Having a home that feels welcoming and relaxing has always been my aim, and it became even more important over the last year. No one wants a space that makes them feel more stressed or overwhelmed, that’s for sure. So, today I thought I would share some of the thing that have helped me create a calm home – I’d love to hear your ideas too!
Get decluttering
One of the simplest ways to create a calm home is to get started on decluttering. Too much stuff often leaves a space feeling messy and can create a sense of stress and overwhelm. This can mean you never fully feel relaxed, but thankfully it’s one that can be worked through quite easily. I’ve covered lots of posts about on decluttering previously – but the key message is to just get started!
Keep surfaces clear
This tip ties neatly to the first one, but is more targeted, and can be a good place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decluttering task. Focus on the flat surfaces around your home – bedside tables, coffee tables, desks, sideboards, that kind of thing. They can easily become spots that accumulate stuff, which can quickly feel messy and overwhelming. Once you have tidied them up try and limit the number of items that live on them moving forwards.
Display things you love
Some people think that to create a calm home you need it to be sparse, but it doesn’t need to be the case. For some people having very little on display suits them, but for lots of people that feels too sterile. As long as the items you are choosing to have on display are things you love then you’ll be creating a space that makes you happy to be in. This includes photos, art, items you have picked up on holidays – you name it. Experiment a little and see how much on display makes you happy!
Add texture and colours you love
It’s safe to say that soft, neutral colours are definitely more likely to create a calm home, but that doesn’t mean you can only decorate in shades of white and grey! Starting with the simple colour palette is a good place to start though – think soft, neutral, or natural tones. Then, layer on top textures through things like cushions, rugs, curtains, and the like. If you have colours that make you especially happy then find ways to feature these as well, but be targeted in how you use them, especially in places like your bedroom.
Use lighting effectively
Lighting is often something we overlook, but it can make such a difference to creating a calm home. Starting with natural light! Bringing in as much natural light as you can is an excellent first step, and it can be increased through some well positioned mirrors that help bounce the light around. Then, look for ways to layer your lighting – overhead lights (especially with dimmers), floor lamps, table lamps, candles – all of these have their time and place. Creating lighting options that match the mood or activity you are doing at the time can definitely make your home feel cozier and calmer. Adding a floor lamp to my loungeroom made a bigger difference than I had imagined it could!
Plants are your friends
This tip is one that unsurprisingly is one I can absolutely vouch for! Having plants inside my home definitely creates a calmer, happier space, and one I much prefer spending time in. Not only are they lovely to look at, they help clean and oxygenate the air in your home as well. Decorating with plants is such a great way to add colour and texture to your home as well – I have a mix of plants with all kinds of leaf colours now, not to mention plants of all sizes too!
Avoid obstacles
Last, but not least, think about how you have set up the furniture in your home. If your regular path between spaces requires you to weave around tables or chairs it can add to a sense of chaos and clutter, even if you don’t have too much stuff! Where possible try and clear the pathway to create easier flow through high-traffic areas. Not only will it make your life easier, but it will look and feel more spacious and therefore calming.
What are your tips to create a calm home?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Mark
June 26, 2021 at 12:02 am (3 years ago)I have three plants in my hall and they look great. Plants do add positive vibes to your home. Nice article. Keep posting!