Home is where the heart is, but most of all, home is where you should be able to relax and unwind. Impossible, you say? Too many chores, kids, house projects, etc? Those obstacles are what make a relaxing space even more important.

I caught up with Anne Sage, co-founder of Rue Magazine and blogger at City Sage who just wrote her first book, Sage Living: Decorate for the Life You Want (Chronicle Books, Sept 2015). It profiles 28 spaces (with one home located in Austin) that are designed in accordance with the occupants’ goals or wishes in mind. More than just being about a pretty room, Anne breaks it down to specific rooms – how to create a kitchen that nurtures a healthy and holistic lifestyle, how set up a shared office space for two distinctly different jobs, or how to foster a love of learning in your child through the design of his/her room, for example. I love the idea behind the book – creating a home environment that reflects the lifestyle you want to have.

And I want to have a calm space. I didn’t think it was possible to carve out an area just for me, but Anne shared tips on doing just that: creating a space for relaxation. I’m inspired!

1— The right window coverings can filter incoming light to create a soft glow that encourages relaxation at any time of day. Choose long drapes or tidy roman shades depending on your style, but in either case look for a loose-weave material like linen that diffuses the sun and sets a dreamy tone.

2— Think function as well as form by carving out a corner of your space for the activities that bring you peace. Devoting a window seat to journaling or keeping an easel set up for painting means you’re one step closer to actually doing those things when chaos strikes!

3— While airy neutrals can certainly feel very zen, a dark wall color can also promote relaxation—especially in tight spaces. Inky navy or deep charcoal make a small bedroom feel like your own personal jewel box retreat!

4— Consider the moments that bring you a sense of calm when you’re away from home, and then find ways to implement them. For example, if a hotel overnight is your ultimate idea of bliss, accent your bedroom with touches like extra crisp sheets and a breakfast-in-bed tray.

5— Soothe all of your senses by keeping textures and scents in mind when decorating. Stock your house with ultra soft throws, plush rugs, fragrant flowers, and other accents that elevate your interior beyond just the visual—and total relaxation will be inevitable!