What is a Calm Home? An intro
Recently, the concept of a calm home has become very important. Between the constant barrage of noise and the digital distractions that seem to be pulling our attention in every direction, the home is the only place where we can truly relax. However, calm is not an accident. A calm home is a carefully crafted environment that is the result of intentional decisions that support calm and balance.
A calm home is first and foremost a space that makes you feel safe and at ease. This does not mean that it has to be perfect and look like it was featured on the cover of a magazine. It is a space that feels welcoming the minute you walk through the door. It is a space that works with you rather than against you. The lighting is soft and not harsh. The colors are soothing and not jarring. The overall atmosphere is one that invites you to breathe a little deeper and move a little slower.
One of the biggest contributions to a calm home is the simplicity of the space. When a space is cluttered with objects, patterns, and colors, the brain has to work harder to filter through what it is seeing. This is why a calm home is free of visual clutter. This may mean that you get rid of some of the clutter that you have accumulated over the years or that you choose a piece of furniture that is simple and clean-lined. Another way to create simplicity is to leave some negative space around the objects that you do have. Negative space is not the same as wasted space. It is the space that gives the eye a place to rest and creates a sense of balance.
Colour is a significant factor in the overall feel of a home. For a calm home, natural colours such as white, beige, green, and earth tones are the most commonly used. These colours are easy on the eye and easy to live with. They do not energise, but rather calm. This does not mean that a calm home has to be colourless. Colour is merely used in a way that does not overpower the overall look of the home. Calm homes also appeal to the senses in a way that does not overwhelm. For instance, the sound of a calm home is not jarring. This is achieved through the use of curtains, rugs, and cushions. The smell of a calm home is also pleasant, yet subtle. The texture of a calm home is soothing to the senses. The use of wood, linen, wool, and clay adds a warmth to a home that is hard to resist. This is why a calm home is a place where the body can actually relax. The presence of personal meaning is also a significant factor in a calm home. This means that the home reflects the occupants, rather than the latest trends. This is where the occupants of the home can actually be themselves. Calm is closely related to being comfortable in one's own skin. Calm homes are also ordered, which means that there is a sense of routine. This does not mean that a home has to be highly structured, but having a place for everything does make life easier.
In the end, a peaceful home isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. It’s about being dynamic as your life changes and adapting to your needs instead of dictating rules to you. It’s about providing a place for rest, creativity, and connection, and creating a sense of calm that contrasts with the outside world. Creating a peaceful home is a process, and every change you make has the power to make a big difference in how you feel in your own space.
