Modern life and global changes are leading us to face increasingly stressful situations. Whether due to social conflicts, the constant injustices that have occurred in many countries, or the psychological effects of the pandemic, we need personal spaces that allow us to disconnect from the outside to connect with our interior.
Whether you’re looking to bring more calming elements throughout your home, or create your own Zen space, these tips will help you design for a positive state of mind.
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It begins with the five elements of Zen (earth, fire, water, wood and metal) that work together to balance the energy in their environment.
Land
Bring the earth into a space with natural stone tiles, pebbles, or planted terrariums.
A simple tabletop Zen garden made with sand and stones is a perfect element to include in your spaces.
Water
Many find the sound of moving water to be quite soothing.
Put water in a fountain, a fish tank, or even have a photograph or piece of art that represents water nearby.
Fire
For fire, look no further than the warmth of a fireplace, if you have one.
If you want to keep the fire present when lighting a fire isn’t possible, like in the summer, for example, place a collection of candles somewhere for a beautiful glow that won’t raise the temperature.
Wood
Wood is easy to incorporate with wood floors and furniture.
Natural, textured, and raw versions of wood will make your space feel grounded and calm, giving it visual appeal to begin with. An ornament of raw wood or pieces of wood will serve to connect you with this element.
Metal
Metal is most commonly found in furniture, but look for it in other accessories as well, such as picture frames, decorative bowls, sculptures, and other pieces of art.
Metal can be polished and shiny or rough, natural, even oxidized for a shabby chic look.
Aim for balance and fluidity
Use symmetry strategically to balance a large item (like a sofa) with matching smaller items (end tables) on either side.
Balance your space to complement its functional flow: it should always be easy to get in, out, and move around.
Remove distracting items
Has a noisy television become the focal point of the room? Think about putting it in another place to take away its prominence in your routine.
Does a block coffee table make it difficult to access the sofa? Find a round one that eases the way.
These little things can greatly affect how you interact and feel about your space.
Reduce stress by avoiding clutter
Items you use for work or other activities can distract from the zen feel of a room, reminding you of to-dos and causing unwanted stress.
When planning your space, think about incorporating additional storage, places for containers, baskets or hidden garbage containers.
Keep surfaces clean with just a few subtle decorations that instill a sense of calm, like a stone sculpture or plant. This gives your space a sense of order and harmony, and leaves more room for your peace of mind.