With our increasingly busy lives it’s really important we have a peaceful space to come home to each night. You might laugh at this idea, citing children and pets or even sloppy partners as an excuse for living in a hectic mess, but why not take the time to apply some basic Zen principles anyway? I can guarantee you’ll find little things make a very big difference.
What is Zen?
Zen is the Japanese word for meditation. However, when we use it in an interior design sense we’re referring to the use of Zen principles. These principles are aimed at making an environment characterised by relaxation, balance and serenity.
Essentially, Zen refers to a style of decorating, rather than the use of any particular items. However, having said that, there are some materials that fit in perfectly with this ancient concept.
Look in many Japanese houses and you’ll notice the extensive use of earthy materials such as bamboo, stone and wood. These are clean, uncomplicated elements which can produce a feeling of peace.
Make a start
The first step towards creating a Zen-influenced atmosphere is to reduce clutter. You will find clearing out your house will also help to calm your mind.
This can be done easily by reducing the number of items and surfaces in your house that require dusting. once these jobs aren’t hanging over you any more, you will inevitably feel less stressed and anxious.
The next step
Once all your biggest dust catchers are safely consigned to new homes, you can start introducing some new decorative touches.
The trick with decorating is to keep it simple. Consider including Zen-related items such as some elegant stone pots, a delicate orchid, statues or framed watercolours.
The idea is to have items that make you feel good. Imagine running your hand gently along the cool, slightly gritty surface of a stoneware vase or simply sitting and enjoying the artistic contrast between a leafy plant and its container.
Items you’ve found can add a satisfying dimension to a Zen home. objects from the beach, such as driftwood, pebbles and shells, are ideal.
Paper items such as the ubiquitous round, white, rice paper lantern are also perfect for achieving the perfect Zen look in your house.
Make use of your outdoors too. A typical Japanese house will often have large windows in order to perfectly frame the abundant greenery outside.
This means the two spaces are effectively intertwined, flowing naturally towards and into each other.
The arty stuff
Zen decorating becomes really fun when you start getting arty and introducing elements such as water. Imagine sitting in your large, newly clean room and hearing only the soft trickle of an indoor fountain.
These items can usually be found in garden centres and gift shops. Don’t worry too much about the size, it’s the principle that matters.
Use some large items to give rooms a marvellous focal point. Consider Zen-inspired pieces such as a big stone Buddha with a flower-garland necklace, surrounded by candles and sticks of incense.
Be realistic
Most of us do have a need for a certain amount of stuff in our lives, but this needn’t stop us injecting some Zen style into our home. The trick is hiding things away. Store as much as possible out of sight in large cupboards, trunks, or even behind screens.
Colour code
There isn’t any strict colour scheme for Zen living, it’s more a case of embracing nature’s palette. Earthy shades such as brown, white, cream and grey are ideal for creating a calm and relaxing feeling. Although at first this may seem like a rather limited selection, there are hundreds of variations within these colours and you will easily be able to find the one that’s best for you.
Relax
People want to feel calm and balanced, and a good place to start is your house. Applying Zen as part of your interior design will help to create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
