Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Creating a Home That Gets You in the Right Headspace
Home should feel like an exhale. A place where your brain stops buzzing, where you can think clearly, breathe deeply, and just be. But let’s be real—sometimes, it’s more like a dumping ground for stress. Dishes pile up. The couch swallows your motivation. Your workspace? Looks like a crime scene.
And yet, your home is one of the biggest factors in how you feel day to day. So let’s make it work for you, not against you. It’s not about perfection—it’s about setting up your space to support your life, your energy, your headspace.
An uncluttered room can work magic on your brain
Declutter Like You Mean It
Mess equals mental overload. That’s not just some motivational quote—it’s science. Your brain sees clutter as unfinished business, a never-ending to-do list screaming for attention.
Start small. A single drawer. One shelf. The junk corner that’s been mocking you for months. You don’t need to become a minimalist, but every object should earn its place. Less clutter, more clarity. It’s that simple.
A unique way to light a basement
The Power of Lighting
Lighting shifts a room’s whole vibe. Think about it—dim, yellow light? Cozy. Fluorescent overheads? Feels like a doctor’s office. You want balance.
Mornings? Natural light, always. Open the curtains, pull up the blinds, let the sun in. Even on gloomy days, daylight beats artificial any time. Evenings? Softer, warmer lights. Lamps. String lights. Candles if you’re feeling extra. No need to sit under a binding ceiling light like you’re being interrogated.
Large windows add natural lighting
Set the Right Temperature
Too cold, and you’re tense. Too hot, and you’re sluggish. Comfort is in the details, and temperature is one of the big ones. If your home never feels just right, your HVAC system might need some attention—or at least a good old-fashioned window crack to freshen things up.
And air quality? Huge. Open the windows. Get a plant (or three). Fresh air, even in small doses, does wonders for the mind.
A bathroom can be decorated with calming vibes too
Designate Spaces for Different Activities
Here’s the problem: when your whole home serves every purpose, it ends up serving none. The couch is for working. The bed is for eating. The kitchen table is for mail. Sound familiar?
Fix it. Give each space a job. A dedicated work spot, even if it’s a corner of the room. A cozy reading nook (yes, even if it’s just a chair by the window). Your brain needs cues—this spot means focus, this one means relaxation. It’s like training a dog, except the dog is your own scattered mind.
A calming and peaceful bathroom
Sound and Silence
Some people need music. Others need absolute quiet. The trick? Control what’s around you.
If noise helps you focus, build playlists for different moods—one for deep work, one for unwinding, one for when you need to feel like the main character. Prefer silence? Noise-canceling headphones are a game changer. And for the city dwellers stuck with sirens and shouting? White noise machines work magic.
Nature can adorn your home decor
Bring Nature Indoors
Nature chills you out, even when it’s just a tiny slice of it. Plants are the obvious answer, but even a wooden table, a stone accent, or an ocean print can shift a room’s energy.
If you’re not a plant person (or if they all mysteriously die on you), start with a snake plant. Indestructible. Thrives on neglect. Perfect for those of us who forget water exists.
You can also make a faux plant and we created a fun one you can gift too! It’s made with money and a few other things and you can get our tutorial in our 1-minute video below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Seasonal decor can be uncluttered and beautiful
A Home That Evolves With You
What worked last year might not work now. That’s okay. Shift things around. Try a new setup. Make small tweaks until your home supports your life the way it is now—not the way it used to be, not the way Pinterest says it should be.
Your space should feel like an extension of you. Calm when you need calm. Inspiring when you need inspiration. A place that doesn’t just look good, but feels good. That’s what really matters.
If you loved this article, then we know you’ll love this one too: How to Fake a Pleated Curtain
Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.