Creating a home that makes you feel calm and happy is not as hard as it seems. In fact, there are a few simple design tips that work every time, whether you're designing a new kitchen or just rearranging your bookshelf.

You know as well as I do that our homes can have a big impact on our general well-being. We’ve probably all been in spaces that felt disheveled and chaotic, just like we can probably all think of spaces that were inviting and serene.

In hopes of helping us all have more relaxing home environments, here are a few easy tips and tricks to try:

Choose Calming Colors 

Photo Credit: Splendid Home Design

You could probably fill an entire library with books just on the subject of color and psychology. But to keep it simple - if your goal is to create calmness in your home, then lean towards soft, muted colors and minimize the contrast between colors. Black and white, for example, can be jarring. An earthy blue & green, on the other hand, can make you feel like Calgon did, in fact, just take you away!

Create Symmetry

Are you the type who straightens your silverware if the fork on one side of your plate is crooked? Yeah, me too. While I'm sure there are some complicated psychological reasons why we do this, a more simple reason is that symmetry helps us feel like all is right with the world. 

And you don't have to wait for a major kitchen remodel to add symmetry to your space. Anything you can do to create two matching halves in a room will make things feel orderly and calm: Double up on table lamps, add matching vases on either side of the fireplace, or have the same pillows on both sides of your sofa.

Organize & Clean

Photo Credit: Splendid Home Design

While not everyone loves cleaning and organizing, the feeling you get from a nice tidy house is hard to beat. Perhaps now might be a good time to organize that messy closet or pantry that’s been driving you crazy for months - My general rule of thumb is that the longer something's been driving you crazy, the more satisfying it is when you finally take care of it! And if the thought of cleaning and organizing stresses you out, consider hiring someone instead. 

Bring the Outside In

We've probably all heard this one a million times but there really is something about bringing nature inside that instantly makes a space relaxing. Whether it's a potted plant or a vase of cut flowers, give it a try!

So.....

Are you ready to try any of these ideas in your own home? Let us know how it goes!