Carving Out Oases of Calm in Our Busy Lives
Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries – places where we can kick off our shoes, let our guard down, and truly be ourselves. But sometimes, it can feel like even our own private spaces are anything but relaxing. Between the endless piles of laundry, the constant buzzing of our devices, and the seemingly never-ending responsibilities we carry home with us, it’s no wonder many of us struggle to truly unwind within the walls of our own abodes.
However, with a little intention and creativity, we can transform our homes into the soothing oases they were always meant to be. In this article, I’m going to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for cultivating a sense of relaxation and tranquility in our living spaces – from the power of color and texture to the importance of establishing calming rituals.
The Calming Power of Color
It’s no secret that certain colors have the ability to elicit different emotional responses. For me, I know that soft, warm hues like pale terracotta, peach, and soft pink are the shades that bring me the greatest sense of calm and comfort.
As the founder of French Bedroom, Georgia Metcalfe, aptly puts it, “One of the calmest places to be in nature is outdoors amongst greenery and any interior colour palettes that emulate these tones will be close to Mother Nature’s soothing hues which makes us feel calm.”
I’ve embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly in my own living room, painting the walls and even the ceiling in a soothing, womb-like palette of soft terracotta and peach. The effect is almost meditative, with the warm light transforming the space into a cozy haven, even on the grayest of days.
Of course, color preferences are highly personal, and what one person finds relaxing, another might not. While many experts point to blues as being among the most calming shades, I’ve never found them to have the same soothing effect in my own home. That’s why it’s so important to tune into your own individual preferences and create a space that speaks to your unique sensibilities.
Layering Texture for a Cozy, Inviting Ambiance
In addition to color, texture plays a crucial role in crafting a relaxing home environment. Soft, tactile elements like plush throws, fluffy pillows, and sumptuous rugs can transform a space from stark and sterile to warm and enveloping.
In my living room, I’ve layered an array of contrasting textures, from the silky smoothness of a Mulberry Silk Soft Pink Striped Ruffle Boudoir Cushion from French Bedroom to the cozy, chunky knit of a chenille throw. The juxtaposition of these different materials not only adds visual interest but also encourages the senses to linger, inviting you to sink in and unwind.
As Georgia Metcalfe explains, “Not only does this layered effect bring depth to your interior design, inviting you to curl up and relax but it also also stimulates the senses, which can be an aid to relaxation. Running your hands over a fluffy cushion or chunky knit throw can be a calming and grounding experience, helping you to unwind and de-stress after a long day.”
Harnessing the Power of Technology for Relaxation
In a world that’s increasingly dominated by screens and digital distractions, it might seem counterintuitive to turn to technology as a tool for relaxation. But with the right mindset and the right apps, our devices can actually become powerful allies in our quest for inner peace.
Meditation and mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided practices that can help us quiet our minds, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of focus and presence. And apps like Relax Melodies and White Noise provide a soothing soundtrack of nature sounds and white noise that can block out distractions and lull us into a state of tranquility.
Of course, the key is to set boundaries and use these tools mindfully. As the experts suggest, it’s important to turn off notifications, silence our phones, and create a dedicated space for our relaxation rituals, free from the constant pull of our digital devices.
Cultivating Calming Rituals and Routines
In addition to harnessing the power of color, texture, and technology, one of the most effective ways to cultivate a sense of relaxation in our homes is through the establishment of calming rituals and routines.
Whether it’s setting aside time for a peaceful journaling session or indulging in a soothing bedtime routine of warm baths and herbal tea, these intentional practices can help us create a sense of structure, stability, and calm in the midst of our often-hectic lives.
As Georgia Metcalfe, the founder of French Bedroom, notes, “I find balance with 5 minutes of journaling in the morning. I also like to do 2 minutes of yoga followed by 20 press-ups – it gets my blood flowing first thing in the morning. Finally, taking time to enjoy an English breakfast tea with oat milk sets me up for the day ahead and has a lasting effect on my ability to stay calm.”
By carving out these sacred moments for ourselves, we can signal to our minds and bodies that it’s time to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
The Power of Scent in Creating Calm
As the founder of my own home fragrance line, Adam Cleaning, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of scent in cultivating a sense of relaxation and tranquility within our living spaces.
Numerous studies have shown that the olfactory system, which is responsible for our sense of smell, has a direct and powerful connection to the limbic system – the part of the brain that governs emotion, memory, and mood. By harnessing the therapeutic properties of essential oils and carefully crafted fragrances, we can create an olfactory environment that promotes calm, reduces stress, and even enhances sleep.
Something as simple as lighting a scented candle can trigger a cascade of positive reactions, from the immediate sensory experience of the fragrance to the ritual of the flame flickering and the soothing ambiance it creates. Over time, our brains can become “hardwired” to associate certain scents with relaxation, allowing us to tap into that sense of calm with just a single breath.
Whether it’s the earthy, grounding notes of cedarwood, the soothing floral tones of lavender, or the warm, comforting embrace of vanilla, the right fragrance can be a powerful tool in our quest for inner peace within the walls of our homes.
Embracing the Imperfections
Of course, the reality is that even with all the best intentions and strategies, our homes will never be perfectly tranquil oases. Life happens, and with it come the inevitable messes, distractions, and responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
But rather than striving for an unattainable ideal of domestic bliss, I’ve found that the key is to embrace the imperfections and find ways to carve out pockets of calm amidst the chaos. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a soothing bath ritual, or simply taking a few mindful moments to appreciate the beauty around us, the small things can make a world of difference in cultivating a sense of relaxation and well-being in our homes.
After all, as the saying goes, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” And when it comes to creating a sanctuary of calm in our living spaces, sometimes good – or even just “good enough” – is precisely what we need.
So, my friends, I encourage you to experiment, to tap into your own unique preferences and sensibilities, and to find the rituals and routines that help you feel most grounded and at peace within the walls of your home. Because in a world that so often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, our homes should be the places where we can truly come home to ourselves.
