Many people want a relaxing space to come back to after a long day of working or errands. This should be a place where they are free to really be themselves. If you don’t feel like you have that space on hand right now, there are ways to make a difference to your home so you can sit back and unwind as soon as you step through the front door.
First, it is worth acknowledging that the idea of a home for you might differ from someone else’s idea of what makes a home. Personal preference makes a place a home, along with where you feel most comfortable, so it is important to adapt any tips to something that works for you.
This piece will look at how to create a relaxing home so you can enjoy being there all the time.
Declutter and Organize
Clutter and excessive amounts of stuff are a fast-track way to feeling stressed in your home – so if you feel like you have too many things around you and they don’t have a designated area, this is a good place to start your journey.
Clutter is notorious for causing negative moods such as stress, and being surrounded by too many things can also do the same thing.
Remove unnecessary items or rubbish from your living space and go through what you don’t need, want, or use anymore in order to create a feeling of calm and get things in order. This can take a lot of pressure off and allow you to utilize your space to its maximum potential. If this is going to be a big job, start by decluttering just one corner of a room to see a big difference and spur you on to do the rest in stages.
Soft Lighting
When you think of harsh, bright lights, they probably don’t scream calm and relaxed vibes – more like school or meeting rooms. Opt for soft and warm lighting to create the right atmosphere for a relaxing space. Lamps, dimmers, or candles can all create a cozy and soothing atmosphere, and you can use them whenever you need extra light.
Natural light is also very beneficial, so try to maximize it during the day where you can.
Calming Colors
When creating a relaxing space, the best thing to do is to choose colors that are known for their calming aura. Neutral tones like soft blues, greens, beiges, and pastels can create a sense of peace and tranquility, whereas darker or more vibrant colors can be a lot more difficult to relax in. Experiment with different color combinations to find what makes you feel the most chilled, and go from there.
It is recommended to paint your room in these colors to get the full effect.
Comfortable Furniture and Texture
The next step is to invest in comfortable furniture that is going to support your goal of achieving a relaxing home. This means staying away from hard plastic and rough fabrics and choosing cozy sofas, plush chairs, and snuggly cushions that invite you to unwind the moment you step into the room. Incorporate soft textures like thick, squidgy rugs, blankets, and curtains to add warmth and comfort to the space.
Head over to aflair.co.uk to browse a stunning collection of comfortable and relaxing furniture.
Nature-Inspired Elements
Many elements of nature are well known to encourage peace and relaxation, which is why it is common advice to go for a walk in the woods, take a trip to the beach, or enjoy a sit down by the river.
It would make sense that bringing certain components from these experiences into your home to create a calming environment. You can do this by adding indoor plants or fresh flowers into the rooms of your home for a pop of natural beauty along with air purifying benefits. You can also incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, or seashells in your decor to help tie the whole nature feel together.
Sensory Enhancements
Sometimes it can be difficult to relax in your home if it is next to a busy road, adjoined to someone with several young children, or the flat above is really into what sounds like jogging on the spot at all hours of the day.
Sounds like this can set someone on edge, so having a little control over your sensory experience can help.
Engage your senses to encourage a state of relaxation. You can do this by playing soothing music or ambient sounds like nature sounds or instrumental pieces. You might also like to use essential oils or scented candles with fragrances that are known to promote rest and relaxation. Pair this with reading a book, watching a tv show that makes you happy, or simply watching the world go by out of your window.
Personalize Your Space
What you deem a relaxing space will be a personal preference, which is why it is worth having an idea about what you want to be looking at or surrounded by that will make you feel good, safe, and relaxed.
Add personal touches and meaningful objects that are going to evoke positive feelings and place them where you can see them. This can be anything from photographs of family, friends, and fond memories, artwork you love, or items that hold a special place in your heart. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy, as this can help create your own personal sanctuary where you can relax whenever you need it.
Conclusion
Home is where the heart is, and it is important you are able to relax there as much as possible. Making sure you clear everything out that doesn’t make you happy or contribute to the atmosphere you want and incorporating materials, colors, lighting, and personal touches that create a sanctuary is essential to achieving a home you can enjoy.
Don’t forget to bring nature in from the outside, such as plants and flowers, and use features such as calming music or reading a nice book to indulge your other senses – making your home a well-rounded experience for relaxation.