When you arrive home from work at the end of a long day, your home should feel like a sanctuary for your body and spirit, and be a “cocooning” place for you and your family to enjoy the evening and share good times together.

14 tips to get you started:

1. Endearing Entrance. Even if you don’t have a foyer, your home’s entrance can be pleasant and inviting. Hang a favorite mirror or painting on the wall opposite the door so that when you enter you see a pleasant sight.

2. Bouquet for the Day. A favorite fresh flower bouquet on your foyer or entrance table can perk up your spirits upon entering your home.

3. Clutter Cutter. Try to keep clutter away from the entrance. Colorful baskets, bags, and hangers or hooks can corral those shoes and errand items in an attractive way. A small table can hold keys and glasses.

4. Lovely Lighting. Put your lights on dimmer switches and leave a couple of them on low so that you don’t enter a dark home.

5. Clothes Minded. To start the evening out well, change into something comfortable and attractive. Your family deserves the best of you, too, and if your closets are organized, this will be easy to do.

6. Scentsational. Put some oranges and cinnamon in a small crock pot to simmer in the morning and when you arrive home, you’ll be tempted to “cozy-in.”

7. Music Maestro. Put on some favorite light music such as jazz to set the tone for a relaxing evening. Avoid loud music or TV shows. You’ve already had enough stimulation from the workday.

8. Super Supper. Put a whole chicken sprinkled with herbs along with some baby red potatoes and carrots in the crock-pot on a low setting in the morning and you’ll arrive home to a sumptuous and healthy meal.

10. Table Toppers. Set the table in the morning to save time before dinner in the evening. Colorful placemats and cloth napkins set a festive tone, are easily laundered, and can be stored in a drawer near the table.

11. Divine Dishes. Choose a dishware pattern that is pleasing to you and that complements your décor. When it’s time for clean up, if the whole family pitches in, there’ll be more time for relaxing activities such as a walk, or help with homework.

12. Newspaper Nirvana. The evening newspaper can be stored in a pretty wicker basket to avoid ending up all over the house. Toss a few days after everyone has read to keep clutter at bay.

13. Bathtime Bliss. A nurturing bath will help ease the transition to a good night’s sleep. Decorate your bathroom with some colorful soft towels, favorite soaps and shampoos, bath brushes, and a fluffy robe for each family member.

14. Soothing Slumber. Fresh clean sheets with a threadcount of 300 or more, soft blankets, and an attractive coverlet or duvet cover will set the tone for soothing rest. Avoid watching TV in the bedroom, loud music, or irritatingly loud alarm clocks.

A home that runs smoothly using organized home management systems, combined with a few inexpensive, yet pampering luxuries, will help you feel like your home is truly your “rejuvenation station.”

c2005 Kathryn Bechen.

Visit http://www.KathrynBechenDesigns.com for more ideas and tips on how to make your home your "rejuvenation station." Kathryn is the author of the book Cottage & Garden Style Resource Guide for Southern California & the Internet," and she was recently interviewed about Non-Toxic decorating by San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles magazine.

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