HOW DO YOU CREATE A CALM HOME?
I don’t need to tell you that life is busy. Work pressures, care responsibilities and countless other demands on our time leave us stressed and exhausted. Therefore, it is essential to have a place to relax, recharge and build resilience. This is as important for your health as hydration and a nutritious diet. So, how do you create a calm home?
Let it Go – Donate or Sell Your Unused Belongings
The first barrier to overcome is the volume of belongings you are holding onto. In almost every home, cupboards, surfaces, spare rooms and lofts are packed full of stuff. Some of these possessions are needed and useful, some hold special significance, and others bring us joy. However, they can be easily lost among everything else we own.
It is hard to settle and relax in a messy or cluttered room, and it is certainly more difficult to keep it clean. What’s more, the daily hunt for mislaid items adds to your stress. You don’t need this, so the first stage is to clear the clutter. To make this manageable, take it one drawer at a time.
Our lives are constantly evolving. So, what was a must-have several years ago may now be redundant. If items no longer serve a purpose and are simply taking up valuable space, donate or sell them. Give your old belongings a new lease of life in homes where they are wanted. And, before you say, ‘I might need that’, can I assure you that if you’ve not used it in a while, you probably won’t.
Embrace Warm, Neutral Colours in Interior Design
Did you know that the colour of your walls, ceiling and flooring has a big impact on how you feel in the space? You might be a fan of bright tones and vibrant patterns, but these are invigorating and energising. So, if you want to create a calm sanctuary, I recommend softer shades. Opting for low saturation colours creates a calm, neutral background, offering a visual rest for the eyes and mind.
I appreciate that you are unlikely to redecorate every room in one go. However, sticking to a pared-down colour scheme to create a harmonious flow throughout your home.
The other advantage of a neutral backdrop (and less clutter) is that it allows treasured possessions to take centre stage. Let’s focus the eye on items that you value, such as that beautiful painting, an upholstered chair or an impressive lightshade. It’s these special belongings that add character to your home.
Designated Places to Organise Your Belongings
With fewer possessions, it is easier to find a designated space for everything you own. I advise that you clear away as much as possible. You may need to add an extra shelf in the cupboard or a smart storage solution to optimise the space. Then, ensure that the most regularly used items are easy to reach, with other items placed higher or further back on the shelves.
Do you find it helpful to use storage boxes, or do you need to see the items to know what’s there? Are you a fan of labelling shelves and boxes, or do you feel that they distract from the aesthetic? There’s no set formula, so go with what works for you and your family.
Talking of family, ensure that everyone who lives at home knows and is encouraged to use the new storage system. Involve them in the clearing and sorting decisions, as this encourages them to take ownership of keeping things tidy.
Add Sensory Delight to Your Home Interior
When you think about your ideal home, what springs to mind? Is it the aroma of baking bread or warm sunlight streaming through the window? Do you think of soft, cosy blankets and the taste of a freshly brewed cuppa? The point I’m making is that a restorative environment appeals to all the senses, so you need to consider more than how a space looks.
Adding sensory delights to your home interior can take many forms. To give a few examples, rugs, curtains, blankets and cushions offer soft and warm textures, while preventing sound from echoing. Plants and flowers purify and lightly scent the air, and provide an injection of colour. A dining table encourages us to sit together and take more time over meals, so we savour the flavours. With this in mind, use textures, aromas and sounds to create a relaxing sensory experience.
Use Lighting to Change the Atmosphere
The light intensity and focus in a room play a part in our comfort. Therefore, I advise you to make use of layered lighting options that put you in control of creating the appropriate ambience.
In addition to the main ceiling bulb, add pools of light in specific areas. If your way to relax is to read or craft, you’ll benefit from a table or floor lamp with good luminosity. Yet, low-level wall lights are more suited to a social evening with friends or watching TV. Meanwhile, a candlelit bath may be your favourite way to unwind.
Making Your House a Home
Walking through the front door should feel like entering your safe haven. So, do you have a sense of relief when you arrive home? If not, it’s time to create your calm. Even if just one room offers a retreat from the noise and chaos of daily life, it will benefit your well-being.
Do you love what I’ve shared in this article, but have no idea where to start? I can assist. In a design consultation, I offer ideas personalised to your lifestyle, along with solutions to your interior issues.
If you plan to completely redecorate the space, I offer a room design service. Having visited your home and discussed your priorities, I provide a plan for the furniture layout, along with recommendations and suppliers of floor, wall and window coverings, lighting and soft furnishings. We’ll consider everything you need to transform the space into your home sanctuary.