8 Step-Guide to Design a Calming Space at Home for Mental Wellness

You walk into your home after a long day, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. You’re tired, maybe a little stressed, and all you want is a moment of peace. As you enter your home you step into a room that instantly soothes your mind. Your home/room is a space that feels like a sanctuary away from all the noise and chaos. 

We all can make our living spaces a place that serves as an instant switch to deep relaxation, calmness, and inspiration as soon as we step into it.

Designing a calming space isn’t only about aesthetics. It’s about creating an environment that resonates with your personal sense of peace. When you walk into the room you feel an immediate sense of relief, like a deep breath for your soul. 

This is something you can absolutely achieve, no matter the size of your home or your decorating skills.

In today’s guide, we’re diving into how you can transform any corner of your home into a haven for mental wellness. 

Whether you’re dealing with the pressures of work, the demands of family, or just the general stress of life, having a space that calms your mind can make all the difference. 

And the best part? You don’t need to be an interior designer or have a big budget to create this kind of environment. It’s all about intention, small changes, and understanding what really makes you feel at peace.

Step 1: Identify Your Personal Sources of Calm

Before you start rearranging furniture or picking out new decor, take a moment to reflect on what truly makes you feel calm. This is the foundation of your calming space, so it’s crucial to get it right.

• Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about places where you’ve felt at peace—whether it’s a cozy café, a serene park, or even a specific room in your house. What elements made that space feel calming to you? Was it the colors, the lighting, the textures, or something else?
• Create a Mood Board: Gather images, colors, and textures that evoke a sense of calm for you. You can use Pinterest, a physical board, or even just a collection of objects and fabric swatches that speak to your sense of peace. This will serve as your guide as you move forward in designing your space.
• Consider Your Senses: What sounds, scents, and tactile sensations help you relax? For some, the sound of a bubbling fountain or the scent of lavender can be incredibly soothing. For others, it might be the feel of soft, plush fabrics. Make a list of these sensory elements to incorporate into your space later.

Step 2: Declutter to Clear Your Mind

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. To create a calming environment, it’s essential to start by clearing out the excess.

• Tackle One Area at a Time: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter your entire home in one go. Start with a single area, like your bedroom or a reading nook. Focus on getting rid of items that no longer serve you or bring you joy.
• Use the “Three-Box” Method: As you sort through your belongings, have three boxes or bins: one for items to keep, one for items to donate, and one for items to throw away. This helps make the decision-making process easier and more organized.
• Create a Home for Everything: Once you’ve decluttered, make sure that everything you keep has a designated place. This not only helps maintain a clutter-free space but also makes it easier to find things when you need them.
• Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule: To prevent future clutter, consider adopting a rule where for every new item you bring into your space, you remove one. This helps maintain a balance and ensures that your space doesn’t become overcrowded again.

Step 3: Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in how a space feels. Harsh, bright lights can be jarring, while soft, warm lighting can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

• Opt for Warm Lighting: Choose bulbs that emit warm, soft light rather than cool, bright light. This helps create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Lamps and dimmable lights are great options for achieving this effect.
• Layer Your Lighting: Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and interest in your space. For example, you might have a floor lamp for general lighting, a table lamp for reading, and string lights or candles for a soft, ambient glow.
• Embrace Natural Light: If possible, make the most of natural light during the day. Keep windows clear of heavy curtains, and use light, airy fabrics to allow sunlight to filter in. Natural light can boost your mood and make your space feel more open and serene.
• Use Candles or Soft LED Lights: Candles can add a warm, calming ambiance to your space. If you’re not a fan of real flames, consider using LED candles that mimic the soft flicker of real ones.

Step 4: Introduce Calming Scents

Scents are a powerful tool for influencing your mood. The right aromas can help you feel more relaxed and at peace.

• Choose Relaxing Scents: Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are known for their calming properties. Consider using these in the form of candles, essential oils, or incense.
• Use Essential Oil Diffusers: An essential oil diffuser can be a great way to spread calming scents throughout your space. You can customize the scent depending on your mood, whether you need to relax, focus, or uplift your spirits.
• Consider Fresh Flowers or Plants: Certain plants and flowers naturally emit calming scents. Jasmine, lavender, and rosemary are great options that can add both beauty and fragrance to your space.

