Turning a house into a home requires a certain amount of skill and continuous care. And it’s the little details that can make all the difference.
A study by Hammonds Fitted Furniture highlights the fact that 26% of people feel their home is not a relaxing place to be due to certain factors. These include unpleasant smells (65%), clutter (60%), dirty windows (45%), harsh lighting (41%) and dark walls (28%). Eliminating these problems can have a bigger impact than you might expect.
Here are some additional decorating tips to make your home feel extra cosy.
Minimalism
If you have too much clutter around you, you can feel overwhelmed and restless. Instead, focus on creating a minimalist and open atmosphere. Start by going through your belongings and implementing a decluttering system. If you’re too attached to certain items, consider storing them somewhere else to see how you feel in a few months.
Kirsty Oaks from Hammonds says: “We firmly believe that storage is the key to a ‘zen’ home.” She continues: “When everything has its place and can be safely stored in organised drawers and cupboards, it reduces clutter which, as we saw in our survey, is a cause of stress for many people.”
Natural elements
Bring nature into your home, be it through plants or natural materials. The latter can be achieved through accents and furniture made from materials such as wood or stone. Stay away from mass-produced items and opt for customised or second-hand pieces to give your interior a personal touch. Top it all off with candles and reed diffusers that release earthy scents you love.
Soft lighting
Lighting has a big impact on the look and feel of a room. Choose soft, diffused options instead of harsh overhead lighting to create a calming feeling and help you relax. If some rooms don’t get much sunlight, the right lamps will help transform the space.
Mindful décor
When choosing the décor, make sure you choose a theme that suits you and your taste. Don’t be distracted by the latest trends.
The survey revealed that cottagecore is seen as one of the most relaxing interior design styles. Associated colours such as white, duck egg, light beige and grey topped the list. Other trends that convey a similarly calming feeling are the Scandi and Japandi styles.
In the meantime, maximalism was seen as a more stressful aesthetic.
Dedicated resting areas
Sanctuaries are places you can go to in order to take a moment for yourself. Having such places in your home can make it feel even more calming. Choose a specific place that is solely for relaxation. This could be a simple reading corner with an armchair and a bookshelf.
