10 Decorating Tips For A Calm, Restful, Peaceful Home

June 20, 2020 5 min read

decor tips for calm home interiors

Our homes should be a stress-free sanctuary. Because the world outside is busy and full of troubles, it's essential to be able to come home at the end of the day, let our minds and bodies rest, and refresh our spirit for the next day.

This is especially important during this time of coronavirus/Covid-19 quarantines. Our team at Gear Den has previously shared wonderful family activity suggestions to help you outlast this challenging period with your household. Now, we show you how your home interiors can also be a huge factor in helping you stay calm and rested at your own house. Try these easy decor ideas to make your home a haven of peacefulness, not just during the quarantine but for any time of the year.

 

1. Let soft natural light in.

There's a reason that many of the best homes have huge windows and light-filled rooms. Natural light brings in clarity and the perfect illumination -- not too stark, not too dim. Various studies also show that sunshine has multiple benefits to our psychological functioning, including the regulation of hormones. So wherever you can, open up those windows and catch some healthy rays.

Need help illuminating a low-light room? Read our room-brightening tips here!

 

2. Opt for a soothing color scheme.

When deciding on paint colors for your redecorating, remember this mantra: more coherence, less chaos. A calming decor palette isn't just about the colors you select per se, but also about how they harmonize with each other. Blues and greens are the usual picks for calming colors, but other ones can be harmonious and relaxing as well when paired right.

Remember to calibrate the shades  and hues, too -- for example, a bright turquoise blue may not be as soothing as a deep royal blue.

Not sure where to start? Try a foolproof neutral palette of whites and grays. See our picks for neutral wall decor here.

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "Family... Love" Premium Canvas

 

3. Tidy up.

It seems like common sense that a clutter-free home is a calm home, but oh my, it's so easy to forget this! This is probably why so many of us need some inspirational push like that from Marie Kondo.

When all else fails, though, we have one simple trick for a tidier home: Invest in closed storage like closets, cabinets, and boxes around the house. This way, you can easily minimize visible clutter. Clear up kitchen surfaces by stashing your materials in closed shelves. Minimize the shoes that clutter up your entry and keep the rest in a little closet. File away your bills and store your electronics in pretty boxes and drawers (that are color-coordinated!). The fewer items out on display, the less mental clutter for you.

 

4. Add cozy fabrics.

Throw blankets and warm quilts invite easy lounging. Even when you're just watching TV or working online on your couch, it instantly becomes cozy when you're snuggled under a nice soft blanket. Take a look at some quality fleece blankets we have on Gear Den -- the material is super-soft and lightweight, yet warm enough for your sofa or bed.

Blanket pictured above: Personalized "We Should Probably Cuddle" Premium Fleece Blanket

 

5. Refresh with houseplants.

Not only do live indoor plants improve air quality, the sight of greenery also has a relaxing, refreshing effect. Numerous studies have found that indoor plants reduce stress levels, improve moods, and support mental health overall. Now, raising houseplants doesn't have to be nerve-racking if you don't have a green thumb. You can start with low-maintenance plants like succulents and cacti.

 

6. Go for symmetry.

You know how sometimes we get irked by little things around the house because they don't 'fit right'? Classic examples are floor tiles that aren't perfectly aligned, or wall art that looks out of place. The human brain is naturally inclined to look for order in the midst of chaos, and nothing says "Everything in order" like a symmetrical decor scheme.

Consider arranging your furniture and ornamentation in a visually balanced way. The easiest way to achieve this is to place the same elements on the right as on the left (mirroring). For instance, if you have an artwork that looks too small on your wall, get another one of the same size and color and hang them side by side.

Wall art pictured above: Personalized Couple's Initials Premium Canvas Set

 

7. Secure some serene spaces.

Our homes inevitably become full of activity during certain periods. To ensure that you still have a restful oasis, designate a space or two exclusively for peace and quiet. It can be your bedroom, a nook by the window, or even your back porch. Design it so it's somewhat closed off from the rest of the house, and fill it with cozy elements like cushions and pillows. Most importantly, this space must be free of anything stressful, so don't bring any work or noisy electronics into it.

 

8. Light your favorite candles.

As cliche as it sounds, candles are still a reliable mood-lifter. Get one or two in your favorite scent. On days when you're feeling a little too stressed, just light your candles, put on your favorite relaxing music, and sit back to recharge.

 

9. Be inspired by air or water.

When deciding on an interior design scheme or picking out some new decor, consider designs that have something to do with air or water. These are two of the most relaxing elements of nature, which is why you often find little water fountains and bamboo chimes in Zen settings. Not keen on putting a water ornament in your home? Try water- or air-inspired prints instead, like in your textiles or displayed artwork.

Wall art pictured above: "Eat Well, Travel Often" Premium Canvas

 

10. Decorate with calm visuals.

Needless to say, your wall decor plays a huge role in setting the mood of each room. So instead of putting up busy art prints or congested gallery walls, hang one large-scale wall art with a calming visual. This minimizes visual clutter and immediately draws the eye to a peaceful focal point. (For more tips on relaxing wall decor, check out our blog post on minimalist decorating.)

Wall art pictured above: "Soulmates" Premium Panoramic Canvas

 

Which of these decorating suggestions could you try in your own home? We invite you to try one or two of these today to start soothing that beautiful mind and spirit of yours. From all of us here at Gear Den, have a calm, healthy, happy home!


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