Creating a Calm Home

Ever find yourself in the middle of a whirlwind of daily demands, leaving your mind and space a tangled mess? No judgement here because you’re definitely not alone. When I am stressed or busy it definitely shows in my space. For starters my morning routine of making the bed before I start working is usually the first to go. The tell tale sign of multiple pairs of shoes at the front door is another way that you can tell when I am overwhelmed. I don’t mind sharing my messy truth because I know that our surroundings shape our mental state. I also know that creating a serene environment is key to maintaining my well-being. So let’s explore some practical ways to infuse tranquility into your life. I am talking about mindful decluttering, incorporating nature, and interacting with people in a way that maintains your serenity. Here are some simple yet effective strategies that I have found that to make your home a haven of peace, even amidst the chaos.

Understanding Chaos and Its Impact on Well-Being

Chaos can mean a lot, from the unpredictability of life’s events to the internal turmoil we experience. It disrupts our plans, throws us off balance, and challenges our peace of mind. Recognizing the dance of chaos helps us navigate it gracefully, keeping our mental health resilient. I shared with you that we moved in March to accommodate my partner’s work, all while I was dealing with a concussion. So here we were, in a new city, me barely functioning (because of course I was managing what I later learned were migraines, and light and sound sensitivity) while trying to set up a new home and him working on site everyday. Talk about stress. I was completely off-balance, every plan was disrupted, and I was constantly in search of peace that didn’t involve screens, light or sound. Fun times. It was hard on me and hard on my relationship. What I found was that focusing on my own well-being helped me to show up as the best version of my self, which then created calmer interactions in the relationship even though everything around us was constantly evolving and changing. But that’s another story for another day.

Creating a Serene Environment at Home

Transforming your home into a tranquil sanctuary isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting a space where peace isn’t just possible, but a constant presence. The good news for us, is that we were able to do a lot of our decluttering before we moved. But decluttering is definitely necessary to creating calm. So here are some tips I have used and continue to use.

Decluttering Your Space

We know that a cluttered space can lead to increased stress and anxiety. I don’t know about you but when I am not in a good space and my home is also a wreck, it drives me crazy. Not to mention, my partner is a neat person so he definitely is not about that clutter life. Here’s how we tackle it.

• Start Small: Begin with one drawer or one corner so that you can feel successful. Small wins make you feel better and increases your investment in the entire process. And celebrate every time you complete a space.
• Make it Fun: Turn on music, or talk to a friend while you’re decluttering. If it feels like drudgery you won’t want to do it.
• Keep, Donate, Discard: This simple decision-making process helps you clear out efficiently. I hate wasting so donating makes me feel good. I create rules for myself so that I know what I am keeping, donating or discarding. If I haven’t used it in long time by choice, I don’t keep it. If it is in good condition and I would be comfortable giving it to someone I love I put it in the donate pile. If it is not in good condition I throw it away.
• Storage Solutions: Use baskets and shelves to keep what remains organized and out of sight. I love storage cubes and baskets. They are such a good way to make what was formerly known as clutter look pretty. I am now obsessed with these gold metal containers that I put everything from bags to games in. We don’t have little ones or pets so metal can work for us.

Incorporating Nature

Bringing the outdoors inside isn’t just beautiful; it’s beneficial. So I have to admit, before my encounter with the sidewalk, I was not a plant person. I was convinced that I could not take care of them. But something about being in this new space where I have morning sunlight and a balcony I never use, screamed plants. So I jumped in with both feet.

• Houseplants: Adding plants that purify the air and boost your mood can be both calming and beautiful. Snake plants and fiddle leaf figs are trendy right now but I am into doing my own thing so I got what I wanted. I have a snake plant, a persian purple plant, a money plant and some water lotuses. Don’t judge me. I told you I jumped in with both feet. And those are just the indoor plants. Something about taking care of those plants and seeing them grow brings me so much joy.
• Natural Light: Let in as much natural light as possible to uplift your spirit. I love window treatments. I think they make a space look finished. But I go with sheers for the most part because the natural light improves my mood.
• Outdoor Views: Position your seating to face windows that offer calming views. In our other home we can take advantage of this strategy but here that is not an option. But you know me, I am not one to be undone by a little thing like an awkward space. I positioned my plants so that they are across from the couch in the living room. So when I am relaxing it feels like I have brought some of the outdoors in.

