Transform Your Home into a Safe Haven

In these times of economic upheaval, it’s tough to keep stress levels down. Most of us know some ways to keep stress in control; eat right, get plenty of sleep, exercise, meditate. But, did you know that making your home a safe haven can also be extremely beneficial?

The other day, Oprah had Peter Walsh, the organizational expert on her show. The segment was about clutter and how it’s the last thing we need in troubled times, as clutter makes us feel unsafe and anxious.

As an eco-friendly interior designer and Feng Shui expert, I have had the honor of helping many clients transform their lives by changing their homes. Living in a home filled with positive energy, with beauty, a home that is clean, organized and clutter-free makes the occupants feel safe. In safety comes freedom; freedom to be creative, to be motivated and energetic.

Best of all, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune to create your sanctuary. I recommend the following steps to create your safe haven:

• Eliminate harmful products and replace them with eco-friendly ones. This step will improve your health and the health of the planet.


• Clean your home well and get rid of clutter! This is huge and you can even make money by selling your stuff! A clean home is a healthier home and just feels good. Clutter, as mentioned previously, causes stress, confusion, depression and lethargy. Get rid of anything you don’t love, need or have used for over a year.


• Clear your home of negative energy with smudging or dowsing. See a previous post of mine on smudging.


• Get rid of processed food and eat wholesome and organic.


• Allow energy, or chi, to flow unobstructed throughout your home. Don’t crowd furniture.


• Use color to your benefit. The cool colors, like blue and purple, are great in the bedroom because they lower blood pressure and help us relax. Social rooms, like the kitchen and living room, benefit from the warm, expansive colors like yellow, red, and orange.


• Place objects in the Bagua to attract whatever you want—love, money, fame.


• Balance each room with all four elements—earth, air, fire, and water.


• Houseplants add great energy and suck up indoor air pollution.


• Treat yourself to flowers every week—simply my favorite way to make my home feel like a sanctuary.


• Learn to decorate with confidence! Don’t worry about what’s in style—decorate to please your unique style.

One last suggestion--have fun while doing this! Transforming your home into a sanctuary is really enjoyable—something we all need a bit of now.

~ Norma Lehmeier Hartie
photo from here