1. Embrace Simplicity
Zen interior decorating principles borrow elements from a number of Asian aesthetic traditions, including Japanese interior design where the idea “less is more” is front and center. Creating clean, uncluttered lines and open spaces typically means using fewer overall pieces, which can have hidden benefits.
For example, instead of cluttering your living room with piles of throw pillows and legions of tabletop accessories, lose the pillows and choose one tabletop focal piece like a bowl or candlestick. Your budget for that single item will increase, and fewer elements battling for attention will help give that one object the consideration it deserves. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you think your layout may be too crowded, or just too much, you’re probably right.
2. Eliminate Clutter
Zen design is generally minimalist, and it encourages the creation of open space. If your mantle is groaning under a heavy load of framed photos, and there are piles of books and toys everywhere, it’s time to impose a little order. Besides being a potential tripping hazard, clutter makes cleaning difficult. A UCLA study conducted between 2001 and 2005 found that clutter in the home can even increase stress levels.
Corral your electrical cords and explore some storage options that will help you free up space in your closets and cupboards. If you still can’t find a home for that pile of magazines, donate them.
3. Choose A Restful Color Palette
In a Zen inspired room, elements harmonize to create a blended look. This is often achieved through the use of soft, nature inspired colors like cool blues and grays, restful greens and muted tans and browns. You can employ accent colors, for maximum Zen, use them sparingly.
4. Prefer Natural Materials
Using natural materials like: bamboo, wicker, cotton, linen, wool, silk, wood and woven grasses, is one easy way to help create a Zen aesthetic in a living room. You can also achieve interesting effects with natural accessory items like shells, stones and dried or fresh flowers.
5. Pay Attention to the Lighting
It’s hard to relax under the glare of a fluorescent light. That’s because lighting has the power to effect mood. Although bright task lighting can be important in a room, you can make a Zen space look and feel more authentic by dialing down the illumination.
For flexibility, add a dimmer switch to wired fixtures, and install sheers or blinds with drapes for better natural light control. You can also put in lower wattage light bulbs. Other options include installing recessed lighting or using individual lamps instead of track lights or a central, ceiling mounted fixture.
6. Create Empty Space
Zen design can be identified as much by what’s absent from the space as it is by what the space actually contains. Just remember: “Less is best.” Empty space may seem like the enemy of good design, but that’s not the case. Empty space is like a sigh. It’s hard to sigh without relieving at least a little tension.
In Zen design, keeping furnishings to a minimum gives the eye (and mind) an opportunity to rest by reducing the number of potential distractions. By all means, make the space functional and comfortable, but keep things as unadorned as possible.
7. Select Clean Lines In Furnishings
Zen furniture is notable for its clean lines and almost obsessive simplicity. To achieve the look, prefer furnishings with strong structural elements and little or no ornamentation. This lack of adornment really works well with the generous use of natural materials and textures.
8. Value Comfort
Ultimately, a Zen room is about more than décor. It’s about creating a space where you can calm down, rest and rejuvenate. Beyond the visual and other features we’ve discussed, that includes relaxing in comfort. Evaluate each piece you plan on buying for its comfort potential, and insist on items that feel as good as they look.
