Welcome back to Kirsty’s Home Hints, where I’ll be giving you my tips on turning your house into a haven of complete relaxation. If you’re new here, I’m Kirsty, Customer Service Representative at Vivly Living and I’m excited to share my top tips with you ahead of International Relaxation Day on the 15th of August.

The day was pioneered by nine-year-old Sean Moeller from Michigan back in 1985. He suggested that people shouldn’t do anything strenuous on this day – including work and cleaning. Isn’t that just music to your ears? Maybe it should become a national holiday! Moeller continues to support National Relaxation Day year-on-year, and the day has been recognised by organisations such as The Mental Health Foundation, BBC Earth, Sport England and many more.

So, let’s get into my top 10 tips on how to make your home a relaxing space, including decluttering, embracing the natural elements, creating cosy and comfortable spaces, relaxing master bedroom paint ideas and dedicated yoga zones.

The importance of having a relaxing home

Before we delve into my practical tips, let’s talk about why creating a relaxing home is so important. Your home should be more than just a place to sleep and eat – it should be where you can unwind, recharge and feel at peace, but I understand that this can be hard nowadays due to the hybrid-working world we live in. While that environment isn’t conducive to the idealistic sanctuary we’re going for, it doesn’t make it impossible to create; there are still ways to make your home more calming. Having a relaxing home can reduce stress, anxiety and improve relationships. Physical and mental wellbeing has been associated with living in a peaceful, relaxing environment as it improves sleep, productivity and lowers stress levels. Being stressed makes it almost impossible to give everything 100% of your time, so focus on some of my tips and watch many aspects of your life improve.

Declutter and organise your space

Clear the chaos: decluttering tips

Having a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Start small by focusing on one area at a time – perhaps begin with your entryway which may be covered in shoes, or a clutter hotspot like the kitchen counter. Make three piles: keep, donate and throw away. This approach will help you visualise just how much stuff you’ve got and how much you’re getting rid of – the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end makes it totally worth doing! Remember – a tidy space makes a tidy mind.

Utilise smart storage solutions

Invest in stylish storage solutions to keep things organised such as ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables with shelves. Multi-purpose furniture like this is perfect because it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve previously touched on decluttering, specifically in the kitchen, when I wrote a blog about the Scandinavian tradition of 'bringing hygge to your kitchen.'

Embrace the natural elements

Bring the outdoors in

Did you know that houseplants are beneficial to your health because they add a touch of greenery while improving air quality and reducing stress? Choosing low maintenance plants like a Cactus or String of Pearls is a stress-free way of adding nature to your home – it would be counterproductive to take on a high-maintenance plant like an Orchid! You can even get creative with the placement of your plants – I love hanging planters, window planters and pretty plant stands as they add so much to the home.

Enhance natural light and fresh air

Try to maximise the natural light in your home to create an open and airy atmosphere. In all our Vivly Living homes, we include bi-folding, patio or French style doors which open out onto the rear patio/garden, bringing the natural light into the ground floor of each home. If you want to see it for yourself, come and view our showhome at our Knowle Grange site in Shepley, which is currently for sale at a fantastic price.

Create cosy and comfortable spaces

Introduce a perfect seating arrangement

There’s nothing better than kicking your feet up on the sofa after a long day at work, don’t you think? Choosing a sofa that meets your needs is the key to getting comfortable, whether it’s first-hand or second-hand, there are some great deals out there.

Arranging your furniture in a way that encourages conversation and relaxation is important – here at Vivly Living, we understand that the home should be a sociable space, whether you’re hosting loved ones for special occasions or just catching up with the people you live with after a busy day at work or school. That’s why we create open-plan living spaces in all our homes. Take a look at The Poplar on our Denby Dale site to see this in real life.

Also, consider investing in ergonomic chairs that provide proper support. Hybrid-working is the new normal so it’s important to make your home working space as comfortable as possible.

Include soft furnishings and textiles

Adding soft textures like plush cushions, cosy throws and soft rugs around your new seating arrangement can instantly make a room feel warmer and more inviting. The Rug Guru, a privately owned family business, based just a 10-minute drive from our Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe sites, sells a wide variety of beautifully made rugs and runners, which are suitable for any style.

Make it your own

Display meaningful décor

Surround yourself with items that bring you joy – whether that’s your favourite piece of artwork, photos of loved ones or travel souvenirs; anything that is personal to you. You could turn it into a DIY project: create a gallery wall, make your own art or even try your hand at candle making! Huddersfield-based company, Candle Academy run fantastic candle making classes, so you’ll be able to deck your home out with homemade candles before you know it!

Colour psychology

Colours can have a profound impact on our emotions. The ancient Egyptians practiced Chromatherapy, also known as ‘colour therapy’, which is a method of using colour to support our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Blues, for example, are thought to aid depression, bring down blood pressure and slow your heart rate, which is why they’re the perfect tones for bedrooms.

Choosing calming colours like gentle greens, soothing neutrals or light greys for your walls and décor can help to make your space as relaxing as possible.

Practice relaxation techniques

Create a yoga and meditation corner

When I’m not meeting the lovely customers of Vivly Living, I am a yoga teacher. I may be biased, but I can't stress the benefits of having a dedicated space for yoga and meditation enough. Set up a peaceful corner with a yoga mat, comfortable cushions and perhaps a diffuser with essential oils to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. While we are still in the summer months, you could even set up your yoga and meditation zone in your garden, as mentioned in my blog ‘Transform your space: Make your garden a stress-free haven with Kirsty's Home Hints’

Digital detox spaces

In today's digital age, we’re all guilty of spending a lot of our time on screens. That is why it's crucial to create tech-free zones in your home and establish areas where screens are not allowed - such as the bedroom or a cosy reading nook. Disconnecting from technology can help you unwind and focus on the present moment. Additionally, you’ll sleep better, you’ll talk to loved ones more and you’ll truly be able to unwind.

Creating a relaxing home environment takes time, so don’t try to do everything at once – you’ll just end up feeling more stressed! By implementing these tips, you can transform your home into a relaxing space where you can unwind, de-stress and recharge. At Vivly Living, we understand the importance of designing homes that promote wellbeing and relaxation. Our homes in Yorkshire are crafted with these principles in mind, offering you the perfect blend of comfort, style and tranquillity.

Explore Vivly Living homes today to discover how you can experience true relaxation in your everyday life. Whether you're looking for a cosy one-bedroom house or a spacious family home, we have options that cater to your lifestyle and relaxation needs.

Thank you for reading my tips on how to find your zen at home. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact us today. Let's make your dream of a relaxing home a reality.