Introduce some warming Zen to your home this winter

It’s true at any time, but your home being a haven seems especially important in winter. When we come home, we want to close the door and feel enveloped in a calm, welcoming warmth. We tend to rush about, multi-tasking, taking care of others, worrying about what we’re not doing. So how about introducing some ‘Zen’ into your life, and your home? Zen is a peaceful, positive vibe, a slower pace, with no negative feelings. Sounds good to us!

Creating a calm and peaceful haven at home doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. We’ve come up with five key themes that will have your home ‘Zen’ in no time, full of good vibes and relaxing times – without breaking the budget! 

1. Create your space
Clutter and mess are the enemies of Zen. Remove and hide all the things you don’t want to see (piles of clothes, shoes, dishes, laundry) and fill your space with meaningful items that make you feel happy, relaxed and energised. Photos, artwork, books, candles, favourite mementoes. Open shelves are great for this. It’s not clutter if it’s loved!
Comfort is key. Have an inviting place to sit or stretch out, whether it’s a couch, a beanbag or a favourite chair. Cushions increase the level of cosy. Chunky knitted throws are fantastic to snuggle under. Lots of layers and textures is exactly what you need to create a space you won't want to move from. Curtains are important, too; not only do they create a cosy ambience, they help insulate against the loss of heat through your windows. 

2. Light your mood
When it comes to creating ambience, lighting is everything! If your home is well orientated on your block, you should have access to natural light. Letting in lots of winter sunshine is the simplest way to lift the mood and feel happy at home. Warm light is more atmospheric than cold, white light, so consider warmer LED globes or dimmable lamps for a calming ambience.
When you think of fairy or party lights, you may think of summer nights in the garden, but carefully placed strings of warm, twinkling lights inside can be inviting and calming,  maybe draped around a bookshelf or along the skirting board. Finish off by setting the mood with a soft glow through a collection of your favourite scented candles.

3. Colour your world
The science is in - when it comes to our mental wellbeing, colour matters. A calming colour palette is one of the most effective ways to develop a serene home on a budget. By surrounding yourself with your favourite colours, you can lower your stress levels and improve your overall wellbeing. They could be bright and bold, soft and neutral, light and airy, cosy and warm or dark and dramatic. Shades of blues and lavender will evoke a feeling of peace and serenity. White is clean and pure, orange creates joy, green is harmonious and tranquil. Changing the colours that surround you at home doesn’t have to mean a total re-paint. You can introduce your favourite colours with rugs, curtains, cushions, bedding or couch covers. 

4. Nature your way
Indoor plants are known for their mental and physical benefits, so don’t leave all your plants outside! Bring nature inside - and breathe easier - with indoor and hanging plants. Adding a few plants in different rooms will not only make your home Zen, but it will also help reduce stress and enhance your general well-being.
If you’re not a natural green thumb, focus on plants that don’t need much maintenance. Peace lilies, Devil’s Ivy and the fruit salad plant (monstera deliciosa) are lush and low maintenance. 
Zen gardens are known for having an inviting sense of tranquillity, combining natural elements like plants, gravel, stones, pathways, water and fish. Not everyone has the space to create this, but any element of nature will bring calm to your life. Watch something grow in a pot on a balcony, or create a garden courtyard in your alfresco area. Even in a bedroom, a few stones and pebbles with succulents, moss or tiny plants can become a pretty Zen garden that takes up very little space but brings a sense of everyday calm. 

5. Calm your mind
Now that you’ve set up your Zen zone, it’s time to enjoy it. Self-care is anything but selfish. You’re making time for yourself so you can be more present for everyone else, too. Small rituals are helpful to set a serene scene. light a candle, make a special playlist, diffuse essential oils or brew a cup of herbal tea. Read, meditate, do yoga, or just sit quietly with a cuppa, breathe, and look at the garden. By making a habit of this, you’re slowly training your brain to naturally unwind when you enter your Zen zone.