6 Ideas How To Turn Your Living Room Into a Stress-Free Sanctuary

I’m pleased to present a guest post by Zana Dodig
  
Aside from being the hub of the home, your living room is where you carry out the trifecta of entertainment, relaxation, and hosting. Since it’s such a central part of everyone’s lives, it’s important that it be designed in a way that is as serene, stress-free and relaxing as possible.
 
If you’re struggling with making your living room a tranquil zone, here are 6 ideas that will help you out.
 
1.  Use bright, cool, & neutral colors

Photo by Jon'Nathon Stebbe on Unsplash

​The color scheme plays a huge role in making a space feel comfortable. It’s basic color psychology that certain colors trigger aggressive and energetic emotions while others make you feel calm and collected.
 
It is agreed that neutral colors have an inherent ability to make a person feel welcome. This palette usually consists of understated, earthy colors like taupe, chocolate brown, tan and sand. All  have the ability to imbue a living room with charming elegance along with an aura of incredible relaxation.
 
However, if you want to deviate from neutrals, try and look for different shades of blue. Navy living rooms are trendy as well as serene. You can embellish them with brass accents, stylish accessories, and statement art or two to get the best effect.
 
2.  Bring in some houseplants
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Photo by Jon'Nathon Stebbe on Unsplash

​Studies show the houseplants can improve your mood, productivity, and concentration by 15%. If you’ve been feeling listless and unenergetic in your living room, you can improve it by bringing in some beautiful houseplants.
 
If you’re worried that you might not have the ability to take care of them, then start with something easy. The Crassula plant is a good start as it is a low-maintenance succulent. You can also opt for the Swiss Cheese Plant if you’re a sucker for aesthetics. Mexican Petunias and Nerve plants are also good options.
 
3.  Use filtered lighting
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Bright filtered lighting is an excellent way to make your living room feel airy, refreshing, and welcoming. You can use a number of custom window treatments to get this effect. For example, sheer curtains can amplify the beauty of diffused sunlight. They are wispy, beautiful, and always emulate a classy look in any space.
 
However, if you’re going for a more modern look, then you can also opt for honeycomb blinds. They also let in filtered light, turn opaque when the sun hits their surface, and are very sleek-looking to boot.
 
Pro tip: You can make your sheer curtains or blinds look even more stunning by pairing them with either an elegant curtain rod or a plain pelmet.
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​4.  A clean aesthetic goes a long way​

Photo by Jon'Nathon Stebbe on Unsplash

​Clean lines and organization are a surefire way to make a space feel as stress-free as possible. When you look at a clutter-free space, your mind automatically feels at ease. There are many ways to accomplish that. For example, a bare wall can be embellished with minimalist shelving with neatly organized trinkets and baubles. A bare tiled or wooden floor can be outfitted with a plain rug.
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5.  Textile therapy

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

Certain textiles evoke a sense of inherent calm. You can use them in your living rooms to get a charmingly relaxed effect. A shag rug with a fluffy surface can make your space feel absolutely inviting. Pick one in neutral colors or go for a Beni Ourain style one for the best look. Similarly, braided jute baskets with throw pillows or planters inside them can also make a big difference. Lastly, a comfortable sofa throw can be the cherry on top of the whole look!

6.  Go for aromatherapy

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

​​Lastly, beautiful scents can make your living areas more than a room – they’ll make it an experience. Going for an aromatherapy lamp can uplift the entire mood of the space. Fresh flowers also improve the mood of a room and potpourri in beautiful decorative bowls can add both functional and aesthetic value to the living room.
 
We hope you find these tips helpful while decorating your living room into a stress-free yet stylish haven.
 
Guest author: Zana Dodig loves interiors and everything related, from decorating to organizing and remodeling. Her favourite part of interiors for the last 20 years has been window coverings. She works as a window treatment consultant and writer at PrestigeDecor.ca.