12 Easy Ways to Create a Calm and Peaceful Home
Original article posted at Veranda by Lindsey Campbell and Sarah Dimarco.
As a place where you often escape after the stress of work or hectic woes of life, your home needs to evoke a serene atmosphere and help you recharge from the day. However, its ability to do so is often overlooked, leading to a space that can drain you if it's not thoughtfully decorated.
“Your home either nurtures and supports you or depletes your energy and leaves you exhausted," says interior designer, founder, and CEO of Home and Harmony Lifestyle Christa O'Leary. "In today's frenetic world, it is more important than ever to create a calm and peaceful space that allows you to recharge."
Conquer the Clutter
Take some time to tackle that messy closet or piles of old mail bogging you down. You’ll feel the tension immediately escape the room as you toss away those unneeded items. “Few things create mental unrest like clutter," says Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan. "Spend time cleaning out unused items for donation, and invest in appealing organizational tools like woven baskets, oversize clear jars, and drawer inserts."
Embrace the Power of Plants
When looking to recharge from a stressful week, people often flood to their nearest botanical garden or hiking trail to immerse themselves in nature. Why not bring the restorative qualities of emerald escapes indoors? Not only do they add a verdant pop to your design scheme but, according to a study done by Nasa, plants eliminate toxins from indoor spaces, thus re-oxygenating your home. For those with a not-so-green thumb, try varieties such as parlor palms or snake plants that require little maintenance for maximum serene effects at a low lift.
Utilize Natural Textures
It’s human instinct for people to appreciate and be attracted to the charming beauty of nature. While houseplants aren’t for everyone, textures and pieces made from natural materials exude the same amount of tranquility and ground the overall theme of a room. There are countless ways to foster a sense of inner calm through earthy pieces like original woodwork or adding a woven side table.
Strokes of Natural Light
Nothing brings clarity or highlights the intricate design details of a room like a stroke of natural light. A naturally lit room boosts productivity, improves mood, and creates an overall tranquil atmosphere more so than an artificially lit environment. For apartment dwellers with few to no windows, try incorporating reflective surfaces into the home. The amount of natural light will immediately double by allowing sunlight to reflect off strategically placed large mirrors or lacquered pieces.
Strike a Balance
The Chinese tradition of feng shui emphasizes the balance of opposing yet connected forces: yin and yang. The basic idea of the ancient practice embodies countless aspects and approaches within decorating as well. From creating complete symmetry within a dining room to playing with dark and light pieces, look for ways to find complete harmony within your space.
Creating Wellness Spaces
In the past year, our homes transformed into not just a place of restoration, but work, as well. To help create a sense of separation between life and work, think about creating special spaces that allow you to escape for quiet moments and prioritize your mental health. This doesn't mean you need to flip that spare bedroom into a variable spa or at-home yoga studio. Take a note from designers like Mark D. Sikes and Palmer Weiss, and transform a small corner within your home into a cozy nook with plenty of soft textiles in which to meditate or just relax.