Do you always feel tired and perennially stressed, even if the workload was just a half daysโ worth? Zen interior design may help. Zen is a Chinese practice, which is basically about achieving inner peace and relaxation by means of meditation and regaining interaction or connection with the self and with others.
The Basics of Zen Interior Design
A zen interior design may conjure images of neat rows upon rows of lines with lots of white and other clean looking colours. Well, that actually looks like it โ but if too much white is just off putting, there is absolutely no need to insist. The zen interior design actually works with any design element any person prefers, provided he considers the basics of this kind of design.
So, just what are these so-called basics of Zen interior design? Here is a cheat sheet:
โข Always make use of an earth element. This could be a colour, such as browns, greys, and yes, whites. Or, it could be a living thing, such as a plant. The idea is to reconnect to oneโs roots, thus, seeping back at least some of the energies lost during his day to day activities.
โข Space is important. The illusion of wide space makes the whole atmosphere light, airy, breezy, and gay, promoting an enthusiasm to just really sit back and relax. Are you living in a small pad? Not a problem โ there are ways to fake wide space, such as obnoxiously large windows, light-coloured flooring, and dark roofing.
โข Get some light. Light fires up, entices, and energizes. Never underestimate the power of windows and doors. Situate them in areas that allow the entrance of natural light into the roomโs interiors. As for artificial lights, warm coloured as well as discreetly positioned lighting can also work wonders.
โข Create an aura that is flowing, just like a stream of water. An easy way would be to get a fountain installed as part of oneโs Zen interior design. If this just seems too high maintenance, you can at least hang artwork that shows beach scenery. You can also make use of flowing textures on some points in the walls of the house.
Feng Shui and Zen Interior Design
It is said that a Zen interior design is best achieved by employing the principles of Feng Shui. What is Feng shui? This refers to a Chinese belief that whatever is in your house is actually what is in your life. With that said, if you want to have some luck in your life, then it is advisable for you to fix your home.
How does one design home interiors with Feng Shui? Here are some useful tips:
โข For the living room, the sofa is normally the first and foremost point of interest. It does not matter what the design of the sofa is โ what is important in Feng Shui is where you position it. As per Feng Shui, the sofa should always be against the wall that is farthest from the entry to the living room, which, of course, is usually the door of the house. Despite being the farthest, one should still see the door clearly when sitting on the sofa. If it is impossible to even get a wall against the sofa, you need to at least put a mirror across so the person sitting can check out what is behind him. You can also put a table console behind and put on some tall lamps to make the impression of protective fortresses.
โข Position the other chairs in the living room in such a way that it allows intimate communication with the people sitting on the sofa, but not too close to the point that they keep bumping furniture as they go.
โข Avoid doors and windows positioned opposite to each other. If you canโt avoid this, make sure to use curtains or blinds on the windows. You can then position a living thing like a plant in front to achieve the illusion of energy being bounced right back into the interiors.
โข For a living room to radiate joy, pick a favourite treasured item and make it the centre of attraction.
โข To create an uplifting aura in any room in the house, light up the corners. You can achieve this by simply putting up lights on the dark nooks in the house.
โข Always, always put plants. It is not just aesthetic. It is also a way to mentally force the people living there to work. How? Of course, if there is a plant, they are obligated to keep it living by always watering and pruning it.
โข As much as possible, avoid pointed corners on furniture pieces in any room. Choose furniture with rounded corners or, if you canโt avoid this, just simply cut out round shapes and paste them on to the pointed corners of a piece of furniture.
โข For the bedroom, try to make sure the feet will never point on the direction towards the door. The reason behind is just really superstitious โ this is how coffins are pulled out in China โ but there is no harm in simply following. Just always make sure the bed is positioned where the door will be fully and clearly seen. Now, what if the bed canโt be positioned anywhere else but on a โcoffinโ place? One can put upholstery on the foot that is a bit higher than the bed mattress so that energy will bounce right back.
โข Always make sure that the interiors are neat, especially on the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen. According to Feng Shui, these three rooms make up what is called the trinity of energy. These are where the people dwelling can draw up much of their energy. To achieve this, make sure that there is an abundance of storage options in all these three rooms. However, avoid any storage under the bed as much as possible because this should be a place where no other energies should counter. Throw away everything that is not needed, and live simply and on minimal means.
With these ideas, adding a Zen design to your home is easier.