If you don’t quite feel that your home is the relaxing and comfortable space you'd like it to be, it’s time to consider making some changes. You can make your home a more relaxing environment in a wide variety of ways, so if you’re not sure where to start, this guide will give you all the help you need to create a home that is welcoming, warm and inviting.
How to Make Your Home a More Relaxing Environment
Conquer Clutter
The first step to any relaxing home environment is to tackle your clutter. Piles of newspapers, magazines, mail and other odds and ends are definitely not conducive to a zen-like space, so if you have a situation like this at hand, spend a weekend paring down the clutter. Chances are, 90% of what you're hoarding can be trashed, and the rest can be easily organized in magazine racks, mail organizers and personal file folders.
  Wall Mounted Mail Organizer With Hooks, amazon.com |
  Set Of 4 Magazine Holders, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
Create A More Social Kitchen Space
The kitchen is the heart of the home and if you are lucky, you have an open concept floor plan that allows you to spend time in the kitchen while sharing space with other common areas, like the family room. If you don't have such a space, that's OK. You can easily create a more social kitchen area by making the kitchen more than just a place to cook, eat and wash dishes. For example, you can swap out your kitchen table and chairs for a more cozy banquette. If you have an island in your kitchen, add comfortable, cushioned stools or chairs with backrests. If space allows, create a bar area out of a side table or buffet, where friends can gather for a drink or two.
Create An Outdoor Oasis
Your cozy, comfy home is not just restricted to the indoors--thinking about adding a cozy outdoor space is usually a good idea as well. Maybe it's a patio, balcony or deck, or maybe it's just a grass or concrete area that doesn't have any definition at all. You can certainly turn this space into something functional by adding a gazebo, pergola or canopy for shade. An outdoor area rug helps to anchor the space, and adding a couple of comfortable chairs and side tables makes the space functional. Accessorize with potted plants and other whimsical patio decor and you'll find yourself relaxing in your new outdoor oasis in no time.
  10' X 12' Outdoor Retractable Pergola with Sun Shade Canopy, amazon.com |
  4 Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Set, amazon.com |
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Candles, Diffusers & Other Home Scents
Finding a signature scent for your home is something we've talked about before on the blog. The right scent for your home, whether it's from candles, diffusers, wax warmer or plug-ins can certainly create a relaxing atmosphere at home. Crystal Candles are very popular at the moment, but it’s up to you to find the fragrance that speaks to you most. Here's some details on scented candles, and what scents to consider for your home:
Finding a signature scent for your home is something we've talked about before on the blog. The right scent for your home, whether it's from candles, diffusers, wax warmer or plug-ins can certainly create a relaxing atmosphere at home. Crystal Candles are very popular at the moment, but it’s up to you to find the fragrance that speaks to you most. Here's some details on scented candles, and what scents to consider for your home:
  8 Pk. Soy Candles, Assorted Scents, amazon.com |
  Candle & Diffuser Set, Lemon Basil, amazon.com |
Use Of Color
Creating a relaxing atmosphere through the correct choice of colors is something that’s really important. It's up to you to decide whether you'd prefer warm tones or cool tones. Shades of cream and gray are very popular right now, and are the perfect neutral backdrop for your interior decor. Brighter colors and jewel tones work great in kitchens, kids' rooms and small bathrooms, like a half-bath. Blue hues work well in master bedrooms, especially since the color blue has been psychologically linked to calmness and tranquility.
Specify Your Spaces
Each room in your home should have its own specific purpose, but the same can also be true for particular zones within each room. For example, if you don't have a room for your home office, you can easily designate a space in your living room or family room by adding a room divider. Or, you can create a reading nook by a window with the addition of a comfortable chair and reading lamp. These little areas of peace and quiet can make a big difference in a busy home when there’s a lot going on around you.
Enhance The Natural Light
The amount of natural light flooding into your home will have a big impact on its ambiance. When your home feels dark and dour during daylight hours, it's not going to feel particularly welcoming,
While we stress the importance of blocking out the hot summer sun during the day's hottest hours (noon-3 p.m.) in order to help keep your home cool, you'll still want to welcome the sunshine in the morning and late afternoon. In the cooler months, especially when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, you'll want to switch to sheerer curtains (and open the blinds) so you can make the most of the available sunlight.
Fill Your Home With Houseplants
Speaking of sunlight, adding houseplants in and around your home can have a wonderful calming effect. According to House Beautiful, plants have been known for increasing air quality and boosting our moods, but they can also help to reduce stress. Check out their article on these seven plants that can help to create a sense of calm in your home.
No green thumb? Fake it. Artificial plants have come a long way over the years and while you may not reap the physical and mental rewards of actual houseplants, faux plants can add beauty and style to not only your home's interior but its exterior as well!
The amount of natural light flooding into your home will have a big impact on its ambiance. When your home feels dark and dour during daylight hours, it's not going to feel particularly welcoming,
While we stress the importance of blocking out the hot summer sun during the day's hottest hours (noon-3 p.m.) in order to help keep your home cool, you'll still want to welcome the sunshine in the morning and late afternoon. In the cooler months, especially when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, you'll want to switch to sheerer curtains (and open the blinds) so you can make the most of the available sunlight.
Fill Your Home With Houseplants
Speaking of sunlight, adding houseplants in and around your home can have a wonderful calming effect. According to House Beautiful, plants have been known for increasing air quality and boosting our moods, but they can also help to reduce stress. Check out their article on these seven plants that can help to create a sense of calm in your home.
No green thumb? Fake it. Artificial plants have come a long way over the years and while you may not reap the physical and mental rewards of actual houseplants, faux plants can add beauty and style to not only your home's interior but its exterior as well!
  Nearly Natural 24" Bougainvillea, amazon.com |
  Artificial Calla Lilly Indoor Plant, amazon.com |
Play Around With Textures
If you want to make your home more relaxing and comfortable, you'll also need to consider ways to add texture throughout the space. Soft carpeting and area rugs, cozy throw blankets and soft accent pillows are just a few ways to add comfort to your living areas. Pick fabrics that are natural like cotton, wool and jute.
  SAFAVIEH Natura Collection Beige Wool Area Rug, amazon.com |
  80x60 Chenille Throw Blanket, Assorted Colors, amazon.com |
Your home should be an environment in which puts you at ease; where you are able to rewind and relax after a long day. Why not try out a few of the ideas that we’ve discussed here and see if they help you to make your home a more relaxing place to be. You might be surprised by the outcome!
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