Creating a Calm Sanctuary

In a perfect world we'd be generally making the rounds at sea shores or in parks and woodlands however much as could reasonably be expected, yet a bustling life can keep this from being a reality.

The good news is simply being around natural elements can contribute to improving a sense of wellbeing and calm.

One study shows shows how focusing on natural versus man-made elements affects mental health.

The amount  of time spent viewing natural elements showed that people who focused more on green features reported a decrease in anxiety and higher levels of relaxation.

It’s why there’s a huge focus on creating home spaces we can retreat to, bringing elements of the natural environment inside.

This can be done in a number of ways, from calming colours, to natural materials and of course, an abundance of flowers and plants.

Here are some ideas to try now:

Introduce indoor plants

You could start small with a solitary, low maintenance succulent, but the current trend is to contrast a variety of plants, such as ferns, succulents, and flowering plants, to bring greenery into your space, or use hanging plants if space is limited.

Make the most of natural materials

Incorporate authentic natural materials like wood, stone and bamboo. Wooden furniture, flooring, and accents can help add warmth and texture in your spaces.

Use a palette inspired by nature

Use a palette inspired by nature, such as green, sandy or taupe browns, and serene cool blues. Tonal colours are great for creating calming spaces.