11 Simple Tricks to Make Your House Feel More Zen
Bring some of this ancient philosophy home to create a tranquil oasis that nurtures and restores
Meera Innes
14 June 2015
Houzz contributor. Freelance writer and lover of beautiful things. I grew up in Japan so my taste in interiors runs to the minimalist with an emphasis on natural colours and textures - but the Indian in me can't say no to sumptuous fabrics in glorious jewel tones either! I'm a big lover of combining old with new, so expect to see plenty of upcycled pieces and interiors featuring contemporary twists on period character.
Houzz contributor. Freelance writer and lover of beautiful things. I grew up in Japan... More
A minimalist home isn’t just about style; a clean and uncluttered interior is like a breath of fresh air that is calming to the senses. Aside from meditation, which is at the core of Zen philosophy, this ancient approach to life is about surrounding yourself with a simple, natural and soothing environment. Creating a Zen mood at home can reduce stress by eliminating factors such as visual distractions and mess, instead incorporating space and soothing themes from nature that can help to bring our cortisol levels down a notch. Browse these schemes for inspiration.
1. Make your entrance an oasis
Stepping into your home should make you sigh with relief, and a clean, inviting space will lift a load off your shoulders the moment you set foot through the door. Keep your entrance clear of mess by incorporating shoe storage and creating a bright and airy scheme that makes you feel glad to be home.
Stepping into your home should make you sigh with relief, and a clean, inviting space will lift a load off your shoulders the moment you set foot through the door. Keep your entrance clear of mess by incorporating shoe storage and creating a bright and airy scheme that makes you feel glad to be home.
2. Create a quiet corner
If you aren’t able to give your whole home a Zen makeover, have one area of the house where you can get away from it all. Keep this space clear of clutter and electronic distractions and, where possible, invite nature in through light and greenery (even if it’s only a few indoor plants).
The recliner is optional, but I think you’ll agree it makes the space extra inviting.
If you aren’t able to give your whole home a Zen makeover, have one area of the house where you can get away from it all. Keep this space clear of clutter and electronic distractions and, where possible, invite nature in through light and greenery (even if it’s only a few indoor plants).
The recliner is optional, but I think you’ll agree it makes the space extra inviting.
3. Choose raw textures
Incorporating nature is a big part of Zen philosophy. Do whatever you can to see it and hear it, and design your home so you can feel it, too. Putting natural flooring underfoot is a soothing way to connect with nature.
Opt for timber flooring or lay a sisal rug, as the owners of this peace-promoting home have done; the raw textures and subdued colours can provide immediate relief from the chaos of modern life.
Incorporating nature is a big part of Zen philosophy. Do whatever you can to see it and hear it, and design your home so you can feel it, too. Putting natural flooring underfoot is a soothing way to connect with nature.
Opt for timber flooring or lay a sisal rug, as the owners of this peace-promoting home have done; the raw textures and subdued colours can provide immediate relief from the chaos of modern life.
4. Incorporate natural hues
Create a spa-like ambience with the aid of soft greens, cool blues and other tones that mimic soothing natural elements. Keep colour to a minimum and choose an overall palette that doesn’t stress the senses. This is a brilliant meditation-inspiring tactic for bedrooms, especially if you struggle to sleep because you’re battling busy thoughts from the day whizzing around your brain.
Create a spa-like ambience with the aid of soft greens, cool blues and other tones that mimic soothing natural elements. Keep colour to a minimum and choose an overall palette that doesn’t stress the senses. This is a brilliant meditation-inspiring tactic for bedrooms, especially if you struggle to sleep because you’re battling busy thoughts from the day whizzing around your brain.
5. Let in the light
There’s nothing as refreshing as natural light to make a home feel bright and airy – and close to nature. Keep window treatments to a minimum and let the light pour in at every opportunity.
Throughout your home, opt for warm lighting – swap the harshness of overhead lights for a combination of soft task and ambient lighting to achieve a peaceful mood.
There’s nothing as refreshing as natural light to make a home feel bright and airy – and close to nature. Keep window treatments to a minimum and let the light pour in at every opportunity.
