Making Your Space a Sanctuary
Images by Casey O’Brien
When it comes to making your space feel like home, it’s all about the little details that reflect your personality to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Whether it's through lighting, personal touches or creative ways to showcase your favorite things, there are endless possibilities to make your home feel uniquely yours. By incorporating elements that bring you joy, you’ll craft a sanctuary that’s not just practical but a true reflection of who you are.
Alternative Lighting
When lighting your space, it’s a habit to default to traditional ceiling lights or intense fluorescent bulbs. Also, if you're similar to me, the “big light” is never to be turned on. Main lighting often emits a harsh and uninviting glow that can hinder relaxation and make your space seem more like a doctor's waiting room than a cozy oasis. Nevertheless, embracing alternative lighting options can drastically transform the atmosphere of a room, creating a more serene and welcoming environment that you and your guests will greatly appreciate.
When choosing lamps or light fixtures, it’s important to think beyond just functionality—lighting can be an integral part of your décor. Vintage or unique pieces found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or your local thrift stores can be conversation-starters. A well-placed lamp with the right bulb can elevate a space, creating pockets of light that feel less intrusive and more intimate.
Make sure to keep in mind that the kind of lightbulb you purchase is going to have a major impact on the glow emitted from your lamp. I always buy incandescent light bulbs, which emit warm light, rather than fluorescent bulbs, which tend to cast a cold, sterile glow.
Here are some second-hand and antique alternative lighting fixtures that I have in my home!
When in doubt, gallery wall it out
There’s something about a carefully curated collection of art that instantly transforms a blank wall into a focal point. A gallery wall allows you to showcase your personality, your interests and your unique sense of style all in one place. Whether you're displaying framed photographs, prints, paintings or even personal mementos, a gallery wall is the perfect way to add character to any room.
Creating a gallery wall can feel overwhelming at first. What goes where? What’s the right spacing? But once you start, it becomes a creative process that’s more about feeling than perfection. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank. Thrift stores, flea markets and online marketplaces are filled with treasures and affordable artwork or frames that can be easily mixed and matched. You don’t need to go for an expensive, high-end collection when creating one, either. Oftentimes, the charm of a gallery wall lies in the variety of styles and frames and the way they come together as a whole.
One of my favorite tips is to start with a central piece and build around it. This could be a larger piece of art, a bold photograph or even a personal touch like a map or quote. From there, add smaller pieces in complementary tones or themes. The magic happens when the wall feels balanced, but not too symmetrical—imperfection is what makes it interesting. And if you get bored or want to change things up? Simply swap out a few pieces whenever you feel like it!
Here are some inspirations and examples of gallery walls I've created in my apartment!
The desk of dreams
As a college student, I spend more time at my desk than I would like to, so making it visually appealing and functional was a must. Start by adding personal touches that make you smile. Think cards from loved ones, photos of your friends and family or little trinkets that hold sentimental value. These little pieces can transform your desk from a simple work area into a place that feels uniquely you.
A desk hutch is a game-changer for maximizing space and keeping things organized while still displaying your favorite items. Use it to showcase jewelry, place little dishes for random lip glosses or earbuds and arrange your favorite perfumes to make them part of your decor. It’s the perfect balance of form and function.
And when it comes to jewelry, why not get creative with how you store and present it? Instead of hiding it away in drawers, hang your necklaces, earrings, or bracelets using simple tacks on the wall. I do this with my necklaces, and it's a great way to have my favorite pieces all laid out in the same place. This not only saves valuable space but is also an easy and fun way to keep your favorite pieces on hand and incorporate them into your workspace.
This is how I made my desk functional and fun!
Creating a space you can truly enjoy is all about making it feel personal, comfortable, and reflective of who you are. By adding thoughtful touches, playing with design and embracing your unique style, your home becomes more than just a place to live—it becomes a place you love to be.