There’s plenty of evidence supporting how stressful our lives are these days – and how much damage it does to our physical and mental health. While it’s difficult to eliminate stress on the job, at home you can create an oasis to escape and rejuvenate from the pressures of everyday life. Here are my Top 10 suggestions to make your home more serene:
1. Minimize the clutter. Disorganization is frustrating. If less stress is your goal, start by de-cluttering your home. A place for everything and everything in its place should be your mantra. Store items out of sight but always within easy reach. Whether it’s on your floors, walls, dressers, counter tops or coffee table, minimize. Choose quality over quantity. Fewer knickknacks, special art only – be discriminating. It’s surprisingly liberating to live with less – and the look is stunning.
2. Choose earth colours. Bright colours stimulate while soft colours soothe. Decorate your home in neutrals, greys, beiges, dusty pastels and placid blues and greens. Go for harmony instead of contrast.
3. Create a reading nook. Reading steadies and nourishes the mind. Make it a priority! Allocate a space with a big comfy armchair and footstool, lots of natural lighting and a good lamp. Curl up and unwind.
4. Keep electronics out of site. We aren’t going to give up our TVs and computers, but why not attempt to give them less importance in our homes? Choose a secretary-styled desk and fold up the top to keep your laptop out of sight. Store your bedroom TV in a beautiful armoire.
5. Go soft on lighting. Glaring overhead lights can be irritating. For a softer approach, choose lamps for most rooms – and go with gentle, yellower bulbs versus harsh daylight bulbs. Of course, natural light is best. Keep windows exposed during the day and let the sunshine in.
6. Incorporate natural fabrics. Linen, cotton, wool and silk are naturally beautiful and comfortable. The look and feeling are perfect in a serene home. Whether in your linens, upholstery, draperies or rugs, choose natural. The aesthetic is just right.
Palisade Bedroom available at Stoney Creek Furniture
7. Invest in transitional furniture with clean lines. Fussy doesn’t work in a serene home. Furniture should be simpler and less ornate with clean, beautiful lines. That doesn’t necessarily mean ultra modern – comfort and coziness are your top priorities. Choose timeless, quality classics.
8. Make a space to meditate. Not just for yoga enthusiasts! Create a quiet space with no distractions – a big comfy cushion on the floor and a candle in your bedroom may be all you need. Steal 5 minutes a day to go inward and unwind.
9. Add fire and water. Natural elements promote calmness. A natural fireplace is cozy and wonderfully restful. Likewise, water is incredibly restorative. The gentle flow of a fountain, in your home or garden, promotes a feeling of well-being.
10. Appeal to the senses. Add soothing scents to your home with oils or incense. Lavender is known for its calming effect; many people also enjoy the warm, soft smell of sandalwood. Green plants are another great addition. Not only are they visually beautiful, but they add oxygen to your space. No green thumb? Try low-maintenance cacti or succulents like aloe.
The new year is a great time to make positive life changes. Why not start with making your home a calming retreat at the end of the day … Be happy in 2015!
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