Every mom deserves a sanctuary. We work hard in so many ways, for so many people, and we all need a beautiful place where we can close the door on the rest of the household and feel completely relaxed. For me, that beautiful place is the master bedroom.

I’ve made it a pretty haven filled with a few luxuries that are, let’s be honest, just for me. At the end of a long day, it’s such a relief to sink down into soft blankets and soft lighting, in a room where no one needs me to wipe their noses or get them a snack.

Here are a few ideas to help you make your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary:

Choose soft, soothing colors for the walls.

Go with a color that makes you happy, but keep in mind that a cool, calm palette (think muted blues or greens) will give your bedroom a restful atmosphere. You can always add pops of color and pattern with décor and art.

Make this space truly all about you and your spouse.

Display a few photos that you can’t look at without smiling. Find a special spot for a few favorite things that really speak to who you are as a person. I’m a huge book-lover, so I have small stacks of some favorite books displayed in my bedroom, not just on the shelves downstairs. Most importantly, ban all children’s toys, books, and laundry from your bedroom. They can have the rest of the house, but this space is for the grown-ups.

Indulge in a few luxuries.

Your sanctuary should be a place where you feel taken care of, so treat yourself to a few extra special luxuries for this space. Choose beautiful, high-quality linens for your bed. Go for the King-sized throw blanket, in the super-softest, cuddliest material you can find. I’m a sucker for high-end hand cream and keep a few different kinds stashed or displayed in my bedroom so that they’re always close by.

---

 Related

Going Green in the Bedroom
Easy Inspired Romance for Valentine’s Day
How to be a Yummy Mummy

---

 Give the room a signature scent.

Maybe you’re a fan of essential oils and aromatherapy. Maybe you can’t get enough of a cozy, spicy scented candle. Maybe you love the way your favorite perfume lingers in a room and drives your spouse wild. Whatever fragrance lifts your spirits and just makes you feel good, find a way to infuse it into your room. Spritz a bit of perfume on your pillows. Keep an oil diffuser on your dresser. Scent is an important factor in your mood, so let it give your sanctuary the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel your best.

Keep this one room as tidy as possible.

No, you won’t always have time to make the bed, and husbands are famous for leaving laundry trails through the bedroom, but if you can swing it, try to keep this place clutter-free. Even if the rest of the house looks like a kid-and-pet tornado tore through, retreating to your clean, restful haven just might help you to feel centered, calm, and ready to face it all again.

Be ready to rev up the romance when the opportunity arises.

The kids are out of the house for a few hours? This is a miraculous moment. Take advantage of it, as well as each other. Your room is already tidy and free of kid debris. You’ve got gorgeous linens and an ultra-cozy blanket. Now, all you need is some sexy ambiance. Make sure you’ve got candles displayed and something to light them with in a handy spot. Mood music is always a nice touch too, so have a music system of some kind all loaded up and ready to go. With all of these little things in place ahead of time, you can breathe, relax, and take a little time to enjoy your space with your spouse. You deserve it!