10 Design Secrets for a Calm and Happy Home

This is what peaceful looks like.

By Stephanie Granada, Redbook

For anyone who craves a little more serenity in the day-to-day (so, all of us?), these simple decorating tweaks will make your space more relaxing — without causing you a lick of home renovation-type stress. This is what peaceful looks like.



1

FIND THE RIGHT SPOT FOR YOUR STUFF

Organizing should be about convenience, not where you think things “should” go. Keep what you need where you really need it, says pro organizer Marissa Hagmeyer of Neat Method. If you’re in the habit of sorting mail while watching TV, for instance, keep couple of baskets for “in” and “out” nearby.




2

EMBRACE SOOTHING SHADES

A fresh coat of paint can be the biggest mood-changer in a room. For a timeless neutral that’s more comforting than stark white, try creamy ivory or greige (a warm, gray-tinted beige), says Dee Schlotter, color expert for PPG Paints.



3

TAP INTO SCENT

In case you needed an excuse to buy even more candles: An aroma that evokes a happy memory is a shortcut to feeling happy right now. Pine can transport you to the cozy holidays, while coconut can bring you back to that calm feeling of your last (kid-free) vacation. Place a scented candle or diffuser next to your bed or by the front door. Ahhh, isn’t it great to be home?



4

GET YOUR BEST REST

A great night’s sleep doesn’t happen all on its own—you’ve got to create the ideal setting. Where do you start? The thermostat. Keep the room at a cool yet comfy temperature (60 to 67 degrees) and don’t underestimate the power of a good sheet set! When it comes to thread count, a bigger number isn’t always better, says Anna Brakefield, bedding designer and owner of Red Land Cotton. Lower thread counts can let more air through, which may keep you from getting hot and stuffy in the middle of the night.



5

POP A PLANT IN EVERY ROOM

Believe this: Caring for plants is an act of compassion, and the more
compassion we have in our lives, the better off we are. Think beyond the windowsill and sneak in greenery wherever you can, from the dining room to the bathroom. Plant pro Tyler Davis points to snake plants, Chinese evergreen, and aloe vera as easy-to-care-for varieties that any wannabe green thumb can keep alive.



6

LET THE LIGHT IN

Sun-filled rooms make us feel invigorated even when we’re stuck doing chores. To maximize the natural light in a room, skip curtains and drapes altogether if privacy isn’t an issue. Then steal designer Justina Blakeney’s trick: Hang a mirror opposite a window to reflect the rays around the room. So smart!



7

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THINGS YOU LOVE

Sure, purging household clutter is necessary (if you don’t want to turn into that one neighbor), but at the end of the day, if tchotchkes and keepsakes make you smile, then by all means decorate with your favorites. Try tucking them into an open cabinet or arranging on a shelf so they stay organized while on display. This trick saves other surfaces from an overload of objects, and corralling similar items together makes dusting a heck of a lot easier too.



8

PICK UPBEAT COLORS

Just as some shades bring a sense of Zen to a room, certain hues can boost our morale. Schlotter says red helps energize, yellow inspires optimism, and blue sparks creativity. So next time you’re choosing paint samples, keep these colors in mind and let your walls do the uplifting around the house.



9

LAYER LIGHTING

They call it mood lighting for a reason, folks! Most rooms have an overhead fixture, but sconces and lamps — and even dimmers — let you set the scene for different occasions.



10

CREATE GOOD FLOW

The furniture you have and how you arrange it can influence how well your family and guests connect. Place sofas and chairs across from each other to encourage chatting, then add a few ottomans, which double as movable extra seating and places to put down a drink. Furniture arranging for a happier home life: Who knew?


See more at: Redbook