Hi All,
Last week I talked a lot about designing with texture and dialing it back on the colour. This week I want to take it a step further and talk about how you can create a balanced, calm, zen like interior that should be your retreat at the end of a busy day. For me home is all about comfort, relaxation, balance and that sense of letting go of the external environment. I find an overly stark white, minimal interior feels clinical and not relaxing at all, there’s no comfort in this for me. Equally an overly warm, cluttered eclectic interior makes me feel a little chaotic and not at all relaxed. I know I’m talking about personal preferences here, however if you’re after something a little more calming there are some simple rules that you can follow.
1. Keep things simple. Don’t go overboard with too many pieces of furniture, artwork and decorative items. When you look at a piece in your home you must feel a positive connection to it, if you don’t then it needs to go. This will keep the space feeling comfortable.
A simple sofa, chair, side tables rug and light is all you really need to furnish your lounge room.
2. Keep the palette natural. Using natural materials and colours sit in harmony together so instantly deliver on the relaxed feeling you are looking for.
Keeping the materials and colours neutral delivered a calm space in this small terrace.
3. For balance use colours and hues that feel soothing such as green, blue, oatmeal and sand. Choose mid-tone colours so that your palette doesn’t contrast too much you are looking for more of a blend, this will create balance.
Colours from nature create this stunning kitchen, so calm and soothing.
4. Use natural light and indoor plants to bring the outside in. Nature is a life source for all of us, light, air, water, plants these are all so important for our being. Therefore if you are missing these in your home your rooms could feel clinical, cold and very unnatural. Keep window coverings to a minimum if you suffer from little natural light in your home. For instance roman blinds can block out a lot of light when up, so opt for rollers.
Use sheers for privacy without blocking too much light. Plants also bring you closer to nature.
5. And finally take the time to ensure your home has all the storage you need. If everything has a place there is less chance for your home to feel chaotic on an everyday basis.
Build in a bookshelf in a small unused space.