8 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME A MORE CALMING, RELAXING SPACE
Craving some serenity? We’re right there with you! If your home environment hasn’t been the most relaxing space lately, now’s the time to take back some control. Here are eight easy ways to make your home more calming, nurturing and soothing.
1. Edit your palette
Monochromatic schemes and quiet neutrals are the most calming but touches of soft color can be uplifting too. Consider putting away some accessories to simplify your backgrounds now that there’s more going on in your home.
Cozy textures feel reassuring, like a grown-up security blanket.
3. De-clutter and put away all non-essentials
Right now, anything that isn’t working in your home is very apparent. Clean out the bottlenecks: Make sure the entry is clear, so you have a place to leave packages, mail, shoes and jackets. Clear your kitchen and bathroom counters as much as possible, so they’re easy to wipe clean and feel orderly, not cluttered. If things don’t have a home, now’s the time to winnow out unnecessary or outdated items.
4. Make your bedroom a sanctuary
It helps if there’s one place where you can shut the door and have some peace and quiet. All-white, neutral or softly colored layers on the bed; plenty of comfy pillows (if yours are old and lumpy, now’s the time to replace them); soft lighting (if your bedside lamp doesn’t dim, try lower-watt lightbulbs); a candle with a scent you love, and a plush rug underfoot will make this room feel pampering. Put away the piles of clothes, the unread mail and the odds and ends to prioritize calm in this space.
5. Add life
Plants are the reminders of spring, nature and life. If you don’t already have them, get some green gorgeousness in your home, stat. If plant parenthood seems like too much of a commitment right now, treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers.
6. Amplify light
Good lighting is a necessity, both for working and for your mood. Add table lamps where needed for task lighting and floor lamps where you need more ambient light.
7. Make space for creativity
Whether it’s the artwork hanging on your walls, the knitting you’re doing in front of the TV, the music you’re playing or listening to, the puzzle you’re working on or the journal you’re writing, make room for the diversions and creative pursuits that bring you pleasure.
8. Invite friends & family
Not in person, but through photos and personal mementos that are important reminders of happy times and the people you love.