Greetings, friends! Feeling like your space could use a little pick-me-up?
If you’re looking to revitalize your room without embarking on a major overhaul, I’ve got some wonderful ideas and design inspirations to share with you. Let’s explore together how we can create environments that foster relaxation and mindfulness.
Whether it’s your cozy living room or tranquil bedroom, I’ve curated six timeless design tips that can breathe new life into your home. And the best part? They’re incredibly simple to put into action all on your own!
1. Add a Touch of Green
Implementing a plant or two can help to promote a sense of bringing the outdoors in. Found in all classic designs, plants bring in new life to those bare shelves and empty corners. Simply put, having greenery in the home can really liven up a space while embracing a sense of ease and relaxation.
Beyond the contribution of the organic movement of greenery, whether they be small potted plants, branches in a vase or taller indoor trees, the addition of any plant is a wonderful way to introduce harmony and mindfulness into any environment.
Pro Design Tip
Taller trees are perfect for adding height and visual interest in a bare spot in the room. Smaller plants or branches are ideal for dressing up a side table, console, coffee table or wall shelf.
While I love that live plants can naturally improve air quality, I myself do not have that green thumb! If you’re anything like me, I find that the easiest solution is to bring in low-maintenance succulents or even faux plants. Below are a few real and faux indoor plants that could work well in your home refresh!
Studio McGee 72” Artificial Tree
FUNARTY 5pcs Artificial Long Stems 37″ Branches
Relied 6ft Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
MyGift Artificial Succulent Arrangement in Round Gray Cement Planter Pot
Costa Farms Real Sansevieria Mid-Century Modern Planter Stand 12-Inch
Costa Farms Succulent Garden Fully Rooted in Ceramic Décor Planter, 8-inch
2. Introduce Decorative Accent Pieces
Accent pieces are the heartbeat of a room’s personality! From decorative vases to quirky sculptures, these elements breathe life into your space, drawing attention to its unique character. What’s truly remarkable is how these accents can serve as reminders of mindfulness and personal expression in your home. Opt for a sleek, low-profile polished chrome bowl for a modern touch, or add a vibrant, eclectic feel with a colorful balloon dog statue.
Pro Design Tip
When arranging your accent pieces, think in terms of threes, varying heights and sizes to create visual interest. For example, group a vase and a candle atop books on your coffee table, or pair a framed photo with a candle and beads on a side table.
Below are some delightful decorative accents to consider. Remember, while each piece may shine individually, they may not necessarily complement each other in the same space, reflecting the unique flair of different past projects.
Ivya 58in Black Wood Bead Garland with Tassels
Voluspa French Cade Lavender Candle | Large Glass Jar | 18 Oz
Elegance Hammered Metal Silver Bowl, 17” x 9”
Modern White Ceramic Vase, Set 2
3. Artwork to Soothe the Soul
Artwork holds immense power in tying together the threads of a room’s design, contributing significantly to the ambiance and wellness of a home. It serves as more than just decoration; it narrates the stories and personalities of those who inhabit the space. Just like how plants breathe life into a room, updated artwork can inject vibrancy into empty walls or add character to bare fireplace mantles, enhancing the overall mindfulness and wellness of your living environment.
When we think of art, the typical wall hangings often come to mind—prints, photographs, or paintings elegantly framed. Yet, it’s important to broaden our perspective to include other mediums, such as sculptures. A unique or sentimental sculpture, whether standalone or framed, commands attention and adds depth to your home’s aesthetic. By incorporating various forms of art into your living space, you not only elevate its visual appeal but also foster an atmosphere of mindfulness and wellness, inviting tranquility and inspiration into your daily life.
Pro Design Tip
Pay attention to the size of the artwork that may be hung on the walls or displayed on a shelf. Proportion is key and if an art piece is much too small in an area, it can feel skimpy and out of place. If found too large for an area, you risk overwhelming the space.
While my client had their own sculpted horse & jockey piece, we found a similar piece of art if it’s something that catches your attention! Artwork is very personal that should be catered to your own style. Below are a few examples of uniquely eye-catching art pieces.
SunBlogs Handmade Rustic Metal Horse Statue
SIGNWIN Framed Pink Orange Dot Cheetah Pop Art
Mixweer 3 Pcs Black Metal Wall Art
Modern 16×16 Inch Natural Agate Framed Wall Art 4 Inch
4. Pillows that Pop
Refresh your space without the need for a new sofa—simply introduce a few fresh throw pillows! What makes pillows so delightful is their versatility; they offer an effortless way to switch up the décor in a room throughout the seasons.
