The zen trend surfaced a few years ago and people have been loving it ever since. The idea is to create a space in your home that is purely for relaxation and tranquility.
It is a place where you can be quiet, meditate or practice mindfulness. Here’s how to plan your space and seven fun ideas to inspire you.
To work
First decide what your zen theme will be. Do you want to meditate and spend your evening stretching, or read a book and listen to music? This theme will help you choose the necessary items and decorations for your zen space.
To design the perfect Zen room, all you need to do is follow these three guidelines:
- Make sure the space is away from distractions and high traffic areas in your home.
- Include only the most important items. A tidy space helps you relax more easily.
- Prioritize your senses. Think softly, grounding and calming.
With these guidelines in mind, you can create a space where you can spend time alone, deep in thought, de-stressing and recharging. A visible space or boundary also helps you attract people to respect your alone time. They’ll know how to start a conversation later when you’re in that room.
Nice ideas for your private zen room
Your zen room can be anywhere, whether you’re transforming a corner of your bedroom or remodeling a two-car garage. If you plan to do the latter, you can generally expect to be released about 600 square meters – not a bad amount of space.
Ready to move your car? Here are seven ways to transform your space into something special.
1. Add a statement piece
Whether it’s a statement piece of art, a colorful rug or a unique piece of furniture, a statement piece can help set the tone for your zen room. Consider something that reflects your personal style and creates a sense of calm. If your zen time usually falls in the evening, consider hanging fairy lights or mood lighting for a peaceful atmosphere.
2. Add plants
Plants have a calming effect, so including them in your zen room is a great way to promote relaxation. Choose low-maintenance varieties such as succulents or air plants with neutral-colored pots to maintain the zen feeling. If you are more creative, this is a great opportunity to put your painting skills to the test and draw soothing patterns or lines on the pots or vases.
3. Use soft lighting
Bright ceiling lights can be overwhelming, so use soft lighting such as table lamps, floor lamps or string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Try to integrate as much natural light as possible. Sunlight increases serotonin levels, which can positively affect your mood and help you feel calmer. You can also try lamps that mimic sunlight if your Zen room is in an enclosed space.
4. Add comfortable seating
A comfortable place to sit is essential for a zen room. Use soft cushions, bean bags or a hammock to create a cozy seating area. If you like soft toys or fluffy blankets, incorporate them into your zen-den design. Babies and children love cuddly toys for good reason, and more and more research shows that soft objects are involved can reduce anxiety in adults because of their soothing nature. You can also add a meditation cushion or yoga mat to practice mindfulness.
5. Create a calming soundtrack
Noise can have a major impact on your mood and anxiety levels. If you live in a noisy area and need some quiet time, create a playlist of soothing music, nature sounds, or white noise to play in the background while you relax in your zen room. Keep your sound device safe and stable with a minimalist wooden stool — make it a weekend DIY project when you feel confident.
6. Integrate aromatherapy
Certain scents such as lavender, rosemary and incense can promote and reduce tranquility tension. Use essential oils or scented candles with calming scents such as chamomile or vanilla to create a peaceful atmosphere.
If your Zen space focuses on meditation, consider burning incense. Traditional incense burners provide a relaxing exercise that you can use to get into your relaxed state after a long day.
7. Keep it clear
Clutter can be distracting and stress-inducing. If you can’t move items to another room, keep your zen room organized by immediately storing items you don’t need in baskets that match your theme.
If your zen room is more of a zen corner, double your storage space as comfortable seating. A clean space helps create a feeling of tranquility.
Find Zen in your new relaxation room
Your zen room should reflect your preferences about what makes you feel relaxed. Experiment with different elements until you find the perfect combination for you.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modified, where he writes about health, fitness and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work.
