A Stress-Free Sanctuary: Key Considerations for a Stress-Free and Relaxed Home Atmosphere
Stress has become an epidemic in the UK, with 59% of Britons report having felt so stressed out “to the point where it had an impact on their daily life,” according to a 2024 Ipsos World Mental Health Day report. With daily stressors that may range from work to finances, finding a reprieve from it all can be achieved right at home. Rather than a full remodel, homeowners can easily revamp a room (or few) in order to create the ultimate space for rest and relaxation. Whether you wish to change the sitting room or promote better relaxation in the bedroom, key considerations include minimal clutter, thoughtful decor, and the right hues.
Minimising visual clutter
The creation of a relaxed atmosphere at home can sound like a daunting task, though anyone can get started in simple and proactive ways — like addressing excess visual clutter around the home. In addition to the creation of a more visually calm space, less clutter can pave the way for other changes. One episode of the American Psychological Association (APA) podcast, Speaking of Psychology, touches on the relationship between clutter and the mind. Professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago, deacon Dr. Joseph Ferrari notes that “there’s a negative correlation between life satisfaction and clutter.”
Clutter at home can be particularly prominent due to consumer culture, according to Ferrari, which leads many people to overbuy. This can create more disarray at home (and more stress) as a result, and make for a disorderly living space that can feel overwhelming (or even impossible to control). One of the best ways to address clutter is to first sort it all out — a pile of unwanted items and those you wish to keep can be a great place to start. From there, organisational systems will work to put everything left over in its rightful place, and effectively out of sight. If you’re in the market to upgrade furniture pieces, those that feature hidden storage can be a great way to minimise visual clutter for the better. Otherwise, solutions like shelving and decorative bins can suffice.
Choosing hues with relaxation in mind
After you’ve addressed clutter and organised the space, changing the colour palette of the room can set the foundation for a relaxed atmosphere. This is primarily due to the effect that certain colours can have on emotions. Colours found in nature (greens, blues, browns, etc.) can be particularly powerful. For example, VeryWell Mind highlights one 2020 study, in which 39% of people associated the colour blue with “feelings of relief,” and 39% associated green with contentment.
Neutral tones (beiges, browns, whites, blacks, etc.) can also be a great way to incorporate a calmer aesthetic, as they are more soothing than loud and bold hues (like electric yellow). One Better Homes & Gardens post highlights Karin Bohn, founder (and creative director) of House of Bohn, who notes that while colourful decor can be fun, neutral spaces can be best suited for “the calmest, sanctuary-like vibes.” Due to the impact that colours like blue or green can have, earthy hues can be a great choice. One great way to do this is to draw inspiration from your favorite landscape — for example, a forest landscape can inspire a palette of deep greens, while a desert landscape can inspire a palette of layered browns and reds. Whether you choose to repaint the walls or simply update your decor to match a new colour scheme, the integration of the right colours can go a long way for a visually relaxing space.
Finishing touches for character and cosiness
Beyond comfortable furniture, an array of finishing touches can serve as the icing on the cake when it comes to the creation of a space geared towards relaxation. In addition to soft lighting, simple additions like decorative throw blankets and pillows can help create an inviting space. Adding candles, a cosy rug, and your favourite books within easy reach can further contribute to the vibe. Showcasing a hobby can only add to a positive atmosphere, especially when the goal is to add a bit of character (or even a small pop of colour) into the space. For example, choosing to decorate with personal artwork or your own photography can help create a space that is truly your own while sparking joy in a way that is personal to you. Custom photo frame solutions are imperative for those in search of the right frame that will perfectly complement artwork or photography. This can be particularly ideal for those who are in the market for something truly unique, like a custom oak photo frame to match an earth-inspired interior design, or who are in need of a certain size frame.
A high prevalence of stress across the UK highlights the importance of relaxation in everyday life, especially when daily stressors weigh heavily on the minds of many. For those who wish to revamp a space with a calmer atmosphere in mind, key factors include the right colour palette, decor, and less visual clutter, all of which can contribute to a stress-free sanctuary.
