Our homes should be special, unique places that make us feel calm, happy and relaxed. If you’ve recently moved, or your home isn’t quite the haven you crave, here are some tips to help you set up your sanctuary.
Choose colors carefully
Choosing colors is one of the most exciting parts of decorating. We often focus on aesthetics when browsing paint charts and social media feeds, but it’s also beneficial to think about the impact of color on our moods. Painting walls and buying colored accessories can transform the look of a room, but they can also affect the feel of the space. When you’re exploring different design ideas, think carefully about the vibe you want to create in each room. For tranquil spaces, such as bathrooms, bedrooms and reading rooms, for example, opt for calming shades. Colors like blue, green and purple and neutral tones are ideal for quiet zones while bright yellows, pinks and oranges are perfect for sociable areas and fun rooms like playrooms.
Get the temperature just right
It’s difficult to get comfortable if it’s too hot or cold. There’s nothing like cuddling up and getting snug on a chilly wintry day or feeling the refreshing hit of cool air on a hot summer day. Getting the temperature right is essential for maximum comfort, especially if you live in an area that is prone to changeable weather conditions.
If you don’t have modern heating and cooling systems in place, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading. If you already have efficient systems in your home, make sure you keep up to date with routine checks and services. An HVAC service provider will assess the system, look for issues, check performance levels and tune up equipment to boost efficiency. Keeping up with services will increase the lifespan of your systems and lower the risk of repairs, which will also save money. Setting a thermostat is a simple way to keep your home at a comfortable, pleasant temperature.
Create areas to rest and relax
Many of us look forward to getting home after a busy day at work, but sometimes, your home might not be the restful retreat you need. If you find it hard to relax at home, try to create areas to rest and recharge your batteries. Set up peaceful zones where you can listen to music, read, write, paint, draw or lie back and enjoy a cup of coffee. If you don’t have spare rooms you can convert to a snug, reading room or creative studio, make use of larger living spaces. You could create distinctive zones using physical barriers, such as portable, decorative screens or furniture. Alternatively, use different colors, design styles or materials to section off an area in the kitchen or living room.
Add coziness
Adding a cozy feel is guaranteed to help you feel more comfortable at home. There are lots of ways to do this from using soft furnishings and ambient lighting to investing in comfy sofas, chairs and floor cushions. Choose chairs and sofas that look and feel nice. There’s no point in having a stunning sofa if you never use it because it’s too hard to sit on for more than five minutes. You can add cozy touches such as rugs, blankets, cushions and throws to kitchen tables, beds and sofas. This will not only enhance comfort. It will also create a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere and add texture to your design. You can swap materials and colors to embrace new trends and themes or switch between seasons. Opt for heavy-duty fabrics and dark, rich colors in winter and lightweight fabrics and bright or neutral tones for summer.
Maximize space using storage
Clutter can affect your mood as well as the look of your home. If there are mounds of stuff everywhere, or every inch of the floor is covered, you may find it impossible to wind down and relax. Use storage to maximize living space and eliminate clutter. You can clear worktops and floors using hidden storage or make a feature of shelves, units or display cabinets. Look for inspiration in stores and browse products online. Take the opportunity to have a clear out when you declutter. If you have stuff you no longer want or need, throw it away or sell or donate it.
Do you dream of coming back to a serene sanctuary at the end of the day? If your home isn’t quite the haven you long for, there are lots of ways to create a more comfortable, inviting space. Think carefully about the colors you use and set up tranquil zones to rest and relax. Get the temperature right using efficient, effective heating and cooling systems and add coziness with soft furnishings and lighting. Maximize living space with storage and keep on top of clutter.
