Creating a Zen Space

It is the time of year when many set goals and seek to organize their lives.  Achieving a clear direction and path to attaining those goals may begin right at home.  Today's hectic lifestyles may have you desiring a calm oasis,  sanctuary, and a place of respite from the demands of the outside world.  

The Zen style of design is both minimalist and elegant. Everything in the home is meant to calm the spirit and the eye.  According to Wikipedia, Zen is a style of Buddhist spiritual practice. It is sometimes called a 'teaching' or a 'philosophy', but its core is the practice.  The word 'Zen' is Japanese, and the first Zen teachers that came to the West were Japanese. But the practice originated in China, about 1500 years ago. 
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How do you achieve a Zen style?

1.  Zen spaces have no clutter.  If you are a collector of things, Zen is not the style for you; rather, it is the aim of Zen to let go of the attachments.  Get rid of what you don't need and even reconsider things you think you need.  Think about essentials only.
2.  The softer, neutral color schemes are very Zen.  Bright colors may take away from the overall calm of a room.  
3.  When it comes to furniture, it should be of high quality and made of neutral materials.  Zen style furniture is characterized by simple lines, avoiding ornamentation.  
4.  Accessories should be minimal and pleasing to the senses.  A homemade linen spray, soy or beeswax candles, and essential oils are all natural ways to enhance your room.  The sound of water, smooth stones and soft fabrics are also ways to stimulate and relax your senses.  Plants, such as bamboo, have a calming effect and provide oxygen to any room. 
5.  Zen designers utilize natural light as much as possible.  This can be achieved by using only simple, light weight window treatments.  Recessed lighting is preferred over bright fluorescent overhead lighting.  Placing different sources of light allows one to control intensity and areas to be lit.

Does practicing Zen within your home sound appealing?  Do you wish to declutter your home and remove 'noise'?  

Some of the ways that I try to practice Zen in my home are

• by keeping my drawers and closets very organized
• leaving some hard surfaces free of decor and clutter (I could be better at this one)
  
•  filling my house with oil diffusers, plants and elements from the outdoors
• using neutral colors throughout each room of my home (except for my nine year old's colorful room)
  

As I finish this post, I realize, I could do a little more to declutter going into the New Year.  How about you??  Can I help you to make your home feel like a relaxing sanctuary?