We live in a hectic, chaotic world. Fortunately, your home doesn’t need to be chaotic too. Instead, it should be a tranquil, relaxing place where you can ease your mind, let go of the stress of day-to-day life and feel a sense of deep inner peace. Transforming your home into a zen space creates an environment that offsets the stress and anxiety of the outside world. The best part? It’s much easier than you probably think. Even if other household members make it impossible to transform your entire home, you can easily turn a room into a calm space where you can relax, meditate and recharge yourself. You don’t even need a huge budget or the assistance of an interior designer. Try the tips below to make your home a calming oasis.
1.Fill the Space with Calming Scents
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Illuminating your home with candles featuring calming scents instantly infuses the space with a sense of peace. Our sense of smell impacts our brains and bodies in remarkable ways. Aromatherapy seeks to target scent receptors in the brain to trigger various feelings and emotions. When those scent receptors pick up soothing fragrances like lavender, chamomile and clary sage, they help the brain and body relax. Most people notice a difference almost immediately.
A Memories candle is another lovely addition to a zen space. Featuring the scents of your most treasured places, milestones and events, they can mentally take you back to times when you felt completely at peace. Looking for an alternative to traditional candles? Try a reed diffuser. These diffusers are available in many of the same fragrances as candles, and they deliver a ‘round-the-color scent experience without needing to be “lit.” Since there is no flame, they are an ideal option for homes with pets and kids.
2.Declutter and Simplify
Creating a zen space is all about harmony. If your home is bursting at the seams with knick-knacks, unfiled paperwork, clothes and other clutter, creating a balanced, harmonious space is impossible. And excess clutter won’t just make your interior design plans fall flat. It also has a negative impact on your mental health. It can even affect your diet and lead you to make poor food choices. It’s way easier to grab a package of cookies from a cluttered kitchen than to prepare an entire meal! Declutter your home or the room you intend to make more zen. In terms of decorative items, go for minimalism and cleanliness. You may be shocked at just how much removing clutter improves the energy in your space.
3.Choose Natural Colors
Avoid flashy colors. While adding pops of color is a good way to add visual interest to a room, it’s not an effective strategy when you’re going for peace and tranquility. Instead, stick to soft, natural colors and neutrals. Beige, white, light tan, sage green and light blue are all good choices that will help instill a sense of calm in the space. Pale lavender works well too. Just be sure to avoid rich, vibrant purples. Surrounding yourself with soft, natural colors will make it much easier to unwind and clear your mind.
4.Keep Your Furniture Simple
Zen furniture features clean, simple lines. It isn’t overly complicated, and it doesn’t have excessive ornamentation. When choosing pieces, look for high-quality items made from natural materials to infuse your space with a sense of warmth, serenity and peace. Remember that “simple” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Countless pieces are aesthetically pleasing despite being minimalist. The furniture you choose should be comfortable and functional too. A simple chair that suits your aesthetic perfectly but isn’t comfortable to sit on won’t do you any favors or help you relax.
5.Use Soft Lighting
The less light in your zen space, the better. Bright lights stimulate the brain and have an energizing impact. Soft lights, on the other hand, have a relaxing effect. Ditch your fluorescent overhead light (or at least leave it turned off) and replace it with lamps placed throughout the space. If possible, install dimmer switches, so you can adjust the brightness as needed. The warm glow of a candle adds a touch of softness too. And, of course, the right candle will fill the space with calming aromas. If you are redesigning a room with a lot of natural light, consider installing shades to diffuse the light. You can always open them when the space needs more illumination.
6.Bring the Outdoors In
Adding plants to any space can ease stress and improve well-being. Plus, indoor plants enhance indoor air quality, according to NASA. Spider plants, snake plants and golden pothos are low-maintenance options that allow you to enjoy the benefits of plants without the stress of trying to keep more finicky varieties alive. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Avoid cluttering your space with an abundance of greenery. A few carefully selected plants are all you need.
7.Get Rid of Electronic Distractions
It may be hard to imagine removing electronics from your bedroom, living room or any other area. However, it’s best to avoid them when creating a zen space at home. Disconnecting from electronic devices can lower anxiety levels, enhance focus, improve sleep and more, making it easier to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle.
If removing electronics completely isn’t possible, place them in discreet locations rather than using them as a focal point. For example, a simple armoire designed to hold a television allows you to tuck the TV away behind closed doors when not in use. Hide wires and cables too. Seeing them dangling down the wall or tangled on the floor detracts from a serene environment.
Conclusion
Creating a zen space at home is all replacing chaos with simplicity. Removing clutter, replacing your current furniture with minimalist pieces and infusing the space with relaxing colors and scents are easy ways to create a more serene environment. Remember: Not everyone associates the same things with peace and serenity. Be mindful when redecorating, and focus on the things that make you feel most at ease.
