Tech-savvy, automated homes are all the rage these days. And while those smart night lights may promise to relax you, you’re still left craving that one feeling - inner peace. Here’s where a Zen space comes into play, which is designed to reconnect your soul with the tranquility and calmness of nature. Whether you work with a professional home builder or DIY this project, a Zen spot is important to help you relax, breathe, and feel calm.
Here are some ideas that you can incorporate to achieve the perfect little Zen den in your home.
Minimalism is Key
One essential teaching of the Zen tradition is simplicity, so choose your favorite spot in the house and begin decluttering. Gadgets, office supplies, fancy décor objects - you want to rid your room of all such things. Just a few basics should suffice, such as rugs, cushions, a yoga mat, a sofa, and a small table. Moreover, the furniture itself needs to be minimalist, so go for light colors and simple designs that you’re comfortable and familiar with. This also means staying low-key with décor, so steer clear of any eye-catching wall decorations. A potted corner plant or shelves with a few selected ornaments should be enough to make the space feel homey yet fresh.
Add neutral and earthy tones
Since Zen is all about calmness, you want to go for colors that aren't bright and flashy. This doesn’t mean you avoid using your favorite colors, though - you just need to mute them. For example, you can go for green or blue wall paint as long as you mix some black and white in it to dull it down. But for the most part, using beige, cream, taupe, and such soft, neutral colors is recommended for walls and furniture. They won’t only make the area feel open and spacious but also bring a relaxing, dreamy feel to the space. Alternatively, you can go for an earthy color palette with sienna, ochre, or olive green for the furniture and rugs. This will make your zen space feel more natural and serene.
Go Green
There’s nothing more Zen than spending time within nature, so bring in some greenery to truly capture the essence of a Japanese Zen garden. Think spider plants, pothos, or dracaena, which require minimal care and maintenance while adding vibrant green life indoors. They will also balance out the neutral-colored walls in the room and stand bold and bright against them. You can even put up cute little succulents, such as panda plants or aloe on your shelves. As long as it's green and fresh, it’ll prove itself therapeutic.
Add Some Water
The sound of moving water can instill feelings of tranquility, so try to incorporate water into your zen space. One way to do this is to get a water fountain, and a professional home builder can help you install one if the space allows for it. But if you’re big on the water element, try working with your home builder to design the plan on how to remodel a wall into a waterfall wall - the ultimate zen dream. Alternatively, you can set up a tabletop fountain or even an aquarium or a fishbowl. Just the sight of water with lush green plants is enough to make the space feel natural, peaceful, and meditation-friendly.
Let the Light In
Dark and gloomy rooms aren’t very Zen, so make sure the spot you choose has sufficient natural light coming through. You don’t want direct sunlight, though - just enough to softly light up the room. Putting up some light, airy curtains on your windows can block direct sunlight while naturally lighting up the room. As for the night, you want to make sure you have dim, diffused lights, such as floor lamps or a chandelier with soft, small lights. You can also go for candles that will spread the light softly for a soothing and relaxing feel.
Final Words
The main thing to ensure is that your Zen space is open, airy, and has some aspects of nature incorporated into it. Just don’t go overboard with the colors and plants - keep it simple, minimal, and straightforward. This way, you can meditate and relax without distractions and truly experience the Japanese tradition of Zen.
Authors Bio: Elliot Rhodes
Elliot has been both an interior and exterior designer for over 8 years. He is happy to plan and design exteriors of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. He helps others with beautifying the outside areas of their homes and businesses. When he has free time, he is writing articles on latest designing trends and projects
