Create home environment that you want to escape to

Knight Ridder News Service

As busy as you stay at work, the home should be a place of refuge — one that makes you feel better the minute you step through the door.

Keeping your rooms clutter-free can instantly perk up your spirits.

Since most of our offices are piled high with paperwork, the home should be an escape from it — especially in the bedroom.

Making the bed each morning, picking up clothes from the side chair and shoes off the floor creates a clean environment.

Then you dress it up.

More tips for making home a sanctuary:

• Leave a lamp on when you head off to work in the morning. The light will be a beacon welcoming you home in the evening.
• Keep your slippers by the door. When you step inside, kick off the work shoes and let your body know it's time to unwind.
• Have a bud vase on your kitchen counter with cut flowers.
• Don't want to be bothered? If you need time to yourself, keep a hat or necklace by the door.

When you're wearing it, your family knows not to talk to you for, say, 30 minutes or an hour.