Six Steps to Designing a Tranquil Home
The six leading causes of death in the US are heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver cirrhosis, and suicide. While their symptoms may manifest themselves in a variety of ways, a commonality between them is that chronic stress is associated with all of them. As a country, we’re less anxious than we were during the economic downturn, but many of us still regularly experience unhealthy levels of stress. While not all points of stress are within our direct control, there are a variety of ways to make sure that your home is as serene as possible.
Color: The colors within your home deeply play into your emotions. Blue is often lauded for its ability to invoke relaxation. If you crave something more cheery, a muted yellow can work well. Steer clear of brighter shades, which can subconsciously cause feelings of anxiety and frustration. A green reminiscent of hues found in nature can also conjure up a relaxed mentality.
Scent: The smells you chose to incorporate within your home can have a deep impact on your mood. Shy away from those that are overpowering, since they can be a distraction. Scents that promote relaxation include vanilla, lavender, coconut and cinnamon.
Varied Textures: Add interest to your space by integrating an assortment of textures. Choose a cozy area rug to add warmth to a wooden floor. Balance leather furniture out by pairing with fluffy throw pillows. Don’t skimp on linens and bedding either, as comforting fabrics can immediately put you at ease.
Banish Clutter: Clutter can make us feel overstimulated, stressed and as if we’ll never finish our to-do list. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your home’s atmosphere is to organize it. Remove superfluous décor from walls, especially those that may have negative memories attached to them. Restrict items on your countertops to only the bare essentials.
Lighting Concept: Along with making everything look better, natural light is an instant energy and mood enhancer. Shear curtains can allow light to filter in while minimizing a glare. In rooms without windows, natural light can be introduced by installing a skylight or sun tunnel. Maximizing the amount of natural light your home’s interior receives also equates to lower energy bills, as artificial lighting can be up to 40% of your home’s energy bill.
Incorporation of Nature: The majority of us are pre-programmed to appreciate elements of nature and are soothed by them. Items to consider incorporating within your home can include house plants, a fountain, fresh cut flowers or a mini Zen garden.
Many of These Concepts Were Utilized in this New Construction Project Completed by Our Team: