We’re always trying to accomplish something, right? In a single day, we might try to: get ahead at work, connect in a meaningful way with friends and family, finally figure out how to put on a duvet cover, finish watching the entire series of Gilmore Girls for the third time, and, of course, get more sleep.
When we finally get a moment of free time, it’s crowded on all sides by the anxiety of “what’s next?”
Here’s what we think: you deserve to have a life filled with meaningful productivity as well as thoughtful, in-the-moment reflection. Sure, you could get the app for that, but we suggest incorporating mindfulness into your life through home design.
Follow these tips to designing for mindfulness:
Keep A Clutter-Free Entryway
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Once the outside world is safely concealed behind our front door, the first thing we tend to do 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 at bay:
- Install hooks near your entry to keep coats and bags off the floor and furniture.
- Place a bin or basket nearby for organizing odds and ends 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.
Envision Clear, Open Spaces
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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.
Go For Clean & Green Vibrations
Living with plants should be a necessity of life rather than a decor consideration. According to research by Texas A&M, “being around plants helps people concentrate better in the home and workplace.” Plants assist with breathing, help to deter illness, and increase concentration, memory, and productivity.
- Decorate 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.
- Make friends with bamboo, who won’t mind if you leave early and work late – just keep them in water and you’ll benefit from years of soothing green bamboo tones.
- Hang a spider plant in an unused vertical space, which is an ideal design tip if you choose to follow our advice of minimizing flat surfaces.
In a recent survey by The Ministry of Calm, 99% of respondents said that changing your space can affect how you feel. So if your space doesn’t foster good vibes, consider making a change.