Six Ways to Apply Zen and Harmonious Living in Your Home

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Living in a big city indeed creates a sense of restriction. Dense population, noise and limited space are common problems for those living in urban areas. Not rarely does this kind of condition trigger stress or even depression to some people.

Zen living, a way of living in simplicity that prioritises harmony between body and mind, is thought to be a solution to the problems often faced by urban citizens as it can induce a sense of calmness and happiness. This concept can actually be applied at home to make homeowners feel more attuned with themselves while staying inside. The followings are six applicable ideas to design your home with a zen living concept.

A simple look

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The well-known principle of zen living is shibumi. In architecture, shibumi means ‘an imperfect beauty’ or ‘a subtle elegance’. In a nutshell, the principle of shibumi in zen living is to find beauty in simplicity. Applying shibumi means prioritising things that are highly functional. Therefore, if you happen to find things that no longer serve you, you may want to dispose or sell them. This is a way to apply simplicity in your living space.

A garden in open space

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Another principle of zen living is to believe that nature has a significant role in creating balance in our lives. The connection between nature and human beings should be maintained and developed well to create a harmonious living. Therefore, the presence of a garden at home is highly recommended. Try to recheck your entire home. If you happen to have an empty open area, you can set up a garden. Small spaces at home, such as terrace, balcony or rooftop can also be turned into a small garden.

Put decorative plants inside

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Still related to the previously mentioned principle, the presence of nature is necessary not only in open areas but also in closed spaces. Put some decorative plants in your home interior. You can also place these decorative plants in unusual spots, for example on bookshelves, bathrooms, credenza or other rooms to avoid taking up much space. Adding plants inside can improve both air circulation and indoor ambience.

Freshen up rooms with special fragrances and scents

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Besides visual arrangement, it is also important to have fresh fragrance in a room as it can be significant in creating a sense of calmness and harmony in your home. To make a room feel fresh and scented, use fragrant candles or softly-scented air freshener. With a special fragrance in the room, occupants can feel more relaxed despite actually living in the hustle and bustle of city life.

Optimum lighting

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In architecture, natural lighting is an essential element in a buiding. Besides providing optimum illumination, natural lighting also has a significant effect on the occupants’ health. Therefore, make sure to always open curtains and windows in the morning to let sunlight in. Lights with proper brightness can be opted for rooms without sun exposure or to be used at night. Don’t forget to replace lights that have started to dim.

Mix and match colours

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Applying a simple concept doesn’t mean that you may not use a combination of colours. To liven up the mood in your interior, you are welcomed to mix and match colours, for example through wall paints, furniture or even room decorations. However, choose soft and cool colours like cream white, duck egg green or light blue to keep it subtle.

Those are six ways to apply zen living at home. Does the concept of zen living suit you? Besides applying the tips mentioned above, you can also find many other useful tips in Archify. On top of that, you can as well contact select architect or interior designer in Archify to help you realise your dream home.