How to Create a Tranquil Oasis in Your Own Home – On a Budget

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Everyone longs to come home to a space where they can recharge and rejuvenate, away from the stresses of the day.  

Your home should feel like your own personal escape from the world — a peaceful retreat. While it’s often thought creating a tranquil oasis in your own home is expensive, it doesn’t have to be the case, and with a few simple changes you can create an inviting, tranquil home on any budget.

Explore what ‘oasis’ means to you

Everyone’s idea of an oasis is different, so before creating your own calm, tranquil space, consider what you find relaxing. Is it the filtered light, browns and greens of the forest, or maybe the gentle blue waters and white sands of the beach? Think about places you feel most at rest, and what it is about those spots that makes you feel that way. 

If you can’t think of a spot don’t worry — it doesn’t have to be based on a physical location. Things like sounds, smells, and light can all bring about a feeling of calmness and tranquillity. Take the time to explore what makes you feel centred and you’ll have a solid base from which to start from. 

Now it’s time to bring that feeling into your own home.

Cultivate calm with colour 

The easiest way to change the feel of a space is with thoughtful colour design. In fact, colour psychology has been heavily studied, showing the profound influence colour can have on our perceptions, behaviour and mood. For example, green has been observed to be a soothing colour, while blue is said to bring a sense of calm to a space. Play around with the colours you’re drawn to and create a colour scheme that works for you. 

You can then incorporate these colours into your own space in a number of ways. Why not create a feature wall or through painted accents on skirting boards or window frames? If you don’t want to go the DIY route then hanging artwork or adding fabrics and other soft furnishings in pastels or earthy tones is a simple way to add colour. 

Incorporate nature 

We often associate an oasis with nature as that’s where we tend to feel the most at ease. Natural settings ground us and help put the worries of the day into perspective.

One way to bring that feeling into the home is by bringing the textures, colours and tones of the natural environment into each room. Timber-look flooring in nature-inspired tones is a great way to do this, as it forms a natural foundation that flows throughout the home, and can easily be tied into a natural colour scheme.

Linen and cotton can also help create a feeling of nature in the home, providing a tactile experience that will calm and soften your space. And what better way to bring the outside in than a few strategically placed houseplants. Whether it’s a small succulent or a giant monstera deliciosa, a living, breathing plant always makes a space feel calmer.

The zen of minimalism

They say clutter creates chaos, and that’s not just physically — a cluttered space can make you feel less grounded, and add to any stress you may be feeling. That’s why embarking on a decluttering journey can feel incredibly therapeutic, whether you’re getting rid of things you don’t need or use, or simply finding a new space for them in your home. 

Try to look at your belongings objectively, and if something no longer serves you or holds good memories, get rid of it. You don’t need to throw things away — selling your unwanted items will give someone else a chance to enjoy them, and you’ll get a bit of pocket money in the process.

For the items you do keep, find budget-friendly storage solutions, like shelves, organisers and containers that will help keep everything organised, while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

And remember, ‘less is more’ when it comes to calming spaces.

Create comfort with cosy accents

Cosy finishing touches can help your home feel welcoming and like there’s no other place you’d rather be, but you don’t need to invest in new furniture or items to create a homey retreat.

Start by rearranging your furniture to maximise comfort. Are your chairs in the best place for lighting? Could a table be better placed for convenience? Are you always tripping over that lamp? Once you have everything in its place, you can play with colour and textiles to add those finishing touches. You don’t realise how much of a difference cushions and throws make until you have them within arm’s reach to use on those chilly evenings.

DIY decor 

Decor is a great way to express your personality and create a house that’s truly a home, and with a bit of creativity it can be affordable too. Make it budget-friendly by using what you already have at home or learning a new low-cost skill, like painting, candle making, knitting (for those cosy throws) and more. 

Making decor yourself can be a great hobby, and you’ll feel proud of those little personal touches every time you look at them. Before you know it you’ll be surrounded with your own creations, like homemade candles, custom artwork or furniture you’ve given new life to.

Illuminate your oasis

Lighting plays a big part in creating a cosy feel, so spend some time setting it up for the ultimate ambiance. String lights, candles and soft LED bulbs can help set the tone on a budget, while dimmer switches allow you to change the lighting to suit your mood. 

Light layering is another way to help alter the feel of a room and add dimension to a space, so don’t limit yourself to just one kind. Overhead lights are good for providing ambient light across the entire room, while focal lights, like lamps, can help you define specific areas or lighten just part of the space, like a cosy reading corner. 

Whatever budget you’re working with, there are many affordable ways you can create an oasis in your own home. Whether it’s simple changes like decluttering, moving furniture or adding some DIY decor, or a bigger change like upgrading your flooring or painting a feature wall, you’re in control of bringing your tranquil haven to life.