Having clutter on table tops, floors, and elsewhere can translate to feeling cluttered throughout your life. Make sure that your important things, like those needed on a daily basis (keys, for example), have a space that is easily accessible but not immediately visible. This will alleviate the sense of visual clutter. Keep doorways clear and items off and out of the spaces used for sitting and relaxing!
Consider purchasing a portable speaker to connect to your phone, or set up a music streaming service on your TV for playing background music. Choose calming songs like instrumental soundtracks and classical pieces. Keep the sound low so you can hear the music but not too loud that people have to talk over the music.
Bring vases of flowers or small plants inside. These provide color and calm. Choosing planters with decorative accents can improve the energy of a space as well. Live plants will clean the air and will not gather dust. The smell and life of indoor plants connects us with the outdoors, satisfying a fundamental human need for interaction with nature.
Open windows, blinds, and drapes to permit sunlight to come in. Natural light will brighten the space, will help regulate hormones during the day, and will make the space feel bigger and cleaner, which has an instantly calming effect. Exposure to natural light is important for maintaining circadian rhythm, so allowing it into the home has health benefits. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and clean spaces, can make your space even brighter and feel bigger.
Consider opening windows to bring in natural air. Plug in light air fresheners or burn a scented candle to plant fresh smells inside. Essential oils, aromatherapy, or room sprays may also help temper the atmosphere. Use smells that have a calming or cleaning effect, such as lavender or lemon. Dusting down surfaces will help maintain a neat appearance.
Avoid bright statement walls or overly energizing colors like bright red and blue. Don’t clutter walls with tons of pictures, photos, or frames. Instead, paint the walls with muted colors, neutral colors, or your favorite relaxing blend of colors. Leave the bright colors to accent pieces or items for display. Consider one or two larger focal pictures or an interesting piece of art to draw attention to a few central points in the room to avoid overstimulation.
Have pillows and blankets available for snuggling up on your favorite couch or chair. Have a couple blankets for warmth and ensure that they have different thicknesses and textures so you have “just right” warmth no matter the weather or room temperature. Blanket and pillows are also great for providing texture in the home and can add a sense of calming aesthetic interest wherever they are displayed.
While it is typically good to avoid overcrowding a space, having your favorite books, magazines, or photos out of the things you love and favorite memories can add positivity and comfort to the room. Keep out only those keepsakes that have special value to you. Use these to keep you calm during your relaxing time, refresh your memories, or motivate you for your next adventure.
Consider these steps as you clean and renovate your home. Keeping your space calm and reflective of your values and personality will transform your home into a place of restoration and peace, which is the best possible effect it could have!
Article courtesy of Olivia Warfield, a contributing writer and media relations specialist for Atlas Heating & Air Service. She writes for a variety of DIY and lifestyle blogs.