Work hard, play hard. Right? But with life being so hectic, it can feel as though all you ever do is work, with little or no time to play, let alone unwind or take a spa day. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can create a calm, spa-like atmosphere in your own […]
Work hard, play hard. Right?
But with life being so hectic, it can feel as though all you ever do is work, with little or no time to play, let alone unwind or take a spa day.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You can create a calm, spa-like atmosphere in your own home. That way, every time you come home, it feels like you’ve gone on holiday!
How do I do this, you ask?
It’s quite simple. Simply transform your home to flood your senses with a wave of calm and relaxation every time you step through the door.
Here are seven tips and tricks to help you create a spa-like atmosphere, and turn your home into an oasis of calm.
1. Conquer the Clutter
Image from: Emily May
Clutter is the number one enemy to a clear and peaceful mind. Your mental state echoes the space you are in. The more cluttered your space, the less relaxed you will be.
You may not realize it, but clutter also takes a significant toll on your conscious and subconscious well-being. It drains you of time, energy and even money!
A calming sensation should start right from the moment you walk through your door. A cluttered entryway carries a sense of disarray and restlessness throughout the home.
Declutter your home to create a feeling of light and space. You can do this using several techniques, but the most effective is Swedish death cleaning.
In her book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Margareta Magnusson uses humour to explain the Scandinavian tradition of döstädning.
She teaches how this tradition encourages minimalism by purging mementoes (clutter) with our loved ones.
But if a minimalist aesthetic is not your style, you can still declutter by ensuring that you have a place for everything and everything is in its place.
Accept that your house can’t be completely spotless all the time, especially with kids running around.
Get ahead of clutter by having a dedicated space for it — a specific table for the kids to throw their backpacks and books on is a great place to start.
2. Choose Relaxing Colours
Image from: Pexels
Colour is a potent tool in the creation of a calm, spa-like atmosphere in your home. Colour can influence mood and even induce various psychological reactions.
Using lighter colours, such as pastels and earthy tones, is a fool-proof way to achieve a relaxing atmosphere in your home.
White is also an excellent choice for creating a sense of peace and tranquillity. Consider adding some silky white textiles to your bedroom for a touch of elegance and serenity.
You can also experiment with different shades to find the right colour scheme for your house. Pair your favourite vivid colours with lighter tones for some contrast and visual intrigue.
Contact an expert interior decorator to get a free quote on a suitable colour palette and transform your home into a spa getaway.
3. Introduce Plant Life
“Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and the soul.” — Linda Solegato
Plants bring the restorative elements of nature into your home.
Foster a sense of inner calm by incorporating large potted plants in the living areas. Smaller plants are better suited for strategic places like shelves and on the dining table.
According to a study by NASA, indoor plants purify and improve air quality. They are nature’s own life support system, eliminating impurities in the air and producing oxygen.
Plants are also an inexpensive method of creating a spa-like feel in your home. No matter how messy your house is, plants add a touch of beauty and serenity.
You can also place hanging plants strategically around your home, where they will be easy to water and maintain. This helps create little floating pockets of tranquillity around your home.
Image from: Pxhere
4. Strive for Balance
Image from: Pxhere
Introduce peace, harmony and balance into your home by incorporating Zen elements such as Buddhist statues, bamboo screens, and Asian art.
You can also consult an interior designer to help incorporate Feng Shui into your home’s design.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese design technique that uses energy forces to harmonise you and your environment. It emphasises the balance of opposing yet connected forces: Yin and Yang.
It also encompasses different aspects and approaches to design. These range from creating symmetry to contrasting light and dark pieces to achieve perfect harmony.
Feng Shui is an ideal method of creating a spa-like atmosphere in your home as it does not involve any maintenance; the changes are simply part of your décor.
5. Consider Aromatherapy
Image from: Monicore
The use of scent is one of the easiest ways to create a spa-like atmosphere in your home.
Aromatherapy research shows that there are numerous benefits for wellness and stress relief to gain from scents.
Your sense of smell has a direct connection to the brain’s limbic system – the control centre for emotions and memories.
This means that you can use scents to evoke calmness and relaxation in your home. The most popular aromatherapy scents for stress relief are:
- Rosemary - known to have positive effects on mood and performance. It can also reduce cortisol levels, making it a great choice for unwinding and de-stressing at the end of the day.
- Peppermint – aromatherapy with peppermint can increase alertness and memory. It offers an excellent pick-me-up for people bogged down with work or school.
- Lavender – known to bring on a calming effect, ideal for a home spa feel. It also promotes deeper sleep and relaxation within the whole household. It soothes babies and mothers alike to promote positive mother-infant interaction.
- Lemon– lemon essential oil possesses anti-depressant qualities. Lemon is also a great option for stress relief and mood enhancement.
- YlangYlang – slightly lowers alertness and processing speed to induce calmness and stress relief. It’s an excellent option for unwinding at the end of a long day.
Scent can also affect vital body functions like blood pressure, heart activity and body stress level. Consider the use of scents and essential oils to enhance your at-home spa experience.
6. Don’t Forget About Music
Music is another ingenious stress reliever. Like aromatherapy, music provides passive stress relief and can energize or relax you, depending on the type you choose.
Soft, repetitive sounds, such as that of a bubbling water fountain, can put your mind at ease and help you zone out.
Incorporate calm background music in your home to help create a peaceful, spa-like environment.
However, stay away from music that is too acoustic or songs with lyrics. Instead, opt for calm instrumental music or sounds that don’t provoke thought.
7. Make the Light Work for You
Image from: Lizzie Benton
To achieve a spa-like atmosphere, invest in lighting – both natural and artificial.
Aim for as many windows and glass doors as you can get away with.
Sun-filled rooms invigorate the mind and body. They improve productivity and mood and give a tranquil atmosphere to your home.
Maximise natural light by skipping the curtains and drapes altogether if privacy is not an issue. You can also hang mirrors or highly reflective art pieces opposite windows to disperse sunlight around your home.
For darker days and nighttime, invest in an ample supply of soft artificial light. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, especially in the bathroom. Instead, opt for lamps and mirror lighting.
Transforming a home into an oasis of calm and tranquillity is no easy feat. But it is well worth it.
Ensure your home transformation is easy and effortless by hiring the right people for the job.
Contact expert home designers and renovators from a credible source like Service Seeking Australia for free quotations and the best deals!