sanc·tu·ar·y

noun

1.a place of refuge or safety: synonyms: refuge, haven, harbor, port in a storm, oasis

There’s a 98% chance that you’re “busy”. School, work, social life, side hustle, The Handmaid's Tale - you’ve got a lot on your plate. Which is why you need a personal sanctuary where you can rest and recharge. No trip to Tulum required.

We’re talking about building your DREAM ROOM. Think about it. For most of us it’s the one space we can call our own. Why wouldn’t you invest some time and resources into making it your little piece of heaven on earth ;)

Here are the essential items to build the room of your dreams.

“Big girl” bed

The average human spends a third of their life in bed - maybe more now that we live in the world of Netflix. And if you reside in a tiny apartment or dorm, your bed probably takes up the majority of your room. So why not make it the most luscious, cozy, basically-sleeping-on-a-cloud kind of bed you’ve always wanted? Here are some key elements you’ll need:

Fluffy Pillow Top for extra mattress coziness + Bed Risers for that "big girl bed" feeling

Gorgeous Euro Shams

A signature scent

They say smell is the strongest sense tied to memory, so the second you walk into your room the scent should be delicious and inviting - not a mixture of dirty post-Soulcycle leggings and last night’s half-eaten slice of pepperoni (albeit pizza is delicious). Create a home-y feeling by choosing a “signature scent” for your space through sprays, candles, diffusers and/or fancy laundry detergent.

We love Illume's Blackberry Absinthe Candle and Capri Blue Volcano Room Spray

A quirky touch

Don’t forget to have a little fun with your space. Pick one item to display in your room that serves no other functionality than making you happy and showing off your unique personality. Whether that’s a neon sign, disco ball or ridiculously large plastic ice cream cone bank. Life’s too short to be super serious all the time.

Who doesn't love a Rainbow Neon Light or a Cactus Marquee Light?

Can't go wrong with a Disco Ball or 2 ft. tall Ice Cream Cone Bank

A "Slay" Neon Sign? Yes please.

Pillows with personality

One of the easiest ways to add personality to your room is through throw pillows. Don’t be afraid to mix prints and textures. A good rule of thumb when mixing prints is to keep everything in the same color family so it’s not too chaotic. But hey, also nothing wrong with a little organized chaos, right?

Friendship Winking Skull Chartreuse Pillow

Love Bird in Red Lipstick Pillow

Tiny Houses Pillowcase Set

(ps, every purchase of a pillowcase set does good in the world - here's how)

Friendship Winking Skull Turquoise Pillow

A piece of sophisticated wall art

Think of it as your grown-up version of the giant N’Sync poster that was plastered above your bed in elementary school. Skip the gallery wall and go straight for one big, beautiful painting or photo to become the focal point of your room. We love one of these high-resolution photos from Jenny Komenda’s print shop that are only $15 for the image file, and you can have them printed yourself. Genius!

Love this Print Shop

Mood lighting

Anyone else have a vendetta against harsh overhead lighting? Fluorescent bulbs should be outlawed. Ditch the light switch and illuminate your space with a mixture of soft-glowing fairy lights and lamps with warm-hued bulbs.

Whimsical Fairy Lights for the win

Sleeping accoutrement

Whether you’re an 8 hours a night kind of gal or not, we all love quality sleep. Skip the sheep counting and step up your snooze game with tools like essential oils, cozy “house slippers” and an oh-you-fancy sleep mask. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping at a 5-star hotel every single night.

Block out the light and the haters in this super cute Eye Mask

Fuzzy House Slippers (that could definitely be worn out of the house)

Soundtrack player

I just love to lay back and listen to white noise - said no one ever. Whether your ideal soundtrack is Frank Ocean or Frank Sinatra (or a combo, you do you girl), you need a trusty device to blast your tunes. We suggest something aesthetically pleasing as to not throw off the dreamy room vibes.