How to create a calm space

In today's fast-paced world, we often turn to our homes for an escape from the stress of everyday life. It’s crucial that the place where we seek refuge is anything but chaotic – especially as the global pandemic brings feelings of apprehension and uncertainty that has us spending more time at home than ever. In today's bLOG, we take a look at some of the simple ways you can turn your home into a serene sanctuary that’s perfect for calming your heart and mind.

Ground your space with wood

With so much of our time spent indoors during the week, be it at home, at school or in the office, we often find ourselves disconnected from the abundance of nature that surrounds us (especially in Hong Kong!) As such, biophilia – the idea that people have an innate attraction to nature – has become an increasingly integral part of design in improving our well-being and is especially something to factor in when creating a tranquil and calm space.

A series of studies have found that wood brings a range of benefits to our body and mind, such as lower stress levels and blood pressure, as well as eliciting feelings of comfort and relaxation. Consider incorporating elements of wood into your space, such as solid eco-wood furniture or decorative accessories for a quick and easy room refresh. The warm tones, varying wood grains and raw textures (as seen in our reclaimed teak pieces) will keep your home feeling grounded while giving it a naturally unique charm.

Featured: Soul console table

Add ambient light

Light plays an equally significant role in creating a relaxing, calm space as furniture and décor does, and can transform the look and feel of a room in an instant. While we love a space that welcomes plenty of natural light in, indoor lighting is especially key come evening. Warm, softly diffused lighting will enhance the feeling of an inviting home – we like to recommend incorporating a mix of floor and table lamps throughout your room to ensure that your room is well-illuminated. Not only will layering your lighting give you more flexibility in adjusting the brightness of your space as needed, but it also creates subtle contrasts and dimension between each light fixture and the dark spaces in between.

Don’t forget about the bulbs! Stay clear from daylight bulbs, which are brighter, carry blue tint, and are often seen in office or utilitarian spaces. We recommend bulbs with a warmer tint (often known as ‘soft white’) which typically sit between the range of 2700K to 3000K.

Featured: Light frame bed | Light frame bedside table | Mozaic rack | Natural lighting table lamp 

If the occasion permits, light up a few candles to give your home some added ambience ­– they may be a small touch, but they certainly add a cosy factor to your space while fostering a sense of tranquility. We love how our driftwood tealight holders remind us of sitting in the warm glow of a crackling fire!

Featured: Driftwood tealight holder

Opt for a dark wall

A dramatic, dark coloured room may seem intimidating, but with the right wood furniture and ambient lighting, you’d be surprised at how comforting and calming it can look. There’s no reason to be afraid of the dark – painting your walls with deep, rich hues can make your room feel like a cosy den, enveloping you with warmth as you rest and recharge. Colour also has a way of affecting how we think and feel, and so it is important to consider what hues best suit your personality and the desired mood of your room. Reflected in the morning skies and vast ocean, blue is a naturally soothing, calming colour that’s perfect to incorporate into a serene space.

For something a little less bold, opt for a neutral palette such as cream, grey, beige and the like. These soft shades will help you achieve that tranquil ambience that’s perfect for rest and relaxation.

Featured: Vintage dining table | Vintage bench | Vintage dining chair

Create designated spaces

While our home is where we retreat to after a long day, it is also the place where we eat, sleep, entertain, and, for many of us this past year, work. Maintaining a proper work-life balance can improve physical, mental and emotional health, and designated spaces can help set those boundaries in a more tangible way. Keep work solely in your home office – if you live in an open-plan apartment, opt for a rack or folding screen that separates your workspace from the rest of your home, or put your things neatly away if you work on your dining table.

Have an empty corner to fill? A corner seat and ottoman can create a cosy spot to enjoy some much-needed quiet time to meditate, set intentions, or simply enjoy your favourite literature. Indeed, carving out a calm space will enable you to destress and recalibrate, especially when the lines between work and life have become increasingly blurred.

Featured: Wave desk | Natural lighting lamp
Jacques corner seat | Jacques ottoman | Rise open rack 

We hope these ideas inspire you to create a calm space of your own!