Make your home a haven

There’s nothing like a trip to a spa for refreshing the senses. Belinda and Steve Ellis from Bayleys Fendalton tell us how to bring that feeling home for everyday living.

Our homes should be a place we feel most relaxed and restored at the end of a busy day. As well as having a clean, uncluttered environment, here are some ideas to transform your space and give it a resort-like appeal.

A few sensory touches can transform your home into a sanctuary. Introduce aromatherapy mist to your bedroom or pillow for a soothing night’s sleep. The scent should create happiness and serenity. Your sense of smell has the capacity to trigger good memories and calmness. Quality candles and diffusers are also essential, not to mention fresh flowers or lush indoor plants that improve the CO2 in the air. Open windows and doors to let the air circulate to freshen your rooms. 

Indulge in plush robes, natural fibre bed linen, soft feather pillows, glamour cushions and throws. Choose colours and textures that lift your spirits and are divine to touch. Brands matter less than comfort. Choose whatever makes you most cosy and relaxed. 

Develop a regular pre-bedtime ritual that is device-free. Indulge in herbal tea and reading a good novel. Replace your TV’s glare with soft music for calming stillness – open a window if possible so you can hear natural sounds like wind, rain or birdsong in the morning. If light and noise is a bother, a satin eye mask and good earplugs help you zone out when needed. 

If you don’t have the luxury of living on the waterfront with stunning views, then invest in a water feature that is visually pleasing and has the soothing sound of running water. Swimming pools can add value to your home and be the ultimate place to relax. If space is limited, plunge pools, spa pools and outdoor baths can be just as enticing to take a soak in.

Organise your pantry and fridge with natural foods so it’s easy to whip up a nutritious, healthy meal. A spiralizer can turn vegetables like carrots and zucchini into slender strands to give ordinary salads an elegant touch. Also, why not invest in a quality blender to introduce vegetable or fruit smoothies into your diet. Fill a jug with water and get creative with infusions. Slice lemons, limes, mint, or opt for cucumbers or watermelon for a true spa feeling. Have fresh herbs close at hand to add the extra zing to your meals.

For more about how you can refresh your home for the market, get in touch with Steve and Belinda Ellis; they would love to hear from you.

0800 30 30 33 | steveandbelindaellis.co.nz