Add a splash of zen to your home's interior design

Amanda Alligood: Freedom Mandala (oil on canvas)

 

 

 

Have you ever taken a yoga class and after an hour you find it's almost impossible to pull yourself off the mat?   All you want is to hold onto that last moment of tranquil relaxation.  What if you could bring those lingering feelings of calm, centered, well being home from the yoga studio?  It may be as simple as a few coats of paint, light adjustment, and furniture arrangement. 

Your first step is to decide what room in your home is most suited for relaxation.  Bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining rooms are excellent candidates and can often benefit from a little touch of zen.

Now that you have chosen your room follow these steps to a successful makeover.

1. Color:  This can be the most frightening decision for home owners no matter what project or room.  Here's some advice, don't cry over bad paint.  There is nothing you can do that can't be fixed.  However, in an effort to save time, money, and stress stick to neutral earth shades.  Zen is all about natural elements from the earth.  Think stone, water, and fresh air.  Try one color in different hues for a subtle striking affect.  Here are some great zen color palettes to get you started. 

2.  Texture: Bring in several types of fabric to create texture and depth within the room.  This is especially important if you choose to paint with hues of one color.  Some textures to try are bamboo, silk, and natural wood.  Add a water feature such as a small table fountain or try to create your own!  Whatever you do think outside in; flowing streams, lotus flowers, and bark are a few for inspiration. 

3.  Arrangement: Now it's time to consider scale, balance, and symmetry.  It is a good idea to keep all furniture balanced in size with relation to each piece as well as to the room.  If the furniture in the room just isn't working for you shop around your house and see where pieces from other rooms can be swapped out.  You will be surprised at how quickly an old piece of furniture seems to take on new life when it has been relocated.  Find an area rug while shopping in that basement of yours?  Great!  A large area rug under a coffee table or ottoman is a perfect way to ground the space and keep everything centered. 

4.  Lighting:  The most economical earth friendly solution is to take advantage of natural light.  Open your blinds or for the brave approach remove the blinds altogether, open the curtains, and let the light in.  Another wallet friendly option is to install three way light bulbs in your lamps and light fixtures.  They can be purchased anywhere regular bulbs are sold.  Three way bulbs are a perfect way to prepare your room for all situations (think mediation transitions to Friday night cocktail party).  And don't forget the candles to really set the mood!

Still having trouble creating a true zen feel in your chosen space?  Drop in for a class at your local yoga studio (Yoga on Ridge-Roxborough) and take note of your surroundings.  What better place to find great zen decorating ideas and unwind all in one spot!  Whatever you do take your time and enjoy creating a special place dedicated to health, life, and happiness.  Namaste.