Style: Sanctuary

Rejuvenating and relaxing, this interior design style is all about creating and living in a safe space that nourishes our body, mind and spirit.

Sanctuary style embraces the light, open and clean — blending Zen ideals and Nordic sensibilities to create an oasis of calm where the entire family feels renewed and at peace. The best home sanctuaries are deliberate by design. Each piece of furniture is chosen with care to enhance the lives of those inhabiting the space, and create an escape from the outside world.

Calm and zen: Discover the Sanctuary moodboard

Love the Sanctuary style? Get inspired with the Lounge Lovers Sanctuary Pinterest board.

What’s important in the Sanctuary style

When it comes to styling your home, it’s all about form and function. More is less with this aesthetic: every piece of furniture and every accessory should be selected to complement one another, and placed deliberately throughout the space.

Keep your space minimalist and free with horizontal lines, open shelving and functional vignettes, in order to enhance a feeling of calm and Zen in the home. As an added touch, bring in a hint of dried foliage for an earthy, boho look that instantly soothes and rejuvenates.

The Sanctuary Style Colour Palette

Sanctuary homes are grounded in light neutral shades — think white, cream, beige, light metallic hues, or even pastels. Additional splashes of colour in organic tones, such as olive green or burnt orange, add to the soothing air of the aesthetic, unifying the indoors with the outdoors in a seamless and elegant fashion.

Key accents and materials

The Sanctuary aesthetic is built on a base of linen, leather, canvas and rattan — clean and organic materials that create a sense of harmony with the natural world. Finish it off with accents of pastel marble, powder-coated metal, plywood, paper and honed stone to tie the look together.

4 ways to achieve the look in your home

1. Create dedicated zones for work and play

Separate the spaces in your home mentally and physically for clear, defined areas. To transform your home into a sanctuary, establish clear zones for work and play using screened separators, and experiment with light and shadow to connect your home with the ebbs and flows of the natural world.

2. Stick to natural materials

When looking for ideas on how to transform your home into a sanctuary, start by narrowing down your search to natural materials only. From the beautiful patterns and texture of timber to flowing marble, light rattan, and raw stone, these elements can bring the outdoors in and help you feel more at ease.

3. Circle back to curves

The smooth and sensual softness of curved furniture is more nurturing, welcoming, and warm than sharp lines, and can create a flowing ease throughout a home. Look for circles and spheres in your décor, from the subtle circular form of Tokyo Coffee Table in Natural Oak to spherical lamps and artworks.

4. Keep clear pathways for a clear mind

From the bedroom to the bathroom, kitchen to the dining area, every pathway should be a clear one, even in the smallest of homes. Having to step around clutter or bulky furniture may seem like a small inconvenience, but it will be worth it to make the effort to clear the way for one less stressor every day.

Ready to bring this look into your home? Shop the Sanctuary style below.