Managing a household with children and busy schedules can quickly become overwhelming. I’ve found that creating a calming environment alleviates stress and keeps our home “flowing” more efficiently. Consider these simple tips to bring on the zen vibes in your home.

1. Music

Let your favorite music list play. It’s proven that music has therapeutic effects.

2: Nature

One easy way to create a relaxing home environment is by bringing nature into your home. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or a perfect bouquet, but adding natural objects like seashells, foraged branches, rocks or flowers into your house really creates a soothing feel. You can change with the seasons and always be on the look for unique objects you can display. House plants will also bring in a warm and welcoming feeling. I like to have at least one plant or earthy object in every room. Plants do wonders visually by livening a space and can also help purify the air.

3: Use Calming Scents

Using aromatherapy, incense and Palo Santo are all good ideas in helping to create calming energy in the home. Over the years I’ve stopped using candles and lean more towards diffusing oils. Frankincense, Sage, Lavender & Eucalyptus and Thieves are my favourites by Young Living. Even if the house is a bit of a mess, at least it will smell nice in the meantime. I’ve also recently stumbled upon a beautifully scented potpourri from Italy by Santa Maria Novella. Soy candles in earthy scents will again do the trick. Incense and Palo Santo in small doses also create a peaceful vibe. Open the windows if you can daily. Fresh air will also bring in a sense of calm and keep your home smelling fresh.

4: Declutter

Having a decluttered home is an essential step in creating a Zen home. Everything needs to have its place and attempt to return it to “it’s home” after use. Doing so helps things feel less chaotic when cooking, doing homework, getting dressed for the day, etc. Organizers, such as baskets, containers, etc. are a good idea for many drop off areas in your home. I like to have a system in place for keys, mail, etc, throughout the house. Doing a quick daily pick-up will help, and making sure everyone knows where things go is important.

5: Earthy Color Palette

A soft colour palette will help keep your home feeling fresh, clean and calm. Colors found in nature, such shades of beige, greens, blues and blush, have the power to induce a sense of relaxation and calmness. I like to opt for white walls and layer in these natural tones through the surrounding decor. To add diversity to a soft earthy palette, start with a dominant colour and layer in textured details within the same palette through your textiles.

5: Lighting

Keep lighting soft and warm throughout the home. Our bodies will naturally produce melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep.

I hope these ideas help bring a sense of ease into your home. Our homes are our sanctuary, and it’s a good idea to go room by room to begin the process of creating a calm environment. Send me a message if you feel you need help getting started with creating a zen home environment.

Image Credits:

1/Studio Mcgee, 2/ Mistic Oils 3/ Remodelista 4/ Benjamin Moore 5/ Hunker