Escaping the rat race in today’s society is virtually impossible given the number of responsibilities we have and the bills we must pay. The next best thing, however, is turning our home in a relaxing space we can unwind in while still keeping it functional. Here’s how you can instantly turn any room into a peaceful sanctuary:
- Install dimmable lighting.
Many often think of lighting as something that makes them feel livelier, happier, and more positive. However, dimmable lighting can provide soothing effects that can help us when we’re dealing with a headache, an eye ache, excess stress, or overstimulation.
Dimmable lighting is great to add in a family or living room, dining area, or in a bedroom. Apart from calming down the body physically and mentally, it can also offer a romantic vibe.
- Make use of scented candles.
Scented candles, especially in the scents lavender, vanilla, or cinnamon, can provide soothing aromas, and in turn, calmer senses. Scents can be powerful in that we can connect them to our memories. Coming home to the same scent day-after-day psychologically tells us that we have arrived at our comfort zone.
If you want something more natural for aroma, there are all-natural candles out there or essential oils you can diffuse as an alternative. But if you aren’t a fan of aromas, adding scentless or battery-operated candles in your space (whether or not you choose to light them) can bring peace of mind as candles are often associated with serenity.
- Install a fireplace.
Fireplaces are cozy. The warm hues they provide, the warmth they give off, and the crackling sounds they offer are all toasty and relaxing. That said, have an Illusion Fires fireplace installed for relaxation purposes.
Even during the warmer months, a fireplace can offer a homely and comforting feel. A living room or family room without a fireplace can feel a little off. Many don’t realize the potential it has to make a space more peaceful until they have one put in!
- Add the color blue to your space.
Psychologically, the color blue is a calming color. According to Color Psychology, the color blue can also lower the heart rate and provide a boost in intelligence, creativity, mental clarity, and confidence if used correctly in a space.
However, too much of any color can also have negative effects. Not using blue correctly in a space (e.g., too much blue, using only dark shades) may create aloofness, apathy, lack of hunger, or even sadness. Use sparingly for positive results. Consider adding a few accents here and there such as blue pillows, vases, throw blankets, and the like.
- Incorporate elements of nature.
We don’t seem to spend enough time outdoors these days – which is unfortunate as many aspects of nature from brightly-colored flowers to deep green trees can all make us feel more relaxed in a short period of time.
But why not bring the outdoors in? Consider adding houseplants or succulents in your home. (I recommend snake plants or spider plants; they are both very easy to grow.) Also, incorporate fake flowers or artwork featuring aspects of nature, paint your walls green, install larger windows, or play music with crashing waves or chirping birds.
Conclusion
You don’t have to have a special room for relaxing; you can turn any space into a place you can go to de-stress from the chaos of the world. With these simple design tricks, you should have no problem making your home homelier and overall more comforting regardless of your stress level.
