After a long and strenuous day at work, you just want to relax at home. It’s hard to do that if the environment that greets you as you walk through the door is stiff and unwelcoming. Your home should be your haven. You should be able to walk it, sit down, and feel like you’re being enveloped into a warm, gentle hug.

When your home is comfortable and welcoming, you and your family want to spend time there. The guests you invite over will feel welcome. It’s easy to kick back and relax with a drink, a good book, or with friends. If your home is lacking comfort you’re looking for, here are a few tips to make it the haven you and your family deserve.

Eliminate Clutter

Clutter makes it very difficult to feel relaxed. Too much stuff can lead to anxiety and stress, which keeps you from being able to relax, no matter how comfortable your home is. One of the first things you can do to help make your home feel more relaxing is to get organized and eliminate your clutter.

Consider Your Lighting

Natural lighting is best when it comes to promoting a relaxing atmosphere. Choose windows that let in as much natural sunlight as possible. When it comes to light fixtures, keep in mind the purpose of each room. Bright light may be beneficial in a home office, but your living room or bedroom doesn’t necessarily need the same intensity. Dimmer switches can be very useful for creating the right ambiance for relaxation.

Choose the Right Colors for Your Walls

Colors have the power to evoke certain feelings. Some brighter colors can make you feel energized while others can help you to feel calmer and more relaxed. Neutrals and natural colors are generally seen as best for creating a soothing atmosphere. Shades of white and beige are always a safe bet, but if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your living room or bedroom, consider a pale blue or green.

Select Comfortable Furniture for Your Living Room

Furniture should look and feel comfortable. When looking for the best furniture for your haven, pay attention to the design. Does it look inviting? Does it make you want to sit on it? When you find pieces you like, make sure to test them out. Matching sets can make a room feel even more inviting. To boost the appeal of your living room more, add some throw pillows and toss a plush blanket over the back.

Don’t Skimp on Bedsheets

After a long day, there’s not much better than crawling into bed. While your mattress is an important part of a comfortable bed, it’s not the only one. Your sheets are just as important. Stiff or itchy sheets can leave you squirming. You might be asking yourself, what are the softest sheets for me? There are several materials available. Feel different materials to see which ones you like best.

Bring Some Nature Indoors

Nature has a wonderful, healing effect that can leave you feeling instantly more relaxed and at ease. Bring a little bit of the outdoors inside with some houseplants. A bit of natural greenery can do wonders for reducing stress levels. That’s not all. Houseplants can help to improve your home’s air quality. They can filter out pollutants in the air that could otherwise lead to headaches, asthma, and other health complications. They also remove mold spores, bacteria, carbon monoxide, and more. Some can even act as natural humidifiers, which can improve the comfort of the air in your home during the winter months.

When your home is a haven filled with comfort, it’s much easier to relax there. The more relaxed you feel, the lower your stress levels are likely to be. What are you waiting for? Take a look around your home and see what changes can be made. Your home oasis awaits.