Advice for Newlyweds in Los Angeles: Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

Looking for advice for newlyweds in Los Angeles (or elsewhere)? Creating a new home together is an exciting and significant undertaking. Home is a powerful word, evoking a range of emotions and memories. For some, it symbolizes a sanctuary with warmth and cherished memories. For others, it might evoke memories of a combat zone filled with harsh critics and tense memories.

No matter what your childhood home was like, as newlyweds, you have the unique opportunity to shape your home into a peaceful haven where you and your spouse can find solace and peace. While it’s ideal to create a house that is welcoming to all, the most important relationship to nurture is the one between you and your spouse.

Advice for Newlyweds in Los Angeles

As you build your life together as newlyweds in Los Angeles, remember that you want to make your home a haven that you and your spouse want to come home to every day. The Bible gives us some direction when it comes to creating a happy and blessed home.

Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever. – 2 Samuel 7:29, NIV

Here’s how to craft an environment that promotes tranquility and strengthens your bond.

Make the Lord the center

Building your home on a firm foundation is key to a happy and peaceful home.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like the wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. – Matthew 7:24-27, NIV

This passage shows us the importance of building a strong foundation in faith and the teachings of Jesus for a resilient and steadfast life. The same concept applies to building your marriage on a firm foundation.

Prayer

Set aside time each day for individual prayer and joint prayer. Praying together strengthens your family’s bond and keeps you focused on God. Be sure to pray over meals too, to seek blessings and give thanks.

Bible study

Have regular Bible studies with your spouse. Consider a morning devotion or even a study session or discussion over dinner.

Worship together

Make church a priority, but also incorporate worship at home. Sing Christian songs and watch sermons online at home with your spouse.

Live by example

Model Christian values like kindness, forgiveness, and patience in your interactions with each other.

Serve together

Serve others as a couple. Open your home to others and look for opportunities to serve Christ together with your spouse.

Create a welcoming atmosphere

Another important element in creating a peaceful environment is being the person your spouse wants to come home to every day. Here are some ideas on how to be that person.

Greet with warmth

Greet your spouse with a smile, a hug, and a kiss when they come home. A warm welcome sets a positive tone for their arrival.

Unwind time

It’s important to allow your spouse a few moments to unwind before discussing problems or presenting a list of chores. Try not to continue the argument you started in the morning or nag your spouse about their mother.

There is a time and place to settle conflicts, but the first few minutes of returning home are not the appropriate or ideal time to duke it out. Allow your spouse a few moments of quiet or personal time if they need it. After a busy day of dealing with responsibilities, people, and decision-making, it is nice to have a few moments to unwind before jumping into the rest of the day.

Communicate openly

Always keep communication lines open and be ready to listen to their day’s adventures. Practice active listening when your spouse speaks and show empathy and understanding. Regularly express appreciation for each other’s efforts and contributions, especially when they come home from work. And be sure to talk about your day and share experiences with your spouse

Be prepared

If you truly want your spouse to feel welcome at home, be prepared. Cook a nice meal that will be ready when your spouse returns home or run a warm bubble bath that is ready for them to jump into. These special touches will remind your spouse that no matter how rough the world is, they have a safe haven to return home to.

Celebrate small wins

If your spouse has a “win” at work, surprise them with a small celebration. Even seemingly insignificant wins can be celebrated whether it’s a small promotion, sale, or other milestone in their career.

Spontaneity counts

Occasionally do something spontaneous and fun to keep the relationship exciting. Plan a themed dinner or dress up for a night of dancing in the living room. Not everyone likes spontaneity, so learn your partner’s preferences, and don’t be offended if your efforts aren’t appreciated the way you thought they would.

Design a tranquil home environment

While you can’t always avoid discussing problems with your spouse or having some conflicts, you can control the environment to which they come home. Our environments have a big influence on our moods and relationships, so create a space that encourages relaxation and harmony. Here are some ways to help you turn your home into a haven worthy of the title “Home, Sweet Home.”

• Maintain cleanliness and organization. Keep your home tidy and organized to create a stress-free environment. Declutter regularly to keep your home free of excess clutter and to help create a peaceful environment. Keep windows clean to maximize natural lighting.
• Decorate with love. Personalize your space with items that have sentimental value and that make both of you happy. Use warm and inviting colors for walls and decorations. Compromise with your spouse when you have differing design aesthetics. Allow the space to dictate the style of the décor rather than either spouse’s personal preferences. When possible, keep fresh flowers in vases throughout your home.
• Create relaxation zones.Set up cozy areas where you can both relax and unwind. Create quiet nooks or corners where you can relax.
• Play music. Create playlists of music you both enjoy. Be sure to include praise and worship songs to help bring an attitude of gratitude into the space. Soft music in the background can set the stage for a relaxing evening.
• Establish a calm atmosphere. Use calming scents such as lavender to maintain a peaceful ambiance. Incorporate plants and natural elements to bring a touch of nature indoors.
• Use soft lighting. Use warm, soft lighting to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Have fun activities available. Keep your favorite games handy for impromptu game nights. If you enjoy puzzles, have an ongoing puzzle space where you and your spouse, family, and friends can participate together in completing a project. Keep books such as the Bible, crossword puzzles, and magazines that interest you and your spouse handy and updated so that your spouse has something to do in their downtime.
• Set up a welcoming furniture arrangement. Arrange furniture to encourage relaxation and conversation. If you have a fireplace, use it as a focal point in your room design to encourage snuggling. Fill your house with comfortable furniture, warm blankets, and soft pillows, and use rugs to add warmth and comfort.

Seek professional help when needed

Creating a peaceful and welcoming home environment is a crucial step in nurturing a happy and fulfilling marriage. As newlyweds in Los Angeles, you have a unique opportunity to shape your living space into a haven of relaxation and joy. By creating a warm atmosphere and thoughtful and deliberate treatment of your spouse, you set the stage for a supportive and loving relationship that your spouse will look forward to coming home every day.

If you are having trouble creating a peaceful home environment, it may be due to childhood trauma and your association with home. Contact me or another therapist at Los Angeles Christian Counseling in California to help you work through your emotional issues and past traumas.

Your therapist in LA can also give you specific tips and advice tailored to your unique situation on creating a peaceful home for you and your spouse and family. Contact our office at Los Angeles Christian Counseling to find a therapist today.