10 Ways to De-Stress Your Space and Transform It into an Oasis of Calm

You know how when life gets especially stressful, all you can think about is being on vacation — preferably permanent vacation? Turns out, you don't actually have to leave town (or even your neighborhood) to feel tranquil. All you need is to de-stress one room in your space (aka your bedroom) and turn it into a little oasis of calm. How do I know? I tried and tested the concept in my very own home. 

Here’s how it went down:

Step 1: After Marie Kondo-ing the hell out of my bedroom, I shoved any essential extras that I didn’t want on display into the set of muted, wood-grain boxes ahead (you know, stuff like earplugs, sleep mask, et cetera).

Step 2: I swapped my pretty-but-scratchy duvet for a velveteen coverlet and a fuzzy throw blanket — because calm is all about gratifying your senses, touch included.

Step 3: I started systematically surrounding myself with all kinds of items that would replicate the sights and sounds of being away from it all: a wave machine to lull me to sleep while drowning out the dull buzz of traffic, a painting that fakes a private sea-view window, a fragrance diffuser that wafts off whatever essential oil I’m in the mood for. That kind of thing.

Ahead, the 10 decor details proven (by my very unscientific personal experiment) to bring instant calm to a space.