Step 5: Use Soothing Colors

Colors have a profound effect on our emotions. When creating a calming space, it’s essential to choose a color palette that promotes relaxation and tranquility.

• Stick to Soft, Neutral Tones: Soft shades of blue, green, beige, and gray are known for their calming effects. These colors mimic nature and create a serene environment. Consider using these colors for your walls, furniture, and accessories.
• Add Pops of Color with Accessories: If you love color, you don’t have to stick to neutrals exclusively. Add pops of calming colors through throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. Just keep the overall palette soft and cohesive to maintain a peaceful vibe.
• Consider an Accent Wall: If you want to make a statement without overwhelming the space, consider painting one wall in a calming color. This can add interest and depth to your room without compromising the serene atmosphere.
• Experiment with Textures: Textures can also play a role in how a color is perceived. Soft, plush fabrics in neutral tones can add warmth and comfort, enhancing the calming effect of the colors you choose.

Step 6: Incorporate Nature

Bringing elements of nature into your home can significantly enhance its calming atmosphere. Nature has a grounding effect that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

• Add Indoor Plants: Houseplants are an excellent way to bring nature indoors. They not only purify the air but also add a sense of vitality and freshness to your space. Consider low-maintenance options like snake plants, succulents, or peace lilies if you’re not a seasoned plant parent.
• Use Natural Materials: Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo into your decor. These materials add warmth and texture, making your space feel more connected to nature.
• Create a Zen Garden or Terrarium: If you have the space, consider creating a small indoor Zen garden or terrarium. These can be placed on a coffee table or shelf and serve as a focal point that promotes mindfulness and tranquility.
• Let in Fresh Air: Whenever possible, open your windows to let in fresh air. This not only helps circulate the scent of your chosen essential oils but also brings in the calming effects of nature, like a gentle breeze or the sound of rustling leaves.

Step 7: Personalize with Meaningful Items

Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what brings you joy. Personalizing your space with meaningful items can create a sense of belonging and comfort.

• Display Personal Photos: Surround yourself with images of loved ones, happy memories, or places that bring you peace. Choose frames that complement your decor and place them in areas where you can easily see them.
• Incorporate Sentimental Items: Whether it’s a cherished piece of artwork, a memento from a special trip, or a family heirloom, include items that have personal significance. These items can serve as comforting reminders of positive experiences and relationships.
• Create a Cozy Corner: Designate a specific area in your home as your “calm corner.” This could be a comfy chair by the window, a reading nook, or even just a spot on the floor with some plush pillows. Fill this space with things that make you feel cozy and relaxed, like your favorite blanket, a good book, or a cup of tea.
• Incorporate Calming Sounds: Sounds have a powerful effect on our emotions. Consider creating a calming playlist or using a white noise machine to play soothing sounds like ocean waves or birds chirping. These auditory elements can help you relax and set the tone for your space.

Step 8: Maintain Your Calming Space

Once you’ve created your calming space, it’s important to maintain it so it continues to serve as a sanctuary for your mental wellness.

• Establish Daily Habits: Make it a habit to tidy up your space at the end of each day. Even just five minutes of clearing away clutter can help keep your environment peaceful and inviting.
• Practice Mindfulness in Your Space: Use your calming space as a place for mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling. This will reinforce the positive, relaxing associations you have with the space.
• Refresh Your Space Regularly: Over time, you might want to change things up to keep your space feeling fresh. Rotate your decor, switch out seasonal items, or try new scents. This keeps your space dynamic and continually aligned with your needs.
• Set Boundaries: Protect your calming space by setting boundaries around how it’s used. If possible, designate it as a place for relaxation and mental wellness only—no work, no stressful activities. This helps preserve the peaceful energy you’ve cultivated.

Some Final Thoughts…

As you begin to transform your space, remember that it’s not a one-time project where you have to fix everything and make it a perfect place. 

You’ll be adding or removing things over time and gradually adjusting things according to the moods and phases you’re going through. So treat your space as an ongoing creative project. That way there won’t be any pressure or expectations, instead, you’ll approach it with a sense of curiosity and playfulness.

So, take your time and enjoy the process!

Thank you for joining me today. I hope these steps inspire you to create a space that brings you calm, joy, and a deep sense of well-being. A space where you can retreat from the chaos of the outside world, unwind fully, reconnect with yourself, and find peace within

Take care of yourself, and I’ll see you in the next guide.