A ZEN INTERIOR…
Now more than ever, we could all do with a little bit of peace and tranquillity in our homes. A zen interior is the perfect solution to escaping the stresses and strains of work and the worries of everyday life
As our homes become a multifunctional space that needs to be adapted for working and family living, it’s so important to carve out a space or two for rest, relaxation, calm and contemplation. Not only is it essential for our mental and physical well-being, but a zen interior can also help with creativity and productivity too, as well as promoting a good night’s sleep so that you are refreshed and invigorated ready to tackle the day.
“Every room can be planned and designed to enhance a zen-like feeling,” says Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director at interiors company Industville.
“A calm, uncluttered zen approach is the perfect antidote to the outside world and, as well as colour schemes, soft furnishings, plants and art, your lighting can play a big part in making your home feel like a soothing sanctuary each and every day.”
THE ART OF ZEN
So, what is a zen Interior exactly? Well, zen itself refers to the school of Buddhism which originated in China and is renowned for promoting practices of meditation and self-restraint. When we think of zen today, it can mean so many things and in the world of interiors, it’s all about creating a space that represents you, your emotions and your well-being. It’s a way of creating a calming home where we can feel relaxed and cocooned – a place where we can be ourselves and leave all our worries at the door. By choosing your interior design and in particular, your lighting, with care and consideration, it’s easy to introduce a zen-like ambience into your home.
MINIMALIST INTERIORS
We’re all familiar with the term minimalism and as one of the key foundations of a zen interior, it’s important to take some time to clear your home of clutter. Less is definitely more and this mantra will help make space and a pathway to a clear head and mind.
“A minimalist interior definitely does not mean you need to sacrifice style however,” adds Marketa. “The most successful schemes will only include items that you absolutely need or are totally in love with. By freeing rooms of unnecessary distraction, the focus will fall on areas that are of genuine interest and value. Lighting can create the perfect statement piece as well as providing ambience, task lighting and feature illumination. Seek out industrial, vintage pieces as these will complement all styles of design, from classic through to contemporary and everything in between.”
“Where space allows, try to include a cosy corner for reading or listening to music,” suggests Marketa. “This may be the only room you can escape to when you need some time alone, apart from the bathroom, so it should be really personal to you. Layer your lighting with task lighting next to the bed for reading and a good overhead pendant for all-round ambience. Add a floor lamp or table light for that reading corner and relax.”
CULINARY MASTERS
“For kitchens, different layers of light are key,” confirms Marketa. “It’s hard to think of a kitchen as being zen-like, as they are often a hectic space where the whole family congregates and comes together to cook, eat, chat, perhaps even do their homework.”
Try to define different zones with your lighting such as efficient task lights over the worktops, sink and hob, pendants over an island, breakfast bar or dining table and then wall lights or spots overhead to add further illumination.
LAID-BACK LIVING
In living areas and open-plan spaces, again creating different zones with pools of light is key for a calming environment. For many of us, working from home has now become a permanent thing so if you are looking to create a desk area within your downstairs space, try to look for a self-contained unit with drop-down desk and doors that can be closed at the end of the working day, leaving you free to enjoy the calmness of your surroundings without that work guilt following you around. Make a statement with an outsized or unusual shaped overhead light and combine with various wall, table and floor lamps for instant atmosphere after dark.
SOOTHING SANCTUARIES
Bathrooms are the ultimate chill-out zone for rest and relaxation so indulge yourself with the design and create something that really relaxes body and soul. Choose lighting that allows for applying make-up and shaving in the wall mirror as well as lighting that enhances a long hot soak in the tub. “The bathroom is also a room where keeping clutter at bay is key,” adds Marketa.
Achieving a zen interior is not always easy, especially when you have to balance the needs of other family members. Yet by introducing a few simple touches to begin with, you will soon start to create calm throughout the home.
