Decorating Guides
16 Secrets to a Soothing Home
Create a haven for yourself with light, color, the sound of water — a reminder to stop for a while and breathe
Transport yourself to a place where there is no noise, no rush and no preoccupations. Envision this place as your home; a respite that calms you and induces peace of mind. Every time you are here time stops and a world of relaxation unfolds. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's feasible to make this dream real. No matter your budget, no matter the size of your home, creating a placid haven is easy.
The golden rule in achieving a peaceful setting lies in getting rid of clutter first. It's amazing how a space changes once cleanliness and organization reign. Clean and organize every room, every closet and every corner — dispose all the clutter that gets in the way of your thoughts and only germinates chaos. Then, add simple decorative elements that allow you to focus and rest.
Remember that an uncluttered home is a happy home. Once your dwelling is clutter-free, it’s time to get creative and conceive a place you’ll love waking up to and going home to. A place that will surely soothe your soul.
The golden rule in achieving a peaceful setting lies in getting rid of clutter first. It's amazing how a space changes once cleanliness and organization reign. Clean and organize every room, every closet and every corner — dispose all the clutter that gets in the way of your thoughts and only germinates chaos. Then, add simple decorative elements that allow you to focus and rest.
Remember that an uncluttered home is a happy home. Once your dwelling is clutter-free, it’s time to get creative and conceive a place you’ll love waking up to and going home to. A place that will surely soothe your soul.
When you have a view from a room, you have to make the most of it. A view can relax you and open your mind, even help you get outside and do something fun. I like the idea of bringing the outside in and using it as decoration. There's no need to add color or hang a painting here, the view is a true masterpiece.
This is a great example of why lighting is so important. Here, the softness of the light creates harmony and warmth; an inviting ambiance that permits relaxation.
To achieve this, buy dimmers to control the intensity of the lights and direct them away from the sitting area, unless you intend to read.
Start with a soft light and play with it until you find the right mood. Remember that a very bright room can be relaxing only if it's natural light, otherwise you feel like you're in a store's window display.
To achieve this, buy dimmers to control the intensity of the lights and direct them away from the sitting area, unless you intend to read.
Start with a soft light and play with it until you find the right mood. Remember that a very bright room can be relaxing only if it's natural light, otherwise you feel like you're in a store's window display.
There is nothing more soothing than the sound of the waves kissing the sand and the smell of the ocean, at least to me. But, hey, I'm an island girl, what else can I say. If you enjoy this too, position a resting chair where you can hear the ocean. If you don't live close to the water, get a small fountain (or a big one if you can) and lose yourself in the sounds of falling liquid.
I bet this is how an oasis in the middle of a desert would look like if a designer or architect lived in it. I love the colors here; the bright green from the outdoor furniture and crisp white of the walls orchestrating a decadent resting area. That swimming pool is just the icing on the cake. Just make sure to turn off that plasma TV. The goal is to relax, don't forget it!
Imagine yourself reading a good book here, drinking hot tea or hot chocolate and looking outside everytime the story makes you wonder. Just lovely. Brown shades and clean lines conceived this elegant room. See how only a few well-positioned furniture pieces make this room look comfortable and bigger than it really is. This is fundamental when trying to create a relaxing area. Too many things distract and create mayhem. If you keep it pretty, simple and with light colors, you'll achieve something nice.
This room is so simple it's beautiful. It projects honesty and purity. Calming and unpretentious places have a way of relaxing us.
A monochromatic palette is used in very light colors, like white and pale beige; colors of light.
These colors can make a space look bigger, brighter and welcoming.
A monochromatic palette is used in very light colors, like white and pale beige; colors of light.
These colors can make a space look bigger, brighter and welcoming.
Light colors are enhanced by bright lilac and green in this room.
The colorful cushions don't interrupt the flow thanks to their small size. They are here to add character and life to an otherwise bland room.
The colorful cushions don't interrupt the flow thanks to their small size. They are here to add character and life to an otherwise bland room.
Ethereal Green and Blue Handpainting
This ethereal art piece is the perfect accessory for a serene home. Colors that seem to have faded with time, such as the ones in antique paintings, serve as great soothing color schemes. Use this reference when buying paint or when buying accessories like the ones in the previous image.
All-white decor adds light and widens a space. You can feel openness and energy flowing liberally in an all-white room.
Many colors blend perfectly with this concept, especially greens, blues and oranges. Pick your favorite shade and add it in meager amounts to prevent a disruption of the airy feel.
Many colors blend perfectly with this concept, especially greens, blues and oranges. Pick your favorite shade and add it in meager amounts to prevent a disruption of the airy feel.
Green Glass Lamp
Perfect lamp for a relaxing room. The color is natural and will match seamlessly with many other shades. The base is clear, so no problem there.
The goal is to create a simple area with no clutter. Accessories that do not intrude and can almost disappear are essential. The less things to focus on, the better. You want to clear the view and let only certain pieces stand out.
The goal is to create a simple area with no clutter. Accessories that do not intrude and can almost disappear are essential. The less things to focus on, the better. You want to clear the view and let only certain pieces stand out.
The beauty of nature can help you adorn your home. There is no replacement for a gorgeous tree like the one here, for example. Nature brings peace and calm to our lives. We were made to be in contact with nature all the time.
This terrace takes advantage of the surroundings and blends nature in by adding plants to the concrete area, using earthy colors and just making it simple.
This terrace takes advantage of the surroundings and blends nature in by adding plants to the concrete area, using earthy colors and just making it simple.
Comfortable lounging and a view to remember, what can be more relaxing. Just make sure to have your sunscreen on. This is very easy to create, but again, a really nice view made the area. If you don't have a view, just find comfy sunbeds and place them in a quiet place, preferably in a balcony or patio. The point is to distract you from the daily routine and get a chance to unwind.
Zen-inspired, this space speaks volumes about relaxation. Japanese décor is known for being simple yet elegant, minimalist yet cozy.
There's flow in the room, colors are subtle and nature is always a part of it. Get inspired and create your own Zen respite.
There's flow in the room, colors are subtle and nature is always a part of it. Get inspired and create your own Zen respite.
RELAX ~ Canvas Millinery Boudoir Pillow
And if you need a reminder, get something like this. This cute pillow, made of 100% natural cotton canvas, contains the word you need to tell yourself every day: RELAX. Just breathe.
More:
Keep Calm and Carry On: Going Beyond the Poster
New Year's Resolution: Make More 'Me' Time
The Suite Life: Beautiful Bedroom Seating Areas
More:
Keep Calm and Carry On: Going Beyond the Poster
New Year's Resolution: Make More 'Me' Time
The Suite Life: Beautiful Bedroom Seating Areas