By Grace Beuley Hunt, PureWow
The office. The gym. The WholeFoods parking lot on Sunday afternoon. Not every place in your life has to be a beacon of relaxation—but your home sure as heck should be. If your place has become more stress-inducing than serene, consider these five guiding principles for interior zen.
The office. The gym. The WholeFoods parking lot on Sunday afternoon. Not every place in your life has to be a beacon of relaxation—but your home sure as heck should be. If your place has become more stress-inducing than serene, consider these five guiding principles for interior zen.
DO A CLEANSE
We’re not talking about the soapsuds variety—we’re talking a spiritual cleanse. We know it sounds a tad woo-woo, but experts swear by tactics like meditating on your space and burning elements like sage to clear away heavy energy. (At the very least, it makes your home smell nice and offers a soothing practice.
BUY A PLANT WITH SUPERPOWERS
Many common houseplants are actually scientifically proven mood boosters. Potted basil, for example, contains an organic compound called linalool that has been proven to reduce the activity of hundreds of genes that typically go into overdrive during stressful situations.
DECORATE WITH BLUE
The color blue has been linked to stress-reduction, lowered heart rates and even an increase in sleep quality in several studies. Consider this your permission slip to nab some new blue throw pillows, or give your walls or furniture a fresh paint job.
MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT
One theory on why Scandinavians are so darn happy? They’re all about keeping interiors as bright and cheerful as possible. (Vitamin D needs are real, people!) Some ideas for bringing the outdoors in: Sidestep drapes in rooms that don’t need them, clean your glass panes regularly and decorate with mirrors, which bounce around light.
FENG SHUI YOUR FURNITURE
The ancient Chinese discipline of feng shui has stood the test of time, precisely because the principles are tangible. Our favorite tips: Keep bathroom doors closed (no one wants that gross energy infiltrating the house); keep a spotless dining table (it’s the central hub of the home, after all); and move the bed out of alignment with the doorway (which subconsciously blasts you with energy all night).
