Make Your Home a Haven
25 Nov 2006
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. - Proverbs 17:1 (NIV)
I once heard someone joke that home is the place where family members go when they are tired of being nice to other people. Unfortunately some homes actually seem to work that way. A salesman spends his day treating his clients with kindness in order to build his business, but he’s rude to his wife when he comes home. Or a doctor spends the day being caring and compassionate with her patients, but comes home exhausted and blows up at her children.
To build a strong family, you have to make your home a supportive environment. Psychologist William James said, “In every person from the cradle to the grave, there is a deep craving to be appreciated.” Feeling appreciated brings out the best in people. And when that appreciation comes in the home and is coupled with acceptance, love, and encouragement, the bonds between family members grow, and the home becomes a safe haven for everyone.
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A relaxing, inviting environment is one that is not cluttered, has clean, comfortable lines in furnishings and colors are simple not “hot”. Have lighting throughout the home on dimmers so you aren’t blasted by bright lights. Make bedding spa like and overstuffed, sheets at high soft counts, and a super deep mattress. Bathrooms should feel like spas with soft colors or whites and creams but plush. You need dimmers in baths as well for bath or shower times. Candles are dirty. It’s better with the electric candle looks these days as you get the look without the fire and the soot. And if you have a gas fireplace, turn it on. Always change clothes when you come home into something soft and comfortable. Never wear what you had on all day. Now pour a glass of wine or mix a drink and relax. A good alarm system is also highly suggested wherever you live.