Top Tips on Turning Your Lounge into a Place of Relaxation

As we continue to change and alter our living spaces at home to fit our needs, the living room remains the center of all activities for individuals and families alike. And now, more than ever, creating a relaxed and restful multifunctional space is the top priority. 

When our lives get busier, we search harder for places we feel comfortable and safe, and place a higher value on these environments for our mental and physical well-being. Turning your living room into a space that feels like an escape from a dream world, with elegant sofa side tables and inviting scents, is easier than you may think. 

Moveable Furniture

In a recent study, 18% of those quizzed stated they had used their living room as a space for exercise, yoga, or mindfulness practice. This is the case for many people and a huge motivating factor for investing in easy-to-move furniture. 

Lightweight coffee tables, minimalistic couches, and statement armchairs are easy to move when you need to free up space for important activities. If you do exercise or yoga, keep a storage basket on hand to hold all your equipment in an organized way. 

For those who struggle to commit to design choices and complementing furniture, this is ideal for helping you beat the feelings of uncertainty, as you can quickly move things around as your mood and desires change. 

Sunlight & Candlelight

During the day, let in as much natural sunlight as possible, whether it is through lace curtains to maintain a level of privacy or a well-placed mirror. Nothing can compare to the real thing, and spending just 30 mins a day in natural light can significantly boost your energy levels and mood. 

Similarly, when the sun goes down, avoid harsh overhead lighting and instead opt for soft candlelight or yellow-tone wall sconces on dimmers. It prevents your brain from being overstimulated and creates a feeling of calmness and rest. But nothing can beat the warm glow and flickering beauty of a naked flame, so stock on your favorite scented or unscented candles on the days you need the extra serotonin boosts. 

Bring the Outside In

Multiple studies have shown that mother nature is essential for both our physical and mental health. And while you aren’t required to hike through the rainforest once a month, bringing in a selection of houseplants instantly inspires tranquillity and relaxation. 

A swiss cheese, Kentia Palm, or snake plant are tall and impactful plants that require some knowledge to care for properly. On the other hand, if you feel like your fingers aren’t that green, a no-fuss spider plant or Chinese evergreen will power through on the days you forget it exists. 

Lighter Colors

While it is definitely possible to create a calm living room with rich, deep colors, it takes a little understanding to know when you have crossed into dark and depressive. For this reason, sticking to light tones will better enhance natural sunlight, creating an instant mood booster. 

While bright pops of color are eye-catching and intriguing to look at, they can overstimulate your brain and prevent you from feeling relaxed. Reserve these design statements for rooms like bathrooms or kitchens and stick to a neutral palette with soft pastels to set a tone of harmony. 

Scents & Soft Sounds

When creating a place of relaxation, it is vital to appeal to all five senses. This includes smells and sounds. Introducing fragrances known to relax and calm through diffusers or aromatherapy candles allows you to have a full-body experience of the senses. 

Furthermore, acoustics are very important when trying to achieve a blissed-out state. Whether you rely on white, pink, or brown noise to soothe your mind, ensuring they are accessible in the room means you don’t have to move an inch to enjoy them. 

Banish Clutter

For some, having clutter around the home is anxiety-inducing, causing them to feel more stressed and wound up than what is healthy. And while you may not have a physical reaction to clutter, too many nicknacks in your space make it feel busy and unorganized. 

To prevent areas from becoming places of stress, employ the technique of Marie Kondo and only keep items that spark joy. If you haven’t thought about or used an item in a year, it is time to throw it away. 

Store your prize possessions in chic display cabinets or floating shelves, allowing you to easily view the things you love the most. 

Natural Materials

Using natural materials like wood, linen, and wool is a way for your brain to forge a link with nature, creating an intrinsic sense of calm. In addition, they are a far more sustainable solution and provide a healthier environment for those who use them. 

Use these different materials to add layers of texture around the room, creating points of interest that stimulate the brain. For example, you can see and feel a pattern on a rug that is created through texture rather than color, but it doesn’t demand your full attention.