Your home should be your sanctuary. It’s the place where you replenish and restore yourself and it should help you re-energise and bring you back to life. Chances are, you’ve been spending more time at home recently so you know if your home is really working for you, or really not. If you’re feeling like your home isn’t quite the haven you want it to be, there are some simple things you can do to optimise your living situation to create a sense of calm as soon as you walk through your front door.
Here are 6 ways to bring a sense of zen to your home:
Go green
Studies show that spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety.So, why not bring nature to you by adding some indoor plants to your decor? Not only do plants have healing properties, but they are affordable and can suit almost any style of home. Plus, they have the extra benefit of purifying the air in your home. English ivy, golden pothos and peace lillies are house plants that not only look great in a hanging basket or a pot, but can also fight off common household toxins.
But, plants are not the only solution. Even having earthy tones in your home can make you feel like you are surrounded by nature. Try textured pale green feature walls in the living area, green tiles in the bathroom, plant-inspired prints, or even green linen on your bed.
Embrace minimalism
The easiest way to make your home feel less stressful if you’re short on time is to clean up. If things are a little chaotic at home, chances are you’ve been avoiding the dreaded tidy up. But, even though it doesn’t seem appealing now, you will never regret bringing some order to your home by decluttering. Start with one part of the house at a time - there’s no reason to do it all at once. Remove as much as you can from any visible surfaces to create a minimalist look, and then organise your belongings in cupboards and drawers. Smart storage solutions are your friends here.
Go neutral
Lighten up your home with a neutral colour palette. A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform any home but, if painting isn’t an option, updating some key furniture pieces can have the same effect. Try to substitute darker objects with lighter, neutral tones and notice the impact that this has on the rest of your home. But, beware of going to white with your decorating. An all white home can have the opposite effect by feeling too sterile. Keep things cosy with beige, light grey, taupe or ivory colours.
Choose soft lighting
The tone of the lights in your home will impact the overall feel of the place. If you’ve only got cool, bright lights, chances are you’re going to struggle to relax. Switch up your overhead lights with warm, soft bulbs, or create some mood lighting with standing and table lamps. Another way to add warmth to your home is with candles or fairy lights. Any light that creates interesting shadows can help you bring interesting depth to your home in a comforting way. Don't forget to let in the natural sunlight during the day and open the windows to freshen the air too.
Rearrange
If you want to instantly refresh your home without buying anything new, simply rearrange your furniture. By swapping things around, you’ll be able to feel like you’re in a completely new home, even though you haven’t moved. Moving things around in your home can also help give you a new perspective and help you break away from unsettling feelings.
Create a cosy nook
Try and create one section of your home that is just for relaxing. Whether it’s a tiny corner somewhere with a seat and a comfy throw, or a whole room dedicated to relaxation, there needs to be a place that you can go at any time to be comfortable. This cosy nook should be filled with some of your favourite things like books, candles, slippers, blankets and plants, or whatever makes you feel good.
Have you created a sense of calm in your home? What are your top interior design tips for tranquillity at home?
