When we are still facing such uncertain and stressful times, it’s essential that we create an oasis of calm at home where we can relax and recharge our batteries.  Here we’ll look at ways of making your home relaxing.

Remove the clutter

Clutter creates visual noise which is stressful so throw away anything that does not serve any purpose. The best way to tackle decluttering is in stages – focus on one room, one space, or even one area in a room (like your kitchen drawers) and sort out each job before moving to the next space. 

Once you have decluttered, focus on being discerning about what you choose to keep on display. You’ll feel much more serene when you are not surrounded by piles of old magazines, a hallway full of coats and kitchen cupboards full of out of date spice jars.

Embrace colour psychology

Colour psychology is key to how we feel. Different colours create different physical, emotional and psychological effects. While some colours are calming, others are stimulating.

Natural hues such as green, blue, grey, white and earthy terracotta shades are just some of the colours that will create an oasis of calm. Bright colours like red or dark colours like black stimulate our brains and fill us with energy, whereas serene colours like blue and green make us feel calm and relaxed. When choosing a colour scheme for your home, it is important to think about how you want to feel when you’re in the room.  

Use calming restful colours 

Introduce calming restful colours Blue is a soothing colour which helps calm a busy mind. Think of looking up at the sky or at the sea on a sunny day. Blues are great in spaces like bedrooms as they can help reduce stress and promote a good night’s sleep.

Green is a quiet restful colour we associate with nature so it’s the perfect choice to help you feel calm. Think of looking up at a canopy of trees, the expanse of green in a lovely park, a summer lawn and rolling fields; all relaxing spaces. 

Purple represents spirituality, wisdom and peace. Choose soft shades like a soft lilac for bedrooms and bathrooms to create a stress-free sanctuary.

​White symbolises purity and freshness and can inspire mental clarity. Choosing the right white is key. A yellowy white can look dull, a bright white too clinical and a grey white can look dirty. Go for warm creamy whites to create a calming uplifting space.

Grey can be very calming and relaxing. It is a great neutral colour, which works well as a great base colour with any brighter colours to create a cool, calming tone that won’t seem too overwhelming or distracting in any room.

Use these colours in the rooms where you want to feel comfortable and relaxed. A bedroom sanctuary, a spa-like bathroom or a restful living space.

Bring in natural materials

Natural materials bring a calming energy to your home. They’re durable, environmentally friendly, and look stylish. Whatever your interior design style, there is a natural material that will look amazing; look for materials like bamboo, rattan and wicker.

Bamboo is a sustainable natural material that can be used for many different things. Bamboo flooring, lighting, window treatments and accessories will bring a calming Asian influence to your space.  

For that laid back relaxed Scandi vibe, mix rattan and wicker with white walls and bright accessories for a modern contemporary look.

Natural materials are amazing neutrals and give an instant feeling of calm and style to any space. Because they are always on trend, they will give your home a timeless elegance.

A home full of the things you love will always bring joy and alleviate stress. Small personal touches make a big difference to how we feel about our homes. Fresh flowers, family photographs, a picture you love, cushions in your favourite colour, a bowl of seasonal fruit, gorgeous smelling candles – these are the things that will help you relax and unwind.