The color, pattern, and texture of a throw pillow wield significant influence over the atmosphere of a space. A light-colored, plush pillow evokes a sense of coziness and relaxation, while a boldly patterned, vibrant pillow injects energy and dynamism into the room.
Pro Design Tip
While pillows can be an excellent means of adding visual interest, it’s crucial not to overwhelm the space. On larger sofas, consider grouping no more than three pillows in each corner, ensuring they vary in size, color, and texture. For example, a solid-colored 18” x 18” pillow could be paired with a smaller faux fur pillow and a patterned bolster. Additionally, decorative pillows with unique fabrics can elevate the look of solid-colored chairs, while kidney or bolster pillows provide a sophisticated touch to pairs of chairs.
Here are some of my favorite pillows that cater to various design aesthetics, enhancing the mindfulness and wellness of your home environment.
Embroidered Dots with Pom-Poms Square Throw Pillow Cream/Black
Cygnus Set of 2 Farmhouse Decor Stripe Patchwork Linen Throw Pillow Covers
Phantoscope Faux Fur Pillow Cover
CASA BOHO Oversized Decorative Bohemian Pillow Cover Large
5. Set the Mood With Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element that deeply influences the mindfulness and wellness of your home environment. Beyond mere functionality, both the decorative light fixtures, such as table lamps or chandeliers, and the bulbs themselves play pivotal roles in shaping the ambiance of a space. These fixtures can serve as decorative accents or even pieces of art, but it’s essential to ensure they emit the right glow and color temperature to truly enhance your home’s atmosphere.
Traditionally, warm light has been associated with relaxation, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day, while cooler light tends to promote energy and alertness. Achieving the right color temperature is paramount as it complements and enhances all the decorative elements within each space. Too warm a color could distort the appearance of light-colored walls, while overly cool tones might create a clinical or unwelcoming feel.
Pro Design Tip
When selecting light bulbs, aim for a color temperature ranging between 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin, often referred to as “soft white.” This temperature creates a relaxed ambiance, enhances the appearance of your surroundings, and even contributes to a healthier-looking complexion—a strangely true phenomenon.
Strategically placing taller floor lamps in dimly lit corners can effectively brighten up these areas, while table lamps work wonders between pairs of chairs or next to standalone seating. Below, you’ll find a selection of lighting options to meet your specific needs, ensuring your home is imbued with a sense of mindfulness and well-being.
Sunco Lighting 12 Pack BR30 Dimmable LED Light Bulbs, 2700K Soft White
We switched out all of our recessed can lights with these bulbs for a more balanced soft white glow in our home.
Henn & Hart Simone 2-Light Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade in Matte Black/Brass/White
Lumiverse Dimmable E26 Vintage LED Edison Bulbs, 2700K Soft White
These “Edison Bulbs” are great for lamps or pendants where the bulbs are exposed.
Threshold™ Polyresin Mini Table Lamp with Circle Base
6. Create Calm with Throw Blankets
Introducing a throw or a blanket into your living space isn’t just about semantics—it’s about adding a touch of comfort and mindfulness to your home. Whether casually draped over an armchair in your office or elegantly spread across the end of a chaise lounge in the family room, these cozy additions serve a wonderfully functional purpose, inviting you to snuggle up and unwind wherever you may be. Moreover, their visual warmth effortlessly softens the ambiance of any room, making it feel more inviting and comforting.
Pro Design Tip
When styling throws, don’t be afraid to embrace a slightly “messy” aesthetic by pinching the middle and casually tossing them over the ends of sofas. Alternatively, for a neater look, opt for a tidy fold, delicately placed atop a chair with any fringe exposed—a technique showcased in our featured design project.
As these blankets prove indispensable during the chillier seasons, consider having more than just one on hand. A charming design solution is to incorporate a cute basket or decorative ladder to hold your collection of blankets, ensuring both functionality and style in your space. Below, you’ll find a selection of examples to inspire your design journey, enriching your home with mindful touches of comfort and warmth.
FUIN Fully Assembled 5 Ft Wall Leaning Blanket Ladder in Brown
Inhand Knitted Throw Blanket with Tassel in Off White 50″x60″
Chanasya Cotton Chevron Throw Blanket with Tassels, 50×65
Adyrescia Chunky Knit Blanket Throw in Harvest Yellow, 50″x60″
Well!? What do you say, friends? Are you ready to spruce up that space of yours to promote mindfulness in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Xoxo,
Megan
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