Choosing Calming Colors and Decor

Colors deeply affect our emotions. Opt for shades that bring you calm to enhance the tranquility of your space. Now when you research this you will find conventional wisdom, but remember its your space, so think about what brings you peace. I am a beach girl. There is nothing I love more than a day lounging at the beach or floating in the pool. I also like a space that feels warm and comforting like my dear departed grandma’s hug. So I have a large cozy couch in a bold color and reminds me of sunshine, a material that feels like a cozy sweater. I balance it with pillows and a rug which are more neutral.

• Blues and Greens: These colors remind us of nature and can have a calming effect. I’m not really into blues in my decor, but I love the sage and mint green families. I use a lot of green accent colors in window treatments, linens and throw pillows. I even incorporate it in the kitchen with my oven mitts, dishes and cooking utensils.
• Earthy Tones: Soft browns and beiges can create a neutral palate that balances bolder shades. I use a lot of wood accents to bring that earthy warmth into my space to make it an inviting atmosphere.
• Avoid Colors That Trigger You: This may seem intuitive, but sometimes you see something in a magazine or in a store and you fall in love. Only to get it home and realize that it is nothing that you want. So again, go with what you love. There is really no one way to choose your color palate. As long as it helps you exhale, who are we to judge?

The Impact of Interactions on Serenity

Now that we have talked about designing the physical space, there is something to be said about maintaining peace in your space. The way we interact with people in our space definitely affects its serenity. Positive interactions enhance the calmness of a room, while negative ones can disrupt it. The goal is to enhance the calmness, so create some rules for your space.

Practical Tips for Peaceful Interactions:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Let those in your space know what’s acceptable. It’s okay to enforce rules that preserve your peace. I do not allow shoes in my home. They have to come off at the front door. Anyone who comes to my home is clearly and firmly held to that rule. I also don’t allow smoking and animals in my home. I don’t have anything against pet owners or smokers but the way that my allergies are set up, dust, pet dander and smoke make me uncomfortable so its a hard no.
• Create Welcoming Spaces: If you are into entertaining, design areas that encourage positive interactions, like a cozy corner with comfortable seating for heart-to-hearts. We are not, so we create cozy spaces where we can curl up and watch a movie or read a book.
• Handle Conflicts with Grace: When tensions rise, address them calmly and promptly to restore peace. This is hard if you don’t know how. I have talked about how to handle conflicts here. But one of my rules post concussion is limited stress. Increased stress now causes me a headache, so I insist on discussing things as calmly as possible.
• Foster Positive Vibes: I am so careful about what I consume in my space. I will not watch movies or entertain conversations that trigger negativity. So as much as my partner loves Law and Order SVU, I don’t watch it with him. I use the time when he is immersed in that show, football or an action movie to spend some alone time doing something that brings me joy. This way we both get what we want and we are both in an emotionally well place afterwards.
• Implementing Quiet Hours: Establish times when the house is quiet, allowing everyone time to unwind and recharge. We don’t do this now, but when my children were younger, 9 PM was the beginning of quiet hours. I have one guitarist and one multi-instrument artist so that rule was very important.

Conclusion

Creating a serene environment amidst chaos is not only possible but essential. Take one step towards investing in your tranquility. Will it be decluttering a space or enjoying a moment of quiet? Share your journey towards a calmer home and inspire others to do the same. Let’s nurture our spaces to reflect the peace we seek within. Here’s to creating homes that are not just living spaces but sanctuaries of calm and joy!

What steps will you take to bring more peace into your home? Share your thoughts and let’s support each other in this journey.

