5 Things You Need to Create a Mindful Space at Home
Imagine feeling like you are walking into a luxury spa every time that you get home. What would it be like to have space designed to melt away stress, promote focus, and nurture your well-being every single day of the week? If that sounds like a distant dream, it is time to create a mindful space at home.
It is easier than you might think to transform your living space into a sanctuary for relaxation. Whether you want to create a single space for meditation and mindfulness or create a zen home, it’s all within your reach. With a few expert techniques, you can go beyond aesthetics and cultivate a space that fosters inner peace and tranquillity.
Ready to design your dream space? Here are the five things that you need to create a mindful space right at home.
Step One: Declutter to Craft an Oasis of Calm
Look around your home. Does the sight of it all leave you feeling overwhelmed rather than relaxed? Do you have your own dedicated space where you feel like you can truly unwind and destress? If not, it’s time to look at ways that you can declutter and streamline your life. And, yes, that is entirely possible even if you feel like your home is packed to the brim with chaos!
Look Beyond Just Tidying Up
Decluttering is more than shoving things out of sight. It’s about creating a visual landscape that promotes tranquillity and supports your well-being. A cluttered space can be a constant source of low-level stress, which has a profound impact on your mood and focus. By decluttering, you’re not just tidying up. You’re clearing the way for a sense of calm and inner peace.
Start the Decluttering Journey
Here’s where the magic starts! Start by creating a realistic decluttering plan. Don’t try to tackle the entire house at once. Start with a small area, like a corner or a shelf, and work your way outwards. As you declutter, ask yourself:
- Does this item bring me joy?
- Do I use this regularly?
- Would my life be better without it?
Be honest and ruthless! For sentimental items, consider taking photos or creating a memory box. Remember, letting go of physical objects doesn’t diminish the memories they hold. And, on the other end of the spectrum, remember that the money that you spent on items is already gone. You can get rid of something even if it is an expensive item. Holding onto those designer shoes that you never wear just wastes premium real estate and, even more importantly, your energy! If something is truly valuable but you don’t use it, give it to someone who can appreciate it (whether that is a friend, a charity, or an online buyer).
Declutter Is a Lifelong Journey
Decluttering is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. By establishing regular decluttering habits, you can maintain your sanctuary of calm. If that seems like a lot of work, remember that the benefits of a decluttered, mindful space extend far beyond relaxation. You’ll find yourself feeling more focused, creative, and present in all aspects of your life. On top of that, cleaning and tidying is so much easier when you have fewer things. So, take a deep breath, start decluttering, and craft your own personal oasis of peace!
Step Two: Light the Way to Relaxation with the Perfect Light and Temperature
If you want to unwind after a long day, you need to set the stage. The key to creating that perfect tranquil space often lies in the subtle details, especially light and temperature. To help you create a mindful space at home, let’s explore how to optimise lighting and temp control elements to create a haven for unwinding and de-stressing.
Utilise Natural Light
Sunlight is a natural mood booster. To make the most of every sun ray, position your mindful space near a window that gets a good amount of sunlight during the day. Natural light not only brightens the room but it helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. That brightness is a mood booster during the day and has the added bonus of helping you regulate your sleep schedule.
As you’re planning your space, aim to avoid overly harsh afternoon sunlight. It’s distracting and, especially in the intense Singapore heat, can simply be too much. Look to sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the light and prevent glare. That’ll give you the perks of natural light without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Create a Warm Glow for Evening
Evenings and overcast days call for a different approach. Ditch the harsh overhead fluorescents and reach for warm yellow bulbs that mimic natural sunlight and create a cosy vibe. As a bonus, these warmer tones stimulate your body’s natural production of melatonin, which helps you relax and sleep.
Dim the Lights for Deeper Relaxation
Adding a dimmer switch is well worth it. With full control over your lighting, you can create the perfect ambience for whatever you might happen to be doing. Don’t want to mess with your electricity? Go for lamps and layered lighting to allow you to adjust and focus light without harsh overhead lighting.
Finding Your Comfort Zone
Temperature plays a crucial role in relaxation. A comfortable temp helps your body relax and unwind. Ideally, that means keeping your space at 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Of course, each of us has different preferences and those might change throughout the year, but it is always important to do everything possible to stay cool and calm indoors.
Step Three: Embrace Nature
If you are like most of us, you are spending too much time in front of a screen and not nearly enough time enjoying the great outdoors. That’s why when you’re creating a sanctuary at home, it’s a good idea to tap into the calming power of nature. By incorporating elements of the outdoors into your mindful space, you can create a space that disconnects you from the stress of modern life.
The Greener the Better The Power of Plants
Houseplants are a perfect way to bring the beauty and tranquillity of nature indoors. Not only can plants purify the air but they also reduce stress. Here’s how to make them work for you (green thumb or not!):
- Choose Low-Maintenance Varieties: Opt for easy-to-care-for plants like snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies. These thrive in pretty much any sunlight conditions and require minimal watering.
- Consider the Light: If you opt for a different plant, pay attention to the sunlight requirements. Think about the natural light available in your space and choose plants accordingly.
- Create a Plant Wall: Short on space? Utilise vertical space by creating a living wall with hanging planters or shelves for your greenery.
Bring in the Scents of Nature
Essential oils create a calming and therapeutic atmosphere. Here are some scents that have been shown to help you unwind:
- Lavender: Renowned for its calming and stress-reducing effects, lavender oil can ease anxiety and promote restful sleep.
- Chamomile: This popular oil has a calming effect that is great as a tea or an essential oil.
- Bergamot: Uplifting and mood-boosting, this oil can help fight stress.
