The way you decorate or setup your living space can make a big difference in your ability to be mindful. With a clear and clean living environment, mindfulness of your environment, actions, and thoughts will flow more naturally. Below are our tips to get you started.
1. Keep Your Entrance Area Cutter-Free
When you first approach your home and enter through the front-door, having a clear path of entry is critical to your ability to stay mindful and present.
The first thing we tend to do when we get home after a long day is unload – literally. Keys, bags, mail, coats, shoes, it all expands into the entryway in a sprawling, cluttery heap that’s sure to distract your mind. To keep the clutter under control:
-Install hooks near your entry to keep coats and bags off the floor and furniture.
-Place a bin or basket nearby for organizing miscellaneous items like umbrellas, shoes, or leashes.
-Minimize flat surfaces that tend to gather clutter like keys, wallets, and scraps of worthless paper – instead, stash your items neatly in a stylish catch all.
2. Clear, Open Spaces
There’s a rule of thumb when it comes to avoiding anxiety-inducing design: If you can’t see the floor, scale down on furniture or reconfigure your layout. To achieve an open space that will allow you to move freely and provide an unobstructed view of your surroundings, try to:
-Position larger pieces against a wall to make your space appear bigger and to provide an unobstructed place to direct your attention.
-Utilize multi-purpose furniture that doubles as as storage space so you’re not distracted by clutter.
-Utilize minimalist design principles to prevent the absent-mindedness inspired by some busier styles.
3. Natural Light
Take a look at your windows. Window treatments often absorb your precious natural light. Removing heavy or dark curtains will instantly give your more light and transform your dark rooms. Light colors and light weight fabrics all help to keep your natural light in tact.
Window curtains and window treatments can reduce the natural light in your room. Ask yourself; do you need larger windows or more appropriate window treatments for your rooms?
For small windows, use sheer or light fabrics to let some light in. Darker colored fabrics absorb light. If privacy is an issue – shutters could be the answer. They control the amount of natural light into your room and protect your privacy.
4. Incorporate Indoor Plants
Living with plants is be a must rather than a consideration for home decor. In the late ’80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lucky for us, the plants can also help clean indoor air on Earth, which is typically far more polluted than outdoor air. Plants assist with breathing, help to deter illness, and increase concentration, memory, and productivity.
Decorate your home with with orchids, succulents, and epiphytic bromeliads – these lovely house mates take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them perfect companions to keep the calming oxygen flowing.
Another great choice is bamboo, who require little maintenance – keep them in water and you’ll benefit from years of their soothing green tones.
