Do you come home from a long day at work, only to feel more drained by the state of your living room? Your living room is supposed to be a place to unwind and recharge but it can often have the opposite effect.
Whether it's chaotic clutter, an agitating colour scheme or harsh lighting that's causing your stress, there's plenty you can do to transform your living room into a peaceful sanctuary. Below, we'll share five ways to create a peaceful living room.
There's wisdom in the saying "tidy house, tidy mind". Clutter bombards our senses and contributes to feelings of stress and overwhelm. That's why it's so important to dedicate time to decluttering your living room. Take inspiration from the 'spark joy' philosophy of Marie Kondo, keeping only those items that serve a purpose or make you happy. Consider this an opportunity to make space for the items that most resonate with you.
Swap out bulky cabinets and display cases with sleek, built-in storage solutions that make the most of alcoves and other awkward spaces, providing unobtrusive storage while keeping the overall aesthetic clean and streamlined. You can also make more out of your space with multi-functional living room furniture like ottomans with hidden compartments or coffee tables with drawers.
Decorating works best with a fresh slate, so it's best to do a thorough deep clean to remove all the grime and dust you unearthed while decluttering. Pay particular attention to areas that tend to get neglected during regular cleaning routines, such as baseboards, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Then, open all the windows and let the fresh air wash away any lingering cobwebs. This initial cleanse will not only make the space feel lighter and brighter but will also provide a clear picture of the layout and potential you have to work with.
A deep clean is also the perfect opportunity to address any minor cosmetic fixes that may have been nagging at you, like scuff marks on walls or chipped paint on furniture. Taking care of these minor details will contribute to the overall feeling of peace and tranquillity in your renovated space.
The colours you choose for your living room can have a significant impact on the overall mood and atmosphere. Avoid colours like red, which can be overstimulating and tend to create a sense of stress or agitation.
Lighter colours reflect light, making the space feel larger and brighter. Whites and creams are a safe choice, creating and open and airy feel. Consider using green for a touch of calming colour, channelling the hues found in nature. Gentle blues will create a similar effect but stay close to the green end of the spectrum to ensure a cool undertone.
Natural light is a powerful tool for creating a calming atmosphere. Clean the windows regularly and place mirrors strategically to help to bounce natural light around the room, making the space feel brighter and more open. Avoid heavy curtains that block sunlight, opting instead for lighter, more translucent fabrics that diffuse the light gently. Alternatively, consider installing blinds or shutters to allow for greater control over light levels.
In the evenings, harsh overhead lighting can be a major mood killer. Dimmer switches are your friend here, letting you fine-tune the light intensity according to your mood. You should also layer multiple light sources throughout the space to create a sense of visual interest and dimension. In addition to overhead lights, you can incorporate table lamps, floor lamps and task lighting with warm white bulbs to bathe your living room in a soft, soothing glow.
Spending time in nature helps us unwind, so bringing some plant life into your living room is a great way make it feel more calming. Not only do houseplants add a touch of vitality and vibrancy to a space but they can also benefit your physical health by purifying the air.
Choose low-maintenance options like snake plants, spider plants and monstera. Tuck larger plants into the corner of the room and place smaller ones on windowsill or floating shelves to keep your floor space open.
Creating a calming and clutter-free living room is an investment into your mental and emotional wellbeing. While our advice above offers you some crucial guidelines, though, the true magic lies in personalisation. Every living room design choice should be tailored to your unique tastes and needs to most effectively give you joy and a sense of calm.
Try not to be intimidated if your living room needs a complete overhaul. You can achieve a peaceful environment through a series of manageable and strategic changes. Don't hesitate to get in touch or book a free design visit if you'd like to find out more about how our smart storage solutions can help. No matter how large or small, each improvement will contribute to the overall sense of peace and tranquillity.
We’re taking a moment with Alice Gaskell, the interior designer behind Alice Grace Interiors, to explore her newly refreshed bedroom. Alice’s work is renowned for her use of layering warm neutrals and incorporating splashes of pattern to create a cosy home steeped in classic English design.
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It’s often easy to get caught up in the seemingly never-ending to-do lists and stresses of everyday life, but studies show that mindfulness is a great way to boost wellbeing and overall happiness. And best of all, it’s an easy skill to begin implementing straight away.
Whether you have an exact vision in tow, or are just at the beginning stage of your home renovation, we have heaps of inspiration for you to get stuck into.
Find a wealth of design tips, trends and inspiration in the pages of our brochure, magazine and on our blog. Our experts are always ready to help you create dream home, pop in store or book your free design visit for experts to help on bringing your vision to life.
