By guest contributor, Haley Kieser, from 1-800-GOT-JUNK
Creating a space in the home that settles the mind and gets creative juices flowing is a necessity in today’s modern world. Whether you have an entire room that you’d like to transform into a peaceful sanctuary or even just a corner of your living room you want to designate as a place to relax, there are some key things you can do to create a space that allows you to escape from the busyness of everyday life. Use the following six tips to create a calming space in your home.
1. Take control of your space
A disorganized environment can overstimulate the brain and increase our stress levels. Not only does clutter make us more anxious, it over stimulates us, making it more difficult to be creative. To effectively declutter, look around your space and determine which items you no longer need. It’s important to be discerning throughout this process. Be honest with yourself about how long it’s been since you used each item. If it’s been over a year, it might be time for that item to go. If you’re having difficulty knowing where to start or how to create more space, it may be a good idea to hire a professional organizer.
2. Choose the right color scheme
The color of your room has the ability to impact your mood. Determine how you want to feel in your space and select your perfect hue accordingly. Professional painters recommend referring to color theory 101 when choosing a color scheme. If you are looking to feel calm and at peace while in your space, opt for oceanic colors like soft green and light blue. Not only do these colors calm the mind, the promote relaxation and tranquility. Be sure to introduce warm neutral tones as too many cool colors can elicit sadness. Introduce a warm rug and wood furniture to add texture and natural elements.
3. Establish areas for different activities
Another great way to bring peace into your space is to create clear zones for different tasks. This is a necessity in small homes. If you can’t dedicate an entire room your new calming and creative space, designate a section of a larger room. Create a reading nook or a desk dedicated to creative pursuits. Don’t use this area for anything other than these predetermined activities. If necessary, introduce a curtain or room partition to ensure you keep your spaces separate.
4. Introduce plant life
Everyone knows plants are nice too look at, but did you know they make a powerful impact on our environment? Plants are proven to increase the level of oxygen in our homes. They also release moisture into the air which helps protect against dry skin, sore throats, and coughs. Not only that, plants improve attentiveness and cleanse the environment, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation to the atmosphere around them.
5. Practice Aromatherapy
Another great way to create a calm environment that promotes creativity is with the use of aromatherapy. Use an oil diffuser to diffuse scents that will positively affect your mood. Peppermint is known to improve concentration while lavender is best for relaxation. Other oils, like eucalyptus, purify the air, and cypress is believed to boost confidence. A great alternative to oil diffusers is candles, just be sure to choose a natural brand that is free of toxins or learn to make your own.
6. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
The most relaxing and calming spaces are also clean. Be sure to keep your home free of dirt and dust with the use on non-toxic household cleaning products. There are also many DIY cleaning solutions like baking soda, lemon, and vinegar, if you have the time to make your own natural products.
Above all, don’t let the process of creating a calming place in your home stress you out. Stay focused on the task at hand and chip away at it slowly, if necessary. Remember that good things take time and the end result will be worth the hard work!