Opt for Natural Materials
Surrounding yourself with natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo can create a sense of connection to the earth. Whether it’s wooden furniture, woven rugs, or stone elements, find ways that you can bring in the outdoors.
Soundscapes of Nature
When was the last time that you were able to get out of the city and soak in the beauty of nature? If you’re craving that soothing experience, why not bring in your favourite natural soundtrack? Whether you love the sound of ocean waves or birds chirping, this is your chance to put your phone to some good with a soothing sound.
Step Four: Utilise a Calming Colour Palette Colours
Imagine stepping into a haven of tranquillity where every colour soothes your sore eyes. By choosing the right colour palette for mindful space, you can soothe your soul with the magic of colour psychology.
The Science Behind Color
Colours don’t just affect the aesthetics of a space. They actually have a major impact on our moods and emotions. Understanding how colours influence your mind is crucial for creating a mindful space that fosters relaxation and focus. Here is what you should know to create your zen space.
- Cool Colours: Blues, greens, and purples are cool colours that are known to have calming and soothing effects. And the effect is more than skin deep! Colours can lower your blood pressure and heart rate for instant tranquillity.
- Warm Colours: Reds, oranges, and yellows are stimulating and energising colours. While they aren’t ideal for a mindful space, you can use them strategically to add pops of interest or create a more inviting atmosphere.
How to Choose the Right Colour for Your Space
Want your mindful space to relax you the moment that you arrive? Whether you are buying a new pillow or painting the walls, here are your best pics:
- Start with a Calming Base: Select a cool colour like baby blue, sage green, or lavender as your dominant colour. This comforting pastel hue will set the overall tone of the space.
- Accentuate with Tranquil Hues: Incorporate secondary colours that complement your base colour. Again, you’ll want to reach for soothing pastels to create a cohesive and calming aesthetic. Mixing and matching is a good idea here so that you don’t overwhelm the space with too much of the same colour.
- Introduce Warmth Sparingly: While warm colours should be used sparingly, a touch of a warm tone can add depth and prevent the space from feeling too sterile. Consider a beige accent wall or a terracotta throw.
Easy Upgrades
Not ready for a remodel? No worries! Paint and furniture aren’t the only ways to introduce colour into your mindful space. Here are other easy and affordable options:
- Throw Pillows and Blankets: These are a quick way to add pops of colour or create a layered colour scheme.
- Wall Hangings and Artwork: Choose artwork with calming colours or natural themes that complement your overall palette.
- Storage Baskets and Accent Pieces: Woven baskets in natural tones or small furniture pieces with a light wood finish can add subtle warmth and texture.
The Power of Color Harmony
By creating a calming colour palette, you’re not just decorating a space — you’re creating an environment that supports your well-being! The right colours can help you relax, focus, and connect with the present moment. Even if you feel like it’s not your usual style, focus on your goal and get creative.
Step Five: Embrace Functional Design
Your mindful space shouldn’t just be calming, it should also be functional. After all, a cluttered or impractical environment can quickly become a source of frustration. If the space isn’t working for you, it’s going to squash your efforts to relax and de-stress.
Here’s how to embrace functional design principles to create a haven that supports your mindfulness practice and simplifies your life.
Understanding Your Needs
The first step is to identify the purpose of your mindful space. Is it dedicated to meditation, yoga practice, reading, or a combination of activities? Whether it’s a single corner of a room or an entire home, it’s essential for each space to have a purpose. Knowing this goal will guide your design choices and ensure the space caters to your specific needs.
Prioritise Function Over Form
While aesthetics are important, functionality should be the driving force behind your design decisions. Here are some tips to make it work:
- Choose Furniture that Multitasks: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. Ottomans with hidden storage can hold blankets and meditation cushions while nesting tables offer additional surface area when needed and can be tucked away when not in use.
- Declutter for Efficiency: Having too much clutter creates a visual distraction and makes it difficult to move around. Declutter like you mean it and only keep items essential for your life. If you’re creating a meditation space, find storage solutions for yoga mats, meditation cushions, or books so it’s all in easy reach.
- Create Defined Zones: If your mindful space is multifunctional, use area rugs, furniture placement, or lighting to visually define different zones for meditation, reading, or stretching.
Embrace Smart Storage Solutions
- Wall-mounted shelves: Short on space? Utilise vertical space with shelves to store books, candles, or decorative items that inspire mindfulness.
- Baskets and bins: Another space-saving hack is to use baskets that can hide away blankets, throws, or yoga props, keeping your space clutter-free while adding a touch of texture.
- Hidden compartments: Ottomans, benches, or even coffee tables with hidden compartments can provide discreet storage for meditation supplies or books.
Design for Easy Flow
- Minimise Obstacles: Arrange furniture in a way that lets you move easily through the space. This is especially important if you practise yoga or stretching in your mindful space.
- Keep Cords Tidy: Exposed electrical cords can create a cluttered and visually distracting environment. Consider furniture with built-in cord management solutions or invest in cable organisers to keep things tidy.
Remember that functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style! Choose furniture and storage solutions that complement your overall aesthetic and create a space that is both calming and practical.
By embracing functional design principles, you can transform your mindful space into a haven that not only promotes relaxation and focus but also simplifies your life and supports your well-being journey.
Final Thoughts
Creating a mindful space at home is much simpler than you might think. By following these five steps – decluttering, setting the right light and temperature, embracing nature, using a calming colour palette, and employing functional design – you can transform your living area into a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. With a little planning and effort, you can design a space that fosters inner peace and tranquillity, right in your own home. Imagine the positive impact this can have on your overall well-being! So, take a deep breath, declutter that corner, and get started on crafting your own personal oasis of calm today.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our gallery of gorgeous remodeled homes across Singapore to spark ideas on creating your dream space!
