It’s every homeowner’s dream to have an organised, clutter-free home where everything has a place and everything is in its place. Getting your home to this wonderful state of order often takes quite some doing, depending on the number of adults, kids and pets living there.
In their quest to have a more organised home, homeowners resort to trying everything from Zen principles to checking with hotel furniture suppliers for the best furniture choices. If you’re trying to make your space and its flow better, then this article is for you!
What Does it Mean to Make Your Home More Zen?
Essentially, Zen design is based on the Japanese minimalist philosophy where the space design makes use of natural materials, patterns of light and a rejection of clutter. It’s also about arranging your furniture in a manner that’s spacious and simple. Ideally, a Zen space will create a flow in your space where everything works toward creating balance, harmony and relaxation.
Making Your Space More Zen—Easier Than You Think
The idea of using Japanese philosophy design principles to create a less cluttered environment might sound complex the first time you’re introduced to it. The good news is that a Zen space is easier to create than you think. We’ve simplified a few of the principles to get you started.
1. Do a Major Declutter
First things first. Before you can start creating the perfect space, you need to do a major declutter. According to the Zen concept, clutter inhibits relaxation, which means you’re less likely to be able to relax in a space that’s full and untidy.
Clear your space of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose in that room. If you’re a collector and don’t have the heart to get rid of your ornaments, the trick is to display them in a manner that’s not cluttered. Add one or two shelves and space the ornaments to showcase them without creating a jumbled feel.
2. Opt for Earthy Colours
Zen-inspired designs are based on all things natural and that will your colour palette too. Here you want to opt for soft, earthy tones such as white, shades of beige, grey, ivory and light brown.
This doesn’t require you to rid your space of all colours though. It simply means that you should consider using a bright colour in a few simple accents rather than overwhelming the space with a bold hue. The idea is to create chromatic harmony between the different elements in the room of your apartments for rent in nashville tn. That means you want a flow between your floors, walls and furniture.
3. Choose Light and Natural Fabrics
The same Zen principle should be applied to the fabrics you choose. Select natural textiles such as linen, wool or bunting wool in colours to match your initial décor. Curtains and window coverings should be light and airy to help create a flow in the space. Many homeowners opt for blinds as a way of keeping the design clean and less bulky.
4. Keep Furniture Natural and Simple
One of the easiest ways to avoid being stuck with heavy, bulky furniture that just clutters your space is to consider one of the apartment furniture packages that resemble the products found in hotels. This type of furniture is functional rather than ostentatious.
The goal here is to use furniture that is made of natural materials to increase the feeling of relaxation. Pieces must blend in with the other items and above all else be functional. Remember to create clean lines by choosing simple furniture.
5. Choose the Right Lighting
As with your design options, your lighting should be as natural as possible. Where possible, consider installing a skylight or two to illuminate dark spaces such as your laundry room, kitchen and hallways.
Additionally, remove harsh fluorescent lights and replace them with calmer, LED options. A good idea here is also to avoid relying too much on overpowering light from the ceiling. Opt for floor lamps that will create light in a specific area rather than flooding the entire room. This is a great idea for reading nooks and living rooms. Adding scented candles is also a great way to enhance your ambience.
6. Use Living Plants to Create Calmness
Since Zen focuses on authentic, natural elements, another popular principle to incorporate in your space is to add living plants. There are two benefits to adding plants—they increase oxygen and have a general calming effect.
Avoid flowering plants as they require excessive maintenance and can be messy. Keep in mind that the idea is to simplify, not to add to your chores. Plants commonly used in Zen décor include the following:
- Bonsai trees
- Hanging terrariums
- Dwarf conifers
- Ferns
Final Thought
Adding a few Zen principles to your key design aspects will provide you with a more organised space. Furthermore, your space will be more relaxed and inviting. Spaces that have less furniture are also cooler in the warm months as there’s more space for ventilation. Making your home more Zen will have you feeling more comfortable in no time!