Throughout your home, opt for warm lighting – swap the harshness of overhead lights for a combination of soft task and ambient lighting to achieve a peaceful mood.
6. Keep it simple
Soothing tones, clean lines and a simple aesthetic are ideal components for a Zen interior. Warm wood, natural light and pale colours make this bathroom a restorative, spa-like space. For optimum calm, keep accessories to a minimum and put towels and other items out of sight.
Bring the Calming Natural Elements of Asia Into Your Bathroom
Soothing tones, clean lines and a simple aesthetic are ideal components for a Zen interior. Warm wood, natural light and pale colours make this bathroom a restorative, spa-like space. For optimum calm, keep accessories to a minimum and put towels and other items out of sight.
Bring the Calming Natural Elements of Asia Into Your Bathroom
7. Zone your home
Partitioning different areas of your home creates a cosy sense of intimacy. Make each zone a centre of calm that is shielded from the distractions of anything going on around it.
Partitioning different areas of your home creates a cosy sense of intimacy. Make each zone a centre of calm that is shielded from the distractions of anything going on around it.
8. Eliminate clutter
Nothing creates visual chaos quite like ‘stuff’, so make it a priority to edit down your belongings until all surfaces – including the floor – are clear. Have a good clear-out, and ensure everything you keep has its place, preferably out of sight. Then stand back to survey the free space – trust me, you’ll feel instantly calmer.
More: Does it Spark Joy? The Art of Decluttering, Japanese Style
Nothing creates visual chaos quite like ‘stuff’, so make it a priority to edit down your belongings until all surfaces – including the floor – are clear. Have a good clear-out, and ensure everything you keep has its place, preferably out of sight. Then stand back to survey the free space – trust me, you’ll feel instantly calmer.
More: Does it Spark Joy? The Art of Decluttering, Japanese Style
9. Limit your ornaments
Bare walls and clear surfaces will make interiors more Zen, but it’s important the finish is clean enough to carry such minimalist décor, so consider a fresh lick of paint if necessary. Stick with just a few well-chosen, meaningful decorations that make a simple yet stylish statement.
Bare walls and clear surfaces will make interiors more Zen, but it’s important the finish is clean enough to carry such minimalist décor, so consider a fresh lick of paint if necessary. Stick with just a few well-chosen, meaningful decorations that make a simple yet stylish statement.
10. Embrace greenery
Indoor plants literally and figuratively clear the air in a home. Choose low-maintenance plants, such as succulents and orchids, to lend added freshness and calm to any room.
Indoor plants literally and figuratively clear the air in a home. Choose low-maintenance plants, such as succulents and orchids, to lend added freshness and calm to any room.
11. Install a water feature
Even the simplest water feature can have a transformative effect on a home. The soothing sound of trickling water has the power to transport us to a tranquil paradise.
TELL US
How do you make your home a tranquil space? Share your tips in the Comments.
MORE
Subtle Decorating Moves Designed to Soothe Your Soul
Easy Tricks to Transform Your Home Into a Peaceful Sanctuary
Clean Living: Declutter Your Way to a Minimalist Home in 7 Easy Steps
Even the simplest water feature can have a transformative effect on a home. The soothing sound of trickling water has the power to transport us to a tranquil paradise.
TELL US
How do you make your home a tranquil space? Share your tips in the Comments.
MORE
Subtle Decorating Moves Designed to Soothe Your Soul
Easy Tricks to Transform Your Home Into a Peaceful Sanctuary
Clean Living: Declutter Your Way to a Minimalist Home in 7 Easy Steps
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Petra Tucker - your '60s house will take the uncluttered look fantastically - 1960s furniture can be neat and sleek - I love it! Post some photos when it's done?
I used to love the Victorian higgledy piggledy look (and still do) - but for my own (Victorian)house, am coming round to the benefits of sleeker style! Maybe my head has become so cluttered it needs calmer surroundings...
I have a prayer plant like kooky karen, it belonged to my dad , its still going strong after 30 years, I still get excited seeing new leaves emerge, precious memories.