When the slings and arrows of life rain down, your home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe, calm and composed.
But it takes a lot of thought to design your interior and exterior so that they’re aligned with the type of ambience that fosters perfect mind-body balance.
However, we’ve trawled the deepest recesses of the internet to find affordable ways to inject some serenity into your domestic space – here are five ways to make your home more calm and contemplative.
- Zen garden
Buddhists know a thing or two about meditation – after all, they’ve had well over 2000 years to perfect the practice.
But creating a Zen space in your outdoor area doesn’t take nearly as long and hearing the rustle of leaves, birds chirping and bees buzzing makes your daily mindfulness sessions all the more effective – learn how to create a Zen garden in this article from web oracle WikiHow.
- Home yoga studio
If you know your mantras from your mudras, there’s a good chance that you also practice yoga – another Eastern discipline which works wonders for keeping life’s trials and tribulations in perspective.
While visiting a well-appointed yoga studio is always lovely, ample floor space, a durable mat and a few firm cushions are all you need for a vibrant version at home – check out Yoga Journal online for more advice.
- Treehouse
Treehouses are traditionally for kids, but it’s boring to grow up completely and if you’re a fan of Return of the Jedi, you’ve probably had a hankering for your own Ewok dwelling place since the 80s.
Your own treetop retreat is a brilliant place to hide from the world for a while, recharge your batteries and indulge in imaginative flights of fancy – for practical construction tips, read this article from DIY bible Popular Mechanics.
- Reading nooks
Few of us have the funds to install a wood-lined library in our homes, but if the written word is your best therapy, creating a reading nook is an excellent compromise.
You’ll need some shelving to house your favourite tomes, a decent lamp, plenty of cushions and perhaps an antique Chesterfield chair – you might find something suitable from Vinterior online.
- Doors
If you’ve never considered the effect that doors have on the ambience of your interior, now’s the time to do so – for instance, replacing solid doors with quality alternatives featuring glass panels allows light to enter nooks and crannies in order to create a light and airy atmosphere.
The craftsmen at Oakwood Doors have a range of styles to suit any type of home – browse their selection at your leisure before picking the perfect suite of premium portals.
These five ways to make your home calmer and more contemplative aren’t ridiculously expensive but they can make a massive difference to your quality of life – get started on making your special space more serene today.
That’s our list! Share your own calm home decor tips in the comments section.