Colour, texture, light, accessories – all have their part to play in a restful abode. But first you need to work out what’s easiest on your eye and your mind
Home – somewhere to relax, unwind and truly be yourself, a calming retreat at the end of a busy day, and a place to escape when you’re desperate for time out. Home may vary from person to person – what someone finds cosy and comforting another may find cluttered and chaotic. When it comes to your home, there really are no rules. Your surroundings can play a part in how you feel, however, so it’s wise to make an environment that helps you to feel at ease. With a few simple tweaks, it’s possible to create an oasis of calm, somewhere to soothe the woes of the day.
To achieve this, it’s good to establish which interiors you find relaxing and to work with what you already have in your home rather than against it. Complementing your existing interior will create a harmonious space and, most of all, it means you won’t have to redecorate.
Before you get going, take a little time to think about spaces you find calming. Perhaps you’re drawn to traditional rural interiors with their charming character and nostalgic feel or maybe you prefer modern, minimalist rooms with an abundance of white space and clean lines. When you have established your preference, take a moment to consider how this is achieved. Think about the colour scheme, the styling, the decorations, the lighting, the textures and even the aromas. All these factors will help you to recreate a similar look and feel in your home.
Whatever your taste, by highlighting your preference and establishing what it is you find relaxing, you can begin to pinpoint which colours, textures and ideas you should introduce to give your home the same feelings of calm. And trust me when I say anything is possible – I lived in one of the tiniest rented studio flats in Sydney and know from experience that you can make even the smallest of spaces feel like a cosy retreat.
Household items
Before you introduce anything new into a room, have a look at what’s already in there. If space is limited or you prefer a slightly more minimalist look, you may wish to have a declutter. Removing anything that no longer serves you – or has a definite purpose – can make a huge difference to the space, especially if you are someone who finds it hard to relax in a busy or cluttered environment.
Colour
If you have spent a moment considering what relaxes you, then you should have an idea of your preferred colours. Maybe you’re drawn to the cool blues and turquoises of the sea or the warm greens of a forest. Whatever your preference, introducing a few calming shades should change how the room looks and feels. If you don’t fancy getting out your paintbrush or you live in rented accommodation where redecorating is not permitted, you could introduce accessories such as cushions, throws or rugs. This will inject your preferred colour with minimal work.
Texture
Adding texture is a great way to make a room feel calm and cosy because it looks and feels comforting and can soften a room. Consider fake fur, fleece, wool and linen and look out for cushions, blankets, throws and rugs. In this way, you’ll be able to change things around to reflect the seasons, too. Sumptuous throws and soft blankets are perfect for the chilly winter months – add a hot drink and a good book and you should begin to feel at ease.
Lighting
Light and shade can transform the look and feel of a room and it is certainly something to address when creating a calm space. Have a look at the brightness and colour of your lamps and, if you have lampshades, look at how they soften and direct the light. Freestanding lamps and sidelights are a great way to tone down the light and add atmosphere. Many can be positioned to give you complete control over where light is projected and help to create a softer and calmer mood.
Greenery
Whether you like large palms or cute cacti, there’s no denying that houseplants can bring life to a room. By introducing some greenery you can begin to create a natural and serene environment with echoes of the great outdoors. It is lovely to display plants with different patterns, colours and textures to recreate the calming essence of nature. It’s also great to return home to some greenery during the winter months when flowers are thin on the ground. Houseplants are relatively inexpensive and make loveable little housemates.
Aroma
Naturally scented candles, reed diffusers, essential oils, incense sticks and pomanders can be used to introduce a calming aroma to a space. Choose fragrances that you love and ones that promote relaxation. Unwinding with a magazine, some soothing tunes and the scent of lavender is a great way to ease the pressures of the day.
Displays
There is something comforting about being surrounded by your favourite belongings and sentimental items and nothing says ‘home sweet home’ more than the things that bring you joy. One idea is to display photographs and treasured possessions. After all, why shouldn’t every day be treated as a special occasion? Be bold and confident with your choices – beautifully illustrated record covers, floral tea cups or even a gorgeous handbag. There’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the things that make you smile. So, whether you are drawn to 1970s glass or retro toys, release them from the cupboards to bring a little joy to your everyday.
