There’s no doubt about it: we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at the end of a busy day. Whether you work from home or your daily commute is battling traffic, there’s nothing like being able to curl up and get a little peace.  We recommend you create a calm corner in your home that can be your refuge.

If you have a hectic lifestyle, it can be challenging to find time to relax. Having a designated space for relaxation sets a subconscious expectation that you get to unwind when you enter this space. In addition, destressing can help improve your overall mental health and well-being. When stressed, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which has been linked to physical health problems like high blood pressure and headaches. Relaxation can reduce your cortisol levels and improve your physical and mental well-being. 

So what should you keep in mind when creating your calm corner?

Consider your lighting

A well-lit room can be a great source of calm, so it’s essential to consider your lighting carefully. When choosing lighting fixtures and lamps, opt for fixtures that allow you to use natural light as much as possible, along with dimmers and low-wattage bulbs whenever possible. Place lamps in your space so they can help create an intimate environment by casting warm shadows onto walls, furniture and other decor elements.

If you’ve got the budget for it (and the time), having a professional electrician come out and hang some mood lighting is an excellent idea—you may even want to invest in a dimmer switch so you can adjust the brightness at will.

 For a calm corner, we suggest creating it near a window. Enjoying the scenery and getting a little bit of natural light is a great way to add some zen to your day. 

Find a chair to curl up in

It’s crucial to find a chair that supports your body. The right chair can help you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and ready to meditate or enjoy tea. Look for comfort. An overstuffed armchair, plush recliner, or even just a few extra throw pillows tucked onto a window seat can make a world of difference. 

If you plan to curl up with a good book or use the space for work, you may also want to add a small side table and a throw blanket. 

Use colour judiciously

When choosing paint for your room, you may consider using a limited colour palette. You can use any colour you like in your home, but it’s important to consider how they will make you feel when they come together. You should also think about what colours make you feel calm and serene. 

If there isn’t much wall space available, hang up some artwork that inspires you (like this original Amanda Jones painting).

Using a dreamy, natural colour palette allows us to focus on her imagery instead of being distracted by surrounding items such as furniture or bookshelves, which could otherwise take away from what matters most – your choice of art piece(s) itself!

Add some greenery or flowers.

Integrate plants that are easy to care for. You don’t want a plant that is difficult to maintain, especially if you have a busy life and can’t spend hours on end tending to it. Ask an employee at your local garden center for recommendations that fit how much time, energy and light you have available to give to a plant. Another great option is the use of permanent (faux) plants that require very little upkeep but still lend a natural touch. 

Surround yourself with softness

Throw pillows and blankets in soft fabrics are great for creating this cozy space, as are additions like plush rugs or sheer curtains. Soft sounds can also help to make a calm corner in your home, such as the gentle flow of water from a fountain or wind chimes outside the window. For lighting, try using candles or low-wattage lamps that cast warm light around the room.

Pick a scent 

Scent is an under-appreciated part of our lives. The smells we surround ourselves with can bring back memories, change our moods, and increase focus. If you want to create a calming corner in your home, try using scents to help you relax and focus.

Scent can have a significant impact on us without us even realizing it! Scent memory is, after all, the strongest of our senses. So when we smell something familiar or comforting—like cookies baking in the oven or pine trees after a fresh rain—our brains associate this scent with happiness and comfort. This is why using scents as part of your decorating scheme can be so effective: they remind you of happy moments and good feelings when you enter an area where they are present.

There are many ways to incorporate scent into your home: diffusers, candles, room sprays, and incense sticks. All have their merits, but our favourites would be the scents in the Maison Berger Lampe Berger collection. Their selection of naturally extracted scents such as lavender, citronella, eucalyptus and amber are carefully curated to provide a soothing atmosphere in your space. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the vessels they come in are also absolutely gorgeous. 

Create a calm corner to help you feel more relaxed and centred, no matter how hectic your life is …

and really, who doesn’t need a little more calm in their life?