Given all the turmoil of the presidential election, it is comforting to know that we can have peace of mind with our interior design choices. Here are three easy and uncomplicated ways to use design to help bring peace of mind in this time of uncertainty and division.
Personalize your space
Create an intimate setting — one that makes you feel welcome, comfortable and cozy. We are gearing up for another pandemic wave of coronavirus, so chances are we’ll be spending more time at home, especially as colder months arrive.
Keeping this in mind, try the Hygge lifestyle, one that started in Denmark, which emphasizes comfortable intimacy. Think cuddling under a cozy, warm blanket with a fire crackling and hot apple cider or better yet, a couple of aperitifs. Play calming music to set the mood. Be relaxed as a cat sleeping on its back…;)
How to get the hygge look? Slow down and notice what areas of your home need improvement. Are there ways to make them more welcoming, like a nook where you want to read a book. Try adding a large, soft pillow on your sofa to prop your back or feet up or that you can use to sit on as a floor cushion and for extra seating — when we start to entertain again. Put out a few of your favorite books on your living room table. This little book called Fika, gives short inspiring, Swedish, daily thoughts and even recipes about enjoying the simple moments, while relaxing with a good cup of coffee or tea like, “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”
Change out your books as you read them for others. Put the computer and phone away, at least for 30 minutes. Slow down. Enjoy simple, ritualistic pleasures, like enjoying a cup of tea in the afternoon, watching the sunset or sunrise. Taking a minute to reflect with mindfulness, while being present in the moment and being grateful for life and freedom to enjoy these many simple things that bring joy.
Celebrate these experiences with friends and family either in person, physically distanced of course. Keep your connections and support as we start to hunker down — again.
Lighten Up
Dark days are coming! Not to scare you, because we only mean that winter has darker, shorter days than other months. The way to reverse some of the darkness is to lighten up your interior. Add lights and candles and even winter-white slipcovers on furniture. Add a large mirror to help reflect natural light inside. This creates a visual sense of a lighter interior space.
Carry the light and or bright color-theme throughout your home and routine. Use light colored place mats and napkins when serving meals. Try a light meal of fondue. Everyone has their dipping fork — sharing without sharing germs. Use a light colored comforter cover to brighten up the bedroom. Try a Faux Padded Headboard to soften the space.
Organize and de-clutter your space by putting things away, concealing stuff and corralling tchotchkes. Visual clutter creates a cluttered existence overall but certainly do keep items available that you love. Use trays to display collections. Mirrored ones can also help reflect light. Your sentimental pieces have meaning to you and help bring character and personality to your space. However, for all the things you don’t need or no longer want, there is something freeing in giving things away. Freecycle is a fabulous free service catering to the concept that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Check to see if there is a network in your local area.
Add Serene Designs that Transform
Go big with one transformative wallcovering design that creates calm, peace of mind and serenity or even fun and personality. The design could complement your decor or transform it into something new. Here are a few ideas and examples.
Go with a design that complements your lifestyle and highlights something you enjoy, maybe hiking, bird watching or canoeing, getting back to noticing Nature. Bring it indoors with Clouds or Birds & Birch or vintage outdoor scenes from the Katherine Collection.
See our Gallery for more ideas including our interactive designs, which are perfect if you are creative and enjoy coloring.
In closing here are a couple Fika peace of mind phrases to ponder:
You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need
and success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.
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