Given the stresses of daily life, busy long-hour jobs, bustling cities, and a constant striving for connectedness, it has become harder than ever to disconnect and find a space that centers us and allows for us to truly escape. Many of us find relief in yoga practice, fitness, and other methods of well-being, but in reality, the home we wake up in and return to each day after work is the most defining and constant part of our well being.
Here are a few tips that I’ve found beneficial to bring more harmony and comfort to our homes:
Find a color palette that soothes you. When creating your sanctuary at home, there are certain colors that will make it easier for you to create a relaxing and tranquil space to disconnect. Use neutral and muted colors that won’t distract you while reading or relaxing, and especially those that won’t stimulate you too much. We spend the majority of our days in the office attached to our phones, in front of the computer screen, sitting at a desk, or around rapidly moving images and scenes. Besides these obvious distractions, there are thousands of stimulants every day that we’re exposed to unconsciously. Our homes should be the place where we minimize these bright objects and get rid of the loud noises to let our minds and bodies rest and regenerate. Use off-whites, warmer grays, and muted Earthly shades to keep your space natural and calm.
Just add plants. If you’re like me, every time you leave the city for the beach or countryside, you’re amazed at how green the trees are, how truly beautiful nature can sound, and how deprived we are of these experiences on a daily basis. Although cities are exciting places to live in, our green areas are usually very limited. Try to add some greenery to your home. Plants have a lot of benefits, from cleaning the air to serving as natural and unique items that will certainly help you relax. Don’t be afraid to take care of them! They come in all shapes and types, and somewhere out there, there’s a plant for you and your retreat. The more, the better!
Neutral finishes are your friend. There is nothing more calming than the touch of natural wood or stone under your palms or feet. Choose your furniture wisely and make sure to focus on the finishes. Some can be very cold and rough, so avoid these and seek warm and welcoming finishes and fabrics instead. There’s no rule for picking these; simply find what is comfortable for you and what feels right for your body. Incorporate soft finishes and natural fabrics, drapes and upholstery that will sooth your skin. When adding items to your home, think as natural as possible. Cork yoga mats, wood-grain effect water bottles, glass and other minimalistic pieces bring a calming ambience to your space.
Boost the ambient, side light. Most of us utilize lighting to simply function in a space, but try thinking of it differently. Use your home’s light to create a specific and tailored ambience for your ideal environment. When relaxing, use more delicate and warm accent lights, and avoid cold or intense lighting that could cause strong or sharp shadows. Incorporate table and floor lamps and rely on them to create a mood. For even more intimate settings, consider using LED candles, which are much safer than traditional ones and will leave you worry free about fire hazards around the house.
Declutter. While this might sound like obvious advice, most of us still keep a lot of our clutter on display—with papers and folders at our desks and clothes and items around our homes. Take the time to organize and discard any items you haven’t used in a while (yes— including those mementos and trinkets that have sentimental value, but have never been used!). And, do it all at once. Doing this quickly will save you time and bring you a more satisfying effect in your efforts. One way to organize your smaller items is to put them in more visually appealing baskets or containers that will allow you to create more space and make the surroundings look fresh, natural and unobstructed.
Connect with your senses through fragrance & steamers. Depend on your senses to move your interior spaces into a more balanced and tranquil direction. Adding scents is the perfect way to bring a more zen feeling to your retreat. Find an aromatherapy diffuser that will peacefully disperse the scent around your rooms. Decorating your sanctuary isn’t only about things that are visible, but the sensory experience that comes when incorporating scents. My favorites are lavender, rose, or vetiver.
Clearly divide your functional areas. Separating your home’s function zones from each other is always a challenge with small spaces, but this is why it’s even more important to have them divided. All of life’s activities have a time and place. In particular, I’m referring to eating, entertaining, relaxing, reading, and sleeping. The most important room to keep us grounded is of course our bedroom. Treat it as your primary relaxation zone. Electronics stay out of here (no exceptions!) Phones, computers, and TVs are definitely forbidden in this space. As mentioned earlier, we’re on phones and computers all day, so give yourself the opportunity to disconnect and rejuvenate— you deserve it!
Although everyone won’t have the luxury to have a separate dining area (NYC studio: I’m talking about you!), make sure that your eating zone is clearly pronounced. It can be a small table or even a bar stool with a small counter in your kitchen. By having a space like this, your meals will be much more relaxed, enjoyable, and less rushed than if eating on the couch.
Gravitate towards non-toxic finishes/fabrics. Avoid materials that smell artificial— the plastics, the rubbers, the chemicals. Not only will they ruin the tranquil atmosphere of your place, but they are likely also toxic for the environment and your health. Being at peace at home means eliminating anything that could be unnatural or harmful to you or your space. Use natural cleaning products, and while many of those on the market can be pricey, consider taking the next step and easily prepare them yourself. Simple grocery store products, in addition to some natural essential oils, will turn your kitchen cleaning and home tidying process into an aromatherapy session.
Celebrate your space! In most cases, our home is the only space where we can truly relax and unwind. Get rid of items that you don’t use or that don’t add value to the experience you want for your sanctuary. Use 100% of your home, and treat it well and with respect. Doing these will keep it organized and well balanced to help you relax and to thrive!