How to Make Your Living Room a Zen Den
After a long day at work, running errands or chasing the kids, the first thing many of us want to do is put up our feet and take a much-needed mental break. However, sometimes it’s difficult to wind down and calm our minds when all we want to do is relax. That’s why you need a designated space in your home where you can unplug, unwind and give yourself some ‘me time’.
Zen is a buzzword that’s receiving a lot of attention lately. However, it’s an ancient school of Buddhism that emphasises the value of meditation and intuition. While you don’t need to turn your living room into a place of worship, you can certainly embrace these principles so you can come home to a relaxing place and feel at peace.
To help you create a Zen den, we’ve got some interior decorating tips for your living room.
Create good lighting
We don’t need to remind you that a space with good lighting is essential to your wellbeing. You’ve likely heard of the circadian rhythm, which is a natural and internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle within us. This is influenced by environmental cues, especially light. While bright, natural light might make us alert and productive for the day ahead, that same light is not so desirable in the evening when we just want to wind down. That’s why your living room should have floor lamps or wall sconces at eye-level or below for ambience. Low lighting in the evening will encourage your body and mind to go into rest and relaxation mode.
Cultivate a sense of peace with your pieces
We’re sure you’ve heard the saying “less is more.” Sometimes, creating a sense of peace comes down to your pieces. All you need is comfortable seating that you can sink your body into after a long day at work or out running errands. Soft furnishings like plush pillows and throw blankets can work wonders, as well as soft carpeting or rugs made with earthy tones. Also, any clutter around your space will be competing for your attention, so be sure to clear it away before you take a seat.
Add greenery
Invite calmness into your living room with green plants. Not only do they clear the air with fresh oxygen but they invite the natural environment into your home, helping you stay calm. Avoid flowers that may require constant upkeep or emanate strong scents. Instead, choose Bonsai trees or low maintenance plants like ficus or bamboo, which are popular choices in zen décor.
Enhance your room with natural scents
Using essential oils or soy candles for their scent is a natural way to enhance and encourage a feeling of calm in the home. The key is not to choose a fragrance that’s too strong - instead, go for lavender, ylang ylang, lemon or earthy scents,, which are known to quell anxiety and stress.
Consider cool tones
Colour impacts our mood and emotions in a big way. When it’s time to wind down, bright reds, yellows or oranges can actually have the opposite effect. If you own any furnishings, paintings or ornaments in these colours, consider relocating them to other parts of the house. Your living room should be filled with cool tones such as blues, greens or greys for a calm, relaxed and refreshed setting. Be sure to include a subtle colour or tone variation to ensure your living room doesn’t stray into ‘too clinical’ territory.
For more interior design tips to create a home that evokes a calm and peaceful atmosphere throughout, visit our website today.
