In 2020, Americans spent more time at home. Several took the opportunity to redecorate their houses. Rug, pillow, and lamp sales increased as people made their spaces more comfortable.
Americans also made their homes more relaxed, especially the living area.
A relaxed living room causes no tension or stress. The resident feels at ease; so do visitors.
Here we cover seven tips for creating a relaxing living room in your home.
1. Pick a Soothing Color Palette
Some things are subjective. For example, to create a relaxing living area, pick a soothing color palette. Some find neutral colors soothing. Others enjoy a blue theme.
When it comes to color options, there’s no shortage. At your local hardware store, you’ll find that associates can create an endless array of shades from the primary colors.
Bold colors including red cause anxiety. If you opt for a rich red, ensure that it’s not the main color. Opt for a beautiful beige, soothing blue, or rich white for your walls. Then complement the walls with natural-toned furniture pieces, furnishings, and accents.
2. Avoid Clutter
After you pick your color palette and before you begin furnishing, declutter your main. Many interior design themes skip over-furnishing and over-decorating including modern, mid-century, and minimalist. These are among the most relaxing themes too.
In addition, they deliver a high-end, luxurious, and upscale feel.
A decluttered main room provides an additional perk – it improves your home’s indoor air quality. Dust, pollutants, and allergens have nowhere to hide. Thus cleaning is easier.
Clutter causes stress. To reduce it, spring clean your space. If there are items that you cannot part with, acquire storage solutions that match the decluttered room.
3. Pick the Right Lighting
Lighting plays a large role in creating a relaxing mood. First, focus on maximizing natural light.
Homes with an open floor plan often have floor-to-ceiling windows. The windows are wonderful for providing sunlight indoors. When the sun is too much, tone it down with minimal window dressings such as shades.
To light up the space at night, opt for floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces. A relaxing mood comes from soft light. It should also be sparse. Your goal is to create an ambient environment.
4. Remember the Flooring
Carpet and hardwood flooring rank among the most popular among Americans. Both offer a set of benefits. Each requires maintenance. Thus, it depends on the option that feels more relaxing to you.
It’s nice to walk barefoot inside and feel the carpet fibers in between your toes.
The living area benefits from the carpet. It also benefits from hardwood floors topped with a rug or tapestry.
For example, consider picking up a rug. Rugs are versatile. They’re available in many sizes, styles, and colors. Lawrence of La Brea carries modern, transitional, and antique rugs that fit a relaxed interior design theme.
5. Add Texture
A relaxing living room requires texture. Texture in interior design is the items you can touch and feel. Pillows, throws, and a tapestry add texture. They’re decorative pieces that create layers.
The minimalist decor creates a calming environment. Adding texture balances out the flat decor. You can pick up a faux fur rug for the floor or velvet chair to compliment a mirrored coffee table.
6. Integrate Nature
The outdoors became more popular with Americans in 2016. Hiking saw a 34% increase from 2015 through 2020. Cultural shifts, social media, and advertising helped increase the interest in the outdoors.
Spending time outside improves brain function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces anxiety. Therefore, bring the outdoors indoors to create a relaxing mood in the main room.
Professionals suggest adding a plant to the room such as Jasmine, Lavender, or succulents. The plant requires watering and enough sunlight. It helps you maximize natural light and engage in a stress-reducing activity.
7. Display Art
A relaxing living room benefits from a piece of art or two hanging on the walls. If you haven’t found the piece of art that speaks to you on a personal level, other art options exist.
Photographs double as beautiful pieces of art, especially black and white prints. Insert them into a modest frame and hang them on one of the walls.
Those who don’t have art pieces to hang can use a mirror instead. Modern, mid-century, and minimalist interior design focus on functionality. A mirror that doubles as a work of art helps accomplish that functionality.
Plus, it reduces feelings of anxiety and stress to deliver a relaxed environment.
Conclusion
To create a relaxing living room, maximize natural light, bring the outdoors inside, and add texture. Decluttering is also a must. Essentially, decorate the room in a manner that removes anxiety-causing things. The decor replaces them with items that promote comfort and a sense of calmness.
After exploring the above tips, use what works for you. The definition of relaxed depends on the individual’s state of mind.