If you enjoyed this post please like and/or comment. If you think it would be good reading for someone else, please do share. I would be overjoyed if you subscribe and follow me on Instagram.

Ever find yourself in the middle of a whirlwind of daily demands, leaving your mind and space a tangled mess? No judgement here because you’re definitely not alone. When I am stressed or busy it definitely shows in my space. For starters my morning routine of making the bed before I start working is usually the first to go. The tell tale sign of multiple pairs of shoes at the front door is another way that you can tell when I am overwhelmed. I don’t mind sharing my messy truth because I know that our surroundings shape our mental state. I also know that creating a serene environment is key to maintaining my well-being. So let’s explore some practical ways to infuse tranquility into your life. I am talking about mindful decluttering, nurturing green spaces, and how interacting with people in your space impacts your serenity. Here are some simple yet effective strategies that I have found that to make your home a haven of peace, even amidst the chaos.

Understanding Chaos and Its Impact on Well-Being

Chaos can mean a lot, from the unpredictability of life’s events to the internal turmoil we experience. It disrupts our plans, throws us off balance, and challenges our peace of mind. Recognizing the dance of chaos helps us navigate it gracefully, keeping our mental health resilient. I shared with you that we moved in March to accommodate my partner’s work, all while I was dealing with a concussion. So here we were, in a new city, me barely functioning (because of course I was managing what I later learned were migraines, light and sound sensitivity) while trying to set up a new home and him working on site everyday. Talk about stress. I was completely off-balance, every plan was disrupted, and I was constantly in search of peace that didn’t involve screens, light or sound. Fun times.

Creating a Serene Environment at Home

Transforming your home into a tranquil sanctuary isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting a space where peace isn’t just possible, but a constant presence. The good news for us, is that we were able to do a lot of our decluttering before we moved. But decluttering is definitely necessary to creating calm. So here are some tips I have used and continue to use.

Decluttering Your Space

We know that a cluttered space can lead to increased stress and anxiety. I don’t know about you but when I am not in a good space and my home is also a wreck, it drives me crazy. Not to mention, my partner is a neat person so he definitely is not about that clutter life. Here’s how we tackle it.

• Start Small: Begin with one drawer or one corner so that you can feel successful. Small wins make you feel better and increases your investment in the entire process. And celebrate every time you complete a space.
• Make it Fun: Turn on music, or talk to a friend while you’re decluttering. If it feels like drudgery you won’t want to do it.
• Keep, Donate, Discard: This simple decision-making process helps you clear out efficiently. I hate wasting so donating makes me feel good. I create rules for myself so that I know what I am keeping, donating or discarding. If I haven’t used it in long time by choice, I don’t keep it. If it is in good condition and I would be comfortable giving it to someone I love I put it in the donate pile. If it is not in good condition I throw it away.
• Storage Solutions: Use baskets and shelves to keep what remains organized and out of sight. I love storage cubes and baskets. They are such a good way to make what was formerly known as clutter look pretty. I am now obsessed with these gold metal containers that I put everything from bags to games in. We don’t have little ones or pets so metal can work for us.

Incorporating Nature

Bringing the outdoors inside isn’t just beautiful; it’s beneficial. So I have to admit, before my encounter with the sidewalk, I was not a plant person. I was convinced that I could not take care of them. But something about being in this new space where I have morning sunlight and a balcony I never use, screamed plants. So I jumped in with both feet.

• Houseplants: Adding plants that purify the air and boost your mood can be both calming and beautiful. Snake plants and fiddle leaf figs are trendy right now but I am into doing my own thing so I got what I wanted. I have a snake plant, a Persian purple plant, a money plant and some water lotuses. Don’t judge me. I told you I jumped in with both feet. And those are just the indoor plants. Something about taking care of those plants and seeing them grow brings me so much joy.
• Natural Light: Let in as much natural light as possible to uplift your spirit. I love window treatments. I think they make a space look finished. But I go with sheers for the most part because the natural light improves my mood.
• Outdoor Views: Position your seating to face windows that offer calming views. In our other home we can take advantage of this strategy but here that is not an option. But you know me, I am not one to be undone by a little thing like an awkward space. I positioned my plants so that they are across from the couch in the living room. So when I am relaxing it feels like I have brought some of the outdoors in.

