10 ways to make
your home feel calm
April 2023 ■
Words by Georgie Ashworth
At Morro, we are life improvers.
In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of calm is essential for our well-being. The first steps in creating a calming life is easiest to start focussing on our homes. Over the years the likes of Marie Kondo have been encouraging us to cut the unnecessary things we are hording out of our lives.
Transforming your home into a calming space can help alleviate stress that has built up through our fast-paced lives, and promote proper relaxation. We have put a list together of our top 10 tips to creating a calm and uncluttered home – they range from incorporating calming colours to decluttering tips. We hope this helps!
1. Embrace Calming Colours:
Colour theory plays a significant role in influencing our mood and emotions. When designing your living space, opt for calming colours that promote relaxation and serenity. Soft shades of blue, green, and lavender are known for their calming effects and can help create a peaceful atmosphere. Although at Morro you can’t paint your walls, why not consider the addition of soothing hues and accents in calming colours through decor, such as throws, pillows, ornaments or area rugs.
Example: Pair light blues in a living room with soft green throw pillows and rugs can instantly evoke a sense of tranquillity.
2. Declutter and Simplify
A cluttered space can lead to feelings of chaos and leave one feeling quite overwhelmed. Decluttering is one of the easiest ways to refresh your living area and create a sense of brightness, openness and calm. Clear out unnecessary items by organising your storage spaces, and streamlining your decor to create a more minimalist aesthetic. Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free to promote a sense of tranquillity and orderliness. You could even sell some of your unwanted items on re-sale websites like Vinted, Ebay and Facebook marketplace.
Example: Invest in stylish storage solutions such as baskets or ottomans with hidden compartments to keep clutter at bay while maintaining a cohesive look.
3. Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring in the outdoors, with the addition of some natural elements. Wood accents, indoor plants (take a look at our blog for the best houseplants for your flats). Natural materials and house plants can add warmth and texture while connecting you to nature and promoting health benefits. Create a peaceful oasis by placing potted plants strategically throughout your home and incorporating wooden furniture or decor pieces for a touch of organic charm.
Example: A rattan armchair paired with a lush indoor palm plant can create a cozy corner perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
4. Soften Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of a space. Opt for soft, diffused lighting to create a calming atmosphere in your living area. Incorporate a mix of overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps to provide layers of illumination while avoiding the dreaded big light! At Morro the apartments come with dimmer switches to adjust the brightness level according to your preference. As well as subtle in-built lighting options, including great and natural bathroom lighting.
Example: Install sheer curtains to diffuse natural light during the day and add warmth with soft, warm-toned bulbs in your lamps for cosy evenings.
5. Create cosy textures
Surround yourself with soft and cosy textures to enhance the comfort and relaxing setting of in your living space. Incorporate plush area rugs, tactile throw blankets, and oversized cushions to add layers of comfort and warmth. Choose fabrics such as cotton, wool, or faux fur for a luxurious feel that invites you to unwind and snuggle up.
Example: Layer a faux fur throw blanket over your sofa and add a shaggy rug underfoot to create a cosy reading nook that beckons you to relax with a good book.
6. Establish a Relaxation Zone
Designate a specific area in your living space dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it's a cosy reading corner, a meditation space, or a yoga nook, having a designated relaxation zone can help you unwind and recharge. Personalize the area with comfortable seating, soothing decor, and elements that promote mindfulness and tranquillity.
Example: Set up a meditation corner with a comfortable floor cushion, some incense, and a serene piece of artwork to create a peaceful ambiance.
7. Foster Balance with Feng Shui
Apply the principles of Feng Shui to create a harmonious and balanced living environment. Arrange furniture to facilitate the flow of energy (chi) and promote a sense of calm and equilibrium. Incorporate elements of nature, such as water features or crystals, to enhance positive energy and balance.
Example: Position your sofa against a solid wall with a clear view of the entrance to create a sense of security and stability, according to Feng Shui principles.
8. Infuse Calming Scents
Harness the power of aromatherapy to create a tranquil atmosphere in your living space. Use essential oils in calming fragrances like lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus to reduce stress and set a relaxing environment. Try different scents to find the ones that resonate most with you and create a soothing ambiance.
Example: Place a diffuser with lavender essential oil in your living room and light a chamomile-scented candle to create a calming sensory experience.
9. Cultivate a Sense of Serenity
Surround yourself with decor and artwork that evoke feelings of peace and serenity. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style while promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity. Opt for nature-inspired artwork, serene landscapes, or abstract designs with soothing colour palettes to create a peaceful ambiance.
Example: Hang a large-scale canvas or print which incorporates calming colours above your sofa to bring a sense of serenity and relaxation to your living room.
10. Practice Mindful Living
Take some time each day to embrace mindful living to cultivate a sense of peace and contentment in life. Take time each day to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of your living space. It can be helpful to practice gratitude for the comforts that surround you on a daily basis, in turn this promotes a more positive outlook and feelings of calmness.
Example: Start and end each day with a few moments of quiet reflection in your living space, expressing gratitude for the peace and tranquillity it provides.
By incorporating these tips into your living space, you can create a tranquil sanctuary that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. From calming colours and cosy textures to mindful living practices, there are endless ways to cultivate a sense of calm and serenity in your home. Take the time to create a space that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity it brings to your life.