Do you surround yourself with decorations that compliment you or calm you?

DIY decorating advice usually tells you to think about who you are and decorate your rooms accordingly. That's fine, unless you are a stressed individual that wants their room to force them to relax.
I am also looking, though, for examples. Has anyone invested time in creating a room that is more of a sanctuary than a self-reflection?

 

Examples were given at the link provided. Note: Everything is viewed through one's personal sieve of experience and reflection. A sanctuary is a place that one tends to find sacred and where one feels safe and can seek refuge and relax. In homes this can be a place that has been set aside for the purpose of sanctuary. Objects in this place tend to be personal as is how one relaxes and what one considers to be a sanctuary. What one uses to enhance the feeling of refuge is a personal choice. Objects may be religious and can inspire prayer and reflection. Many find candles soothing. Others may find an indoor garden room a sanctuary. Some may find a room lined with books safe, restful, and relaxing. Some may find the kitchen the greatest sanctuary in the home where preparing food and its aromas and colors relaxing. Others may find that the sound of water reflective. A place of sanctuary can be as simple as a favorite chair with a good book or favorite music or TV show. As you can see, it is difficult to draw a line between what one considers sanctuary and self-reflection, as self-reflection tends to take place in one's sanctuary.

"DIY decorating advice usually tells you to think about who you are and decorate your rooms accordingly." This is because it is best to avoid the sterile, furniture showroom look. The most beautiful rooms are those where the owners have surrounded themselves with the colors and objects that make them personally happy, evoking feelings of the home as a sanctuary. There is not a single recipe for decorations, as each home and the people within are different. And, decorations among the rooms within a home tend to vary, depending upon the individuals who occupy those rooms.

 

"As you can see, it is difficult to draw a line between what one considers sanctuary and self-reflection, as self-reflection tends to take place in one's sanctuary."

That's a great point! I see now the correlation.