by Sherri Woodbridge

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: April 06, 2009

Sanctuary. A shelter for rest and peace, renewal and restoration. A quiet place you long to step into when you're tired and weary. Just the suggestion yields your mind to want to be there. You open your bedroom door and instead find a room a room filled with chaos. Your room reflects your life.

Don't fret. With a few changes, you can create a place that will offer that shelter - that hideaway - you long for tut first, you must assess this room you call 'bedroom'. First you must form a new mindset that this is no longer just where you sleep and get dressed. This is going to be a ...sanctuary.

So, what makes up this place with the customary four walls, a bed, dresser, perhaps a night stand or two? How big is this room and is there room for all it contains? That is your starting point. Do you have too much 'stuff' for the amount of space you have? Do you need to size down? The more 'clutter' around you (and it tends to all get thrown in that label when we're swimming in it), the more you feel your life in general is cluttered. There's a strong possibly that with a thorough cleaning and cleaning out, you won't need to do much to create that place of peace you long for.

When was iyour room last painted? Do you like the color? Do you enjoy where you are or would painting it your favorite color make you like coming into your room a pleasure? Take a look at the color pallette at the hardware or paint store and thumb through the warm tones. These naturally bring a sense of peace just by their calming effects. Try to stay away from brights and darks. They'll conjure and feed moods of anxiousness or possibly, depression. Don't settle for one boring color. Find suitable combinations and give the doors a different color, the trim another. Be creative. Allow you to shine through.

Assess your bedding and window treatments. Do they need freshening? Are they tattered? If money is tight, try being innovative with what you've got. Add some buttons to your quilt or spread, some lace, quilted patches. With the right colors, this could transform an old spread into a Shabby Chic creation. A few new accent pillows and a throw will add much when chosen carefully. A scarf softly draped over the top of the window lends a soft touch and is inexpensive if shopping at a discount or thrfit store. You might want to consider adding a new coat of paint to that worn out dresser. Go a step further and draw some roses, checked designs - some simple touch - to the new finish to give it a personal touch. There are some great do-it yourself finishes available that any ameteur can do and acheive a professional finish.

When your room is coming together, think about what kind of music relaxes you. Do you need to scout for some new CD's? Classical guitar, piano - these are all great genres that are soothing to the mind and spirit.

A well-chosen picture can offer some respite. Find something that catches your attention and suggests rest. An empty chair on the beach. A park scene or meadow. Word/phrase transfers are popular right now and several different sayings are available just about anywhere or - if you're artsy - do it yourself. Put your favorite saying or verse on the wall.

Consider an overstuffed, comfy chair that will allow you to curl up and enjoy a good book. Make sure the lighting is not too bright but adequate for reading.

No one is exempt from the busyness and crazy moments that life has to offer, but we can make the best of it. Find that special spot in your new room and close the door behind you. Give yourself a few minutes to unwind from the day's activities. Curl up in that cozy chair and close your eyes. Be restored and renewed in your new room. Your sanctuary.

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