With bills to pay, project deadlines, and an ever-growing to-do list, keeping your home organized can be a challenge. But studies have linked a messy environment to increased stress. Luckily, there are easy ways to make your home feel more serene without much effort. From stylish ways to clear clutter to using organic materials, check out 15 heart-warming decorating tips to create a space where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy.
Delete once and edit often.
Photo: Charlotte May
There's a reason why Marie Kondo's “KonMari Method” has become such a huge hit. the workTo create a space that feels good, you need to master the magic of tidying up: Surround yourself with what you love and remove the clutter that clutters your space. The result is a home that's cozy, comfortable, and you love.
Focus on negative space with low furniture
CB2
If your minimalist room feels a bit out of place or cramped, you might need to take a look at your furniture proportions. A table, sofa, or bed that's a few inches too high can really disrupt the visual flow of a room. Design tip: Buy low furniture pieces, like this gorgeous piece. CB2 Kanthal Ivory Velvet Upholstered BedIt gives a cozy and simple look.
Use a neutral or soft color palette
Dakota Studio
When decorating with minimalist interiors, it's important to create a clean base. Clean, light walls help open up a space and make it feel airy, like in this stunning LA-based kitchen. Dakota Studio(Read the full feature here.) Soft, natural hues like beiges, tans, and greens are also soothing and easy on the eyes. Decorating with a neutral color palette instantly creates a cohesive look. Add a touch of calm to that, too? Kill two birds with one stone.
Add minimal texture
Design: Urbanology Designs | Photography: Matti Gresham
To keep a room from feeling cold and drab, add texture: buy a soft throw, drape a sheepskin over your desk chair, or lay down a fluffy wool rug – your space will feel more put together and cozy than ever before.
Get rid of most of the mirrors
Joshua Smith Design | Photo: Lance Gerber
In Feng Shui, mirrors are said to bounce energy back, which can make you feel unsettled. There are even studies showing that mirrors can cause stress and anxiety. While mirrors are great because they make a space look bigger, it's best to remove them from bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Instead, place them behind closet doors or confine them to the bathroom.
Choose natural materials
Design: Urbanology Designs | Photography: Mike Davello
Minimalism is about perfecting the “less is more” approach, but it can make your interiors feel cold and sterile. Invest in natural and raw materials like wood, marble, leather, clay and cork. The uniqueness of earthy materials will add character and warmth to your home.
Let in the natural light
Photography + Design: Klein Agency
To maintain a healthy sleep rhythm, practice the simple mindfulness of waking up when it's light and going to bed when it's dark. Remove curtains and knock down any barriers that block your windows to maximise the amount of light coming in. Allowing natural light into your home will help bring the outside light inside and give you the best possible rest.
Let your space speak for itself
Photo courtesy of Gül İşik
There are many ways to decorate a home, but before you start drilling holes or putting things on shelves, take the time to understand and appreciate your space. Whether your home has traditional moldings, modern kitchen cabinets, or an unconventional layout, the framework of your home is the foundation on which it is built. You may find that many of your physical possessions don't fit your space. Make use of what you have (instead of working against it) to create a home that has a cohesive feel.
Keep surfaces clean
design: Arterbury Cook
Mindfulness here isn’t just about aesthetics: messy surfaces look great when organized. and You'll feel great too. Think of it as a detox for your mind and spirit: Clear and organize your desk, table, and kitchen counters each day so you start your day feeling refreshed and clear.
Use stylish storage
design: Bungalow | Photo: Gavin Cater
We get it: getting rid of all your clutter can be hard. Paper, art supplies, makeup brushes, laundry, the list of things that accumulate (and that you can't always get rid of) goes on. Consider completely eliminating trash cans in rooms that you don't absolutely need. Or use pull-out or built-in trash or recycling bins to free up floor space. Organize your office and cleaning supplies with pretty baskets and bins, and find creative ways to store your hair and beauty products. With so much stuff, stylish storage is key to keeping your home organized. Our LA-based design team has Bungalow In this bedroom we created custom storage with shelving (read the full story here).
Hide the code
Photography + Design: Klein Agency
To declutter your home (and mind), think vertically and hide everyday items like power strips, routers, and laptop chargers. Manage electrical cords by purchasing a desk with a shelf for a power strip, attach cords to the back or bottom of your desk with Blue Key World cable clips ($7), or create a charging station drawer. There are lots of ways to hide cords, so you can get as creative as you like.
Soft lighting creates ambience
CB2
As well as installing dimmer switches to create a relaxed atmosphere, make sure your task lighting (table or floor lamps) have a warm feel. Layering your lighting with wall-mounted lights, such as CB2's lovely and affordable Astr White Onyx Wall Sconce, and candles will make the space feel even more intimate and cosy.
Make your bed every morning
design: Arterbury Cook
We know you want to rush out the door in the morning, but having a messy bed can ruin your mood for the day. Making your bed can help you slow down and maintain a healthy pace throughout the day. For an extra stylish touch, invest in some beautiful linen sheets that will motivate you to make your bed every morning.
Pamper yourself with quality towels
Piglet in bed
Consistent fabrics, like sheets and towels, instantly give a room a cohesive look. Freshen up your bathroom with 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX certified towels, like our striped Sand Shell Pembroke Stripe Cotton Towels, which have a cool vintage feel.
Enjoy the outdoors with flowers and plants
Photo: Ksenia Chernaia
Clean, minimalist style makes it even more important to bring a little life into your space. Think of caring for your plants as a daily mindfulness practice. Plus, flowers and plants create an instant, inviting atmosphere.
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Header image courtesy of CB2
