Make a Mother's Day Oasis

A sanctuary is a space where mom can relax, unwind and have some time to herself. Whether it’s a guest bedroom, a finished attic or even a corner in a room, choose a peaceful area of the house that's away from family activities. Natural light is a natural mood booster, so a room with windows is ideal. Or consider adding skylights to brighten up the room and make it feel spacious and refreshing. The size of the space depends on what mom wants to do. If tranquility is the primary goal, a walk-in closet might be big enough. If she’s into working out or meditation, select somewhere with enough space to stretch out.

Tip: Transform a corner of a room into a mini sanctuary by using curtains, dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy.

Keep mom’s favorite colors in mind when it comes to wall paint. Wallpaper or paint is an easy way to instantly set a serene mood or spark creativity. The predominant paint colors for a tranquil space should be the cooler shades. Choose the softer pastels such as blush, sage green or lilac. Calming neutrals such as tans, grays or cream are also a good choice. For balance, mix in intentional patterns or pops of energizing colors such as orange, red or yellow.

Encourage mom to relax and unwind with cozy and comfortable furniture choices. Create a peaceful vibe with an oversized sofa, big floor cushions or a comfortable chaise for reading, drinking tea or napping. Add warmth and soften the room with thick rugs, plush throws and extra fluffy pillows. Consider space-saving options such as a futon or daybed that can be a resting spot day or night. Cater to mom’s hobbies and interests. For example, give her a custom crafting station or designate a special area for reading.

Clutter is just another name for stress. Create a sense of calm with organization. Choose bookcases, wall shelves and other decor that doubles as storage. Baskets, boxes, bins and organizers keep mom’s favorite things both tucked away and within reach. Take advantage of every inch of space with multi-functional furniture like a storage ottoman. Keep small items organized and out of sight with office trays or decorative jars.

Tip: Artfully arrange books and other objects on a bookcase or shelf according to size and color.

Make sure mom’s space is welcoming day or night, rain or shine with the right lighting. A well-lit room should have three types of light: ambient, accent and task. A calm atmosphere starts with soft, dimmable overhead lighting. Make sure there’s enough light for tasks with floor and table lamps. Sprinkle in accents such as spotlights or battery-operated candles. Choose bulbs with a warm light or LED bulbs that let you adjust their color temperature.

Calming music or relaxing, ambient sounds are essential for creating tranquility. The type of sound system you choose will depend on the size of the room and your budget. The bigger the sanctuary, the more powerful a system you’ll need. However, even in a smaller space it’s wise to invest in the best. Bluetooth speakers or a smart home sound system can make it very convenient for mom to listen to her chosen playlist. Or if you think she’d really like complete peace and quiet, consider getting her a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Bring the calm of nature indoors with lively, green houseplants. Choose easy-to-maintain varieties like philodendron, peace lilies or succulents. Hanging plants in the windows or placing them throughout the room can make a real difference. If your room doesn’t have the natural light your plants need, there are grow lights that work just as well.

Tip: Mix in a seasonal bouquet of fresh flowers to keep things interesting.

Whether her tastes are bohemian, modern or minimalistic, let mom’s personality shine through in her new custom retreat. Make the space her own with her most-loved inspirational quotes, photos or artwork. Find a special place for her vision board or surprise her with a new one to fill up. Delight her with a few items from her decor wish list or anything that you think will make her new oasis all hers.

Enhance mom’s feeling of tranquility with aromatherapy. Choose calming natural scents like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood or bergamot essential oils. Or opt for energizing citrus, peppermint or eucalyptus. You can place long-lasting beeswax candles throughout the room for an instant mood change with light and scent. Or choose a reed diffuser that gently releases fragrance for weeks. Better yet, give mom a gift basket with a variety of essential oil sprays, lotions, candles and roll-ons so she can create an aromatherapy experience that matches her mood.

Below are additional simple ways to create a peaceful sanctuary:

• Soundproof walls to block outside noise.
• Install frosted glass or film on windows for more privacy.
• Use decorative light fixtures such as figurines to add character.
• For a quick budget-friendly way to add drama, try peel-and-stick wallpaper.
• Score bonus points for including family heirlooms or vintage decor or other beloved trinkets.