As Featured In Hope & Wellth Magazine
When I used to think of the word "sanctuary," I imagined lavish spaces with designer furniture, plush throws, and endless Pinterest-worthy corners. The kind of homes you see in glossy magazines or on perfectly curated Instagram feeds. But as I found myself yearning for a calm, restorative space of my own, I realized that a sanctuary doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are and brings you peace—on a budget you can afford. Here’s how I transformed my home into my personal sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Define Your Vision
Before you start redecorating or rearranging, it’s important to define your vision for your home. What kind of space makes you feel at ease? What colors, textures, and styles speak to you? To help narrow this down, I turned to Pinterest as a source of inspiration. By creating boards for different rooms in my home, I was able to pin ideas that resonated with me and notice patterns in my preferences.
For instance, I found myself drawn to Scandinavian interiors with their clean lines, neutral palettes, and cozy touches. Others might gravitate towards the rich tones and organic shapes of mid-century modern design. Whatever your style, having a clear vision makes it easier to create a cohesive and calming space. And the best part? Browsing Pinterest is completely free!
Once I had a sense of my style, I used this as a guide when shopping or repurposing items. This ensured that every piece I incorporated felt intentional and aligned with my aesthetic, saving me time and money in the long run.
Start With What You Have
The first step in my journey was to take inventory of what I already owned. I spent a Saturday going room by room, assessing my furniture, décor, and even sentimental items that were tucked away in closets. You’d be surprised how much beauty and functionality you can rediscover in the things you already have. For instance, I repurposed an old canvas from my previous apartment that no longer fit with the new vision and created my own artwork to hang up in my space. I also upcycled old side tables to give a fresh new look in my master bedroom.
By giving new life to existing items, I saved money while adding personal touches that made my home feel uniquely mine.
Less is More: Declutter for Serenity
Creating a sanctuary isn’t just about adding; it’s also about subtracting. I’ve always been one to hold onto things for sentimental reasons, but I realized that clutter was preventing me from feeling calm and grounded in my space.
I donated clothes I hadn’t worn in years and even let go of hand-me-down furniture that felt more like a burden than a blessing. I embraced a minimalist lifestyle, transforming my home into a calming and serene environment where every item serves a purpose. The less I had, the more open and inviting my home began to feel.
Create A Budget and Outline Priorities
Transforming your home into a sanctuary is easier when you have a clear budget and set priorities. Before diving into purchases, I outlined what was most important for my lifestyle. For me, working from home meant that my home office needed to be camera-ready for Zoom meetings as soon as possible. This meant allocating more of my budget to items like a good desk, a comfortable chair, and lighting that made me look professional on screen.
To stick to my budget, I created a list of essential items and estimated costs for each. This helped me avoid impulse purchases and focus on the areas that mattered most. For example, to achieve the built-in bookshelf look for my office, I chose affordable furniture from Ikea and spruced it up with accessories I already had, like framed art and a potted plant.
Whether your priority is a cozy living room, a serene bedroom, or an efficient workspace, outlining your needs first ensures that your money goes where it will have the most impact.
Find Designer Dupes for Less
As a fashion designer, I’ve always been aware of the power of a good dupe. Just like in fashion, where you can find high-quality pieces that mimic designer styles, the same holds true for home décor. Pinterest became my go-to tool for finding inspiration and uncovering similar items at a fraction of the cost. Once I identified pieces I loved—like a mid-century modern chair or a sculptural yet artistic console table—I searched for affordable versions online and in stores or just made it myself!
Discount retailers like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx became treasure troves for finding stylish and budget-friendly décor items. I’ve snagged stunning vases, throw pillows, and wall art that look high-end but didn’t break the bank.
The thrill of finding a dupe extends beyond savings—it’s about achieving the look you want without compromise. By being resourceful and exploring these options, I was able to infuse my home with designer-inspired charm without spending a fortune.
Personalize With Art and Photos
One of the most meaningful ways I turned my home into a sanctuary was by surrounding myself with items that held sentimental value. I created a gallery wall using black-and-white photos of key events that occurred during my journey as a fashion designer and inexpensive frames I picked up at Home Goods. The wall became a focal point in my home, reminding me of happy moments every time I passed by.
For art, I got creative. I downloaded free printable artwork online and framed it, and I even tried my hand at painting abstract designs on canvases from Hobby Lobby. DIY art projects were not only budget-friendly but also gave me a sense of accomplishment and ownership over my space. I can proudly say that every canvas art piece in my home I created!
Create Ambiance With Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the mood of a room. I swapped out harsh, overhead bulbs for soft, warm-toned ones and invested in a few inexpensive led corner wall lights and candles.
Rechargeable wall sconces and gallery wall lights became a game-changer, providing a cozy glow every evening without the need to keep buying new batteries or spend money on an electrician. I also added dimmers to some of my existing fixtures, which made my rooms feel instantly more inviting and intimate.
Add Texture and Layers
A sanctuary is all about comfort, and nothing says comfort like soft textures and layered fabrics. I didn’t go out and buy expensive throws or pillows; instead, I used what I already had. I mixed and matched blankets from different rooms and experimented with layering rugs.
For my bedroom, I wanted a luxurious feel, so I simply swapped my duvet cover for a crisp white one and added a chunky knit throw I found at Target. In the living room, I layered old sweater-like throw pillows with velvet ones to create a cozier vibe. These small changes made a huge impact without requiring a big investment.
Rearrange and Reimagine
One of the most impactful changes I made didn’t cost a dime: rearranging my furniture. I played around with different layouts to make my rooms feel more open and functional. For example, I pulled my living room sofa away from the wall and added a small side table I already owned, creating a cozy reading nook.
I swapped my dressers between my bedrooms and covered one with peel & stick wall paper to maximize functionality and create a matching furniture set without the price tag. Small tweaks like these can completely transform a space, making it feel fresh and new without spending a penny.
Take Your Time
Finally, I learned that creating a sanctuary isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a process that evolves as you discover what makes you feel most at peace. Instead of rushing to buy everything at once, I focused on making small, meaningful changes over time. This approach not only saved me money but also ensured that every addition felt intentional and reflective of my personality.
Final Thoughts
Turning my home into a sanctuary on a budget taught me that luxury isn’t about the price tag. It’s about how a space makes you feel. By focusing on what I already had, adding personal touches, and embracing creativity, I was able to create a home that feels like a true retreat. And the best part? It’s not just a sanctuary for me but a welcoming space for anyone who steps through the door.
If you’ve been dreaming of a sanctuary of your own, start small, get creative, and remember: peace and comfort don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
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