Choosing Calming Colors and Decor

Colors deeply affect our emotions. Opt for shades that bring you calm to enhance the tranquility of your space. Now when you research this you will find conventional wisdom, but remember its your space, so think about what brings you peace. I am a beach girl. There is nothing I love more than a day lounging at the beach or floating in the pool. I also like a space that feels warm and comforting like my dear departed grandma’s hug. So I have a large cozy couch in a bold color and reminds me of sunshine, a material that feels like a cozy sweater. I balance it with pillows and a rug which are more neutral.

• Blues and Greens: These colors remind us of nature and can have a calming effect. I’m not really into blues in my decor, but I love the sage and mint green families.
• Earthy Tones: Soft browns and beiges can create a neutral palate that balances bolder shades. I use a lot of wood accents to bring that earthy warmth into my space to make it an inviting atmosphere.
• Avoid Colors That Trigger You: This may seem intuitive, but sometimes you see something in a magazine or in a store and you fall in love. Only to get it home and realize that it is nothing that you want. So again, go with what you love. There is really no one way to choose your color palate. As long as it helps you exhale, who are we to judge?

The Impact of Interactions on Serenity

Now that we have talked about designing the physical space, there is something to be said about maintaining peace in your space. The way we interact with people in our space definitely affects its serenity. Positive interactions enhance the calmness of a room, while negative ones can disrupt it. The goal is to enhance the calmness, so create some rules for your space.

Practical Tips for Peaceful Interactions:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Let those in your space know what’s acceptable. It’s okay to enforce rules that preserve your peace. I do not allow shoes in my home. They have to come off at the front door. Anyone who comes to my home is clearly and firmly held to that rule. I also don’t allow smoking and animals in my home. I don’t have anything against pet owners or smokers but the way that my allergies are set up, dust, pet dander and smoke make me uncomfortable so its a hard no.
• Create Welcoming Spaces: If you are into entertaining, design areas that encourage positive interactions, like a cozy corner with comfortable seating for heart-to-hearts. We are not, so create cozy spaces where we can curl up and watch a movie or read a book.
• Handle Conflicts with Grace: When tensions rise, address them calmly and promptly to restore peace. This is hard if you don’t know how. I have talked about how to handle conflicts here. But one of my rules post concussion is limited stress. Increased stress now causes me a headache, so I insist on discussing things as calmly as possible.
• Foster Positive Vibes: I am so careful about what I consume in my space. I will not watch movies or entertain conversations that trigger negativity. So as much as my partner loves Law and Order SVU, I don’t watch it with him. I use the time when he is immersed in that show, football or an action movie to spend some alone time doing something that brings me joy. This way we both get what we want and we are both in an emotionally well place afterwards.
• Implementing Quiet Hours: Establish times when the house is quiet, allowing everyone time to unwind and recharge. We don’t do this now, but when my children were younger, 9 PM was the beginning of quiet hours. I have one guitarist and one multi-instrument artist so that rule was very important.

Conclusion

Creating a serene environment amidst chaos is not only possible but essential. Take one step towards investing in your tranquility. Will it be decluttering a space or enjoying a moment of quiet? Share your journey towards a calmer home and inspire others to do the same. Let’s nurture our spaces to reflect the peace we seek within. Here’s to creating homes that are not just living spaces but sanctuaries of calm and joy!

The quest for calm doesn’t end here. Continue exploring new ways to transform your environment and share your experiences with others. Your path to serenity not only benefits you but inspires those around you. What steps will you take to bring more peace into your home? Share your thoughts and let’s support each other in this journey.

If you enjoyed this post please like and/or comment. If you think it would be good reading for someone else, please do share. I would be overjoyed if you subscribe and follow me on Instagram.