organization.  Having a beautiful home, yet disheveled closets isn't truly sacred.  Take the time as often as possible to get your closets in order.

The more order and peace that you have in your home, the more order and peace you will take into the world.

Image by Dawn Michelle