If your house is becoming a stressful space, it might be time to implement principles of Zen Buddhism to restore balance, harmony, and tranquility to your home so that it can become a space you enjoy living in.
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Use earthy tones
Since zen is inspired by nature, earthy tones are the perfect colors to use in the home. Whites, grays, beiges, and other neutral tones are the start to creating a sense of calm within your walls. Neutral colors also match well with other colors, making it easy to create visual continuity between furniture, decorations, appliances, and floors in a room. Earthy tones don’t have to mean boring. Try introducing textures throughout the space to increase visual interest, while still maintaining the zen.
2. Keep furniture simple
One of the key principles of of zen design is to keep things simple. Choose furniture that has clean lines but that doesn’t have excess ornamentation, which can make a space feel cluttered. When selecting simplistic pieces, don’t sacrifice quality. Make sure the furniture is comfortable and functional so people actually want to use it.
3. Add a pop of green
Bring a little bit of the outdoors inside by incorporating a pop of green into your spaces. Green symbolizes life; by adding a plant or a green accent it incorporates a rejuvenating and calming energy. Plus, plants contribute to cleaning the air indoors and provide additional oxygen.
4. Smart storage
To keep your home free from clutter, use smart storage around your house. Make sure that everything has a place and that there isn’t excess clutter around. Also, choose furniture and decor that can fulfill multiple roles. For example, if you want to get seating for a window nook, look for sofa boxes that double as storage containers.
5. Incorporate natural scents
One final tip to help your home feel zen is to incorporate a natural scent. Using a spray, candle, or essential oil can help bring a calming and peaceful presence to the home. Some scents are more invigorating to help wake you up in the morning, while others provide a warm comfort for the relaxing evening hours.

