When was the last time you closed your laptop and left the workday behind? After a long day of meetings and emails, it’s important to be able to switch off and escape to your own sanctuary. And with so many of us working from home either full or part-time now, having a soothing space to unwind in is crucial for our wellbeing.
According to recent research by Hammonds Furniture, over a quarter (26%) of us say that our homes aren’t relaxing. To address this, it’s worth taking the time to make your home totally zen. To create a serene space that makes you happy, read on.
What is zen?
The zen interior design promotes minimal, clutter-free spaces. There’s a focus here on the natural; natural light, and natural materials. This is because there is balance in nature and at the core of zen principles is a sense of equilibrium.
So, is your home zen? Here are some ways to introduce this soothing design
Lighten pp
Getting enough natural light can improve your mood. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps to keep bones healthy, while a lack of access to sunlight can lead to seasonal affective disorder, which is common during the winter months.
To maximise the daylight in your home, open curtains and blinds open during the day. Adding a window seat where possible can also provide the perfect spot for you to take a break between work calls. If you’ve been into the office, your window seat is a great place to take a moment to process the day when you get home.
For added zen, painting your walls white and hanging mirrors will reflect the light in the space, making the room brighter and appear more spacious.
Add some scents
Fragrance can cause an emotional response and conjure memories. It can also impact our well-being. Essential oils especially have properties that trigger the areas of our brain that cause us to relax.
Burn some candles or add a diffuser filled with your favourite fragrances. Lavender, vanilla, and ozonic, sea breeze scents are all known to have soothing properties.
Soothing colours, soft textures
Soft pastels and warm, earthy neutral tones are the perfect colour palette for settling the mind. The bright feature walls that were once popular have become less vibrant in recent years. Now, everyone wants calming colours in their home.
Additionally, snuggly soft textures are ideal. Blankets, soft pillows, and cushions made from wool and cotton are a totally zen addition.
How do you make your home a peaceful space? Do you have any other home interiors ideas for soothing the soul and calming the mind after a busy day?
