When I was younger, I thought a calm home meant having a perfectly decorated house. I think many of us grew up with that idea from magazines, television and social media. However, after moving several times and living in different countries, I realised that creating a calm home has very little to do with expensive furniture or trendy decorations.
A peaceful home is something you create yourself. It is all about the atmosphere and the small daily habits that make you feel comfortable and calm in your own space. Today, I honestly believe I could make almost any home feel calm by following these ten simple habits.
1. I Make My Bed Every Morning
I’ll be honest—during my university years, making my bed every morning wasn’t a priority. My routine wasn’t very organised, and I was usually rushing to lectures.
Over the years, I realised that making my bed every morning has nothing to do with perfection. It’s about creating a small sense of accomplishment as soon as I wake up. It also makes the whole bedroom feel tidy before the day has even started.
One of my favourite feelings is coming home after work to a clean and organised bedroom. It instantly helps me relax. Here is a picture of my bedroom below.
2. Fresh Flowers Are Always Somewhere in My Home
I’ve mentioned this in several of my articles because I truly believe fresh flowers make one of the biggest differences to how a home feels.
They don’t have to be expensive. A simple supermarket bouquet or flowers picked from the garden can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
For me, fresh flowers are one of those little treats that cost very little but bring so much joy and calm into my home.
Read my article: Why Baltic Homes Always Feel So Cosy for more ideas on creating a warm and welcoming home.
3. I Open the Windows Every Morning
Opening the windows is one of the first things I do every morning—even during winter.
Fresh air helps me start the day feeling refreshed, while natural light instantly makes my home feel brighter and more welcoming.
Sometimes I combine this habit with a few stretches or deep breaths, and it always helps me begin the day feeling calmer.
4. I Light a Candle Every Evening
Lighting a candle has become one of my favourite evening rituals, especially during autumn and winter.
It signals that the working day is over and it’s time to slow down.
I love scented candles because they create both a cosy atmosphere and a relaxing fragrance throughout my home. My favourite scents are vanilla and rose.
Combined with a cup of tea and a good book, it’s my favourite way to unwind.
5. I Keep My Surfaces Mostly Clear
This is another habit I’ve gradually developed over the past ten years.
Instead of filling every surface with decorations, I prefer keeping only a few meaningful items around my home, such as family photographs, candles, books and fresh flowers.
I’ve noticed that when my surfaces are clutter-free, my mind feels calmer too.
There is a saying in the Baltics that “a messy home creates a messy mind.” I don’t know whether it’s scientifically true, but I definitely notice the difference.
Read my article: 10 Things I Stopped Buying That Made Life Simpler to see how simplifying my home has made everyday life easier.
6. I Spend Less Time on My Phone at Home
A few years ago, I realised I was spending more than seven hours a day on my phone. Considering I don’t even use it for work, that number really shocked me.
That’s when I decided to make a change.
Now I try to use my phone much less when I’m at home. Instead, I spend my evenings reading, playing the violin (yes—I play!), cooking, talking with family or simply listening to music.
Since making this change, my home has started to feel like a little sanctuary rather than just another place where I’m looking at a screen.
7. Sunday Is My Reset Day
I genuinely love Sundays.
For me, Sunday is all about preparing for the week ahead without feeling rushed.
I usually:
- Water my plants
- Change the bedding
- Go grocery shopping
- Prepare meals
- Visit the gym if I can
Although these tasks might sound ordinary, they help me start Monday feeling organised instead of stressed.
8. I Always Play Music While Cooking
Have you ever heard a song years later and instantly remembered where you were when you first listened to it?
That’s one of the reasons I love music so much.
Whether it’s classical music, jazz or relaxing instrumental playlists, music completely changes the atmosphere in my home.
Cooking while listening to music has become one of my favourite ways to unwind after work, and somehow it makes even everyday meals feel a little more special.
Visit my Recipes page to discover family recipes passed down by my grandmother.
9. I Buy Things Slowly
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is not to rush into buying things.
Whether it’s furniture, home décor or even smaller purchases, I like to give myself time to think before making a decision.
If I’m still thinking about the item a day or two later, then I know it’s probably something I’ll genuinely enjoy.
This simple habit has saved me money and helped me avoid bringing unnecessary clutter into my home.
Read my article: 10 Things I Stopped Buying That Made Life Simpler to see what I no longer purchase and why.
10. I End Every Day Slowly
I’m still learning how to slow down at the end of the day, but it has made a huge difference to how peaceful both my evenings and mornings feel.
When I’m visiting my family in Riga, we often enjoy a relaxed dinner together with soft background music and long conversations.
When I’m at home alone in Vilnius, I love making a cup of tea, lighting a candle and taking my time with my evening skincare routine.
Before going to bed, I also prepare my clothes, accessories and shoes for the next day. It only takes a few minutes, but it means my mornings start without unnecessary stress.
For me, ending the day slowly creates a calmer evening—and a calmer tomorrow.
When people think about creating a calm home, they often imagine expensive furniture, beautifully styled rooms or perfectly organised cupboards. But after moving five times in the past ten years, I’ve realised that none of those things matter as much as the small habits we practise every day.
Creating a calm home doesn’t happen overnight. It grows from the small choices we make every day—opening the windows, buying fresh flowers, lighting a candle or simply slowing down before bed.
My home isn’t perfect, and I don’t think it ever needs to be. What matters most is that it feels peaceful, welcoming and truly mine.
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