What makes a space relaxing? Soothing? Calm? Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt chill? Today we explore interior design solutions for creating a relaxing interior. The good news: you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a restful space. While there are no tried and true rules for making your interior a calm one, there are certain features that many of today’s most peaceful homes share.
Keep in mind that some of these specific design elements may differ depending on your preferences. For example, one person may thrive in a minimalist space while another may feel that a sparsely decorated room is sterile. The first step in creating a room that relaxes you is to know your style. Then you can use it to personalize your interior with the tools and suggestions below. Hope today’s post is a relaxing read!
Room to Breathe
Let’s start with the calming effect of an uncluttered space. When you have room to breathe, you have room in your head to think calm thoughts. No wonder so many people enjoy clean-lined interiors, such as the modern powder room below! [from E/L Studio]
In fact, you can even create a clean look by neatly arranging practical items. Note how the carefully folded white towels below create a spa effect while providing residents with bath time necessities. Vera Wang sells a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth set for only $39.99 that will give your bathroom a spa-like feel. [from Concreteworks East]
You don’t need a minimalist space to achieve a feeling of spaciousness. For example, the living room below is filled with personal details, yet it is anything but cluttered. Note the use of glass side tables to create a transparent coffee table that gives the illusion of space. Acrylic furniture will also achieve this see-through effect. [from Lonny]
Soothing Details
We now move on to the soothing details–those special touches that take us away to another place and invite us to unwind. One suggestion: artwork that celebrates peaceful landscapes, as shown in the next featured bedroom. Also note the use of crisp white sheets to create a refreshing sleeping space. [from Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects]
Speaking of crisp, it’s hard not to admire the clean look created by white paint and marble countertops in the kitchen below. Other inviting features such as fresh greenery make this culinary space an inviting, happy room where nourishing the soul is as possible as nourishing the body. [from Lonny]
What soothes you? Is it a trip to the spa? A long walk in nature? Why not create a relaxing vibe in your powder room by channeling both experiences. Neatly folded white towels and fresh greenery remind us of simple pleasures and our connection with nature. More on that sentiment a bit later in the post… [from Sutton Suzuki Architects]
Comfy bed linens and a soft rug underfoot are two more ways to create a relaxing space. A soothing vibe is extra important for the bedroom, where rest is a true priority. [from Alan Kosa Interiors LLC]
A Touch of Decadence
For some, relaxation stems from a feeling of decadence–the idea that you’re treating yourself. Whether that feeling is achieved through creating a space that reminds you of a luxury hotel or adding small indulgent touches to your interior, there are plenty of ways to make your home special and inviting. Below we see an array of interesting flourishes in a Trump Hollywood high-rise condominium. [photo by Alexia Fodere for Britto Charette]
The ’80s-style apartment of furniture dealer Evan Lobel of Lobel Modern is nothing short of fabulous. The gilded details, the rare finds, and unique features such as an aqua-toned chrysocolla formation make this interior a truly decadent one. [photo by David Allee for New York Magazine]
Luxurious details can be grand, such as the use of elegant tile or the fabulousness of a city view, or they can be created through small but thoughtful design decisions. An air plant terrarium and modern lighting in the urban bathroom below are just as stunning as the room’s most indulgent features. [photo by Terri Glanger Photography for Mobili Martini]
Hello, decadence! Don’t forget about the appeal of interesting textures. The tufted headboard, quilted bedding and furry bench below are as enticing as the stunning view outside. [from Carl Mayfield Photography]
Mood Lighting
What gets you in the mood to relax? One idea: strategic lighting! In fact, lighting that comes from multiple sources gives you the opportunity to tweak the mood of your space and create just the right feel. Note how the recessed lighting below illuminates the textural wall. On a side note, it’s hard not to relax when tropical greenery is involved in the design of a room! [from Interiors by Steven G]
Recessed lighting is an ideal way to illuminate the bedroom. Add a couple of bedside lamps and a dimmer switch, and you can turn the lights up or down depending on your mood. Sweet dreams! [from Specht Harpman]
One way to control the amount of light in your interior is to use floor-to-ceiling draperies, as shown in the bedroom below. Once again we see the gorgeous interior of Evan Lobel. Not only is this space restful, it is lined with wall-to-wall drapes for a decadent feel. Need more sunlight? Pull back the curtains and invite the golden glow of the sun indoors. [from New York Magazine]
A Connection to the Outdoors
One final suggestion for a calm interior: establish a connection with the outdoors. It’s hard not to relax when surrounded by fresh air, beautiful greenery and the sounds of nature. If you’re lucky enough to have sliding doors in your home, it never hurts to open them from time to time and enjoy the view with all of your senses. [from Shades of Green Landscape Architecture]
Whether you have a glorious view of nature or your bedroom is windowless, you can always invite the outdoors in by incorporating house plants into your home. Not only do they purify the air, they have a calming effect by evoking the peace of nature. [from Fiorella Design]
Even one plant can make a big difference. Below we see a Boston fern by the window of a modern interior. Also note the artwork, which invites us to admire the beauty of glaciers. [from Lonny]
An uncluttered space. Soothing touches. Decadent details. Strategic lighting. Hints of the outdoors. These are a few simple ways to create a relaxing interior. In fact, chances are you’re already incorporating several of these features into your home. Has today’s post inspired you to add a few more flourishes? Here’s to a peaceful home!
