Make Your Apartment Home a Zen Escape
Zen home decor is here to stay, and our Insider Guide offers creative tips from expert designers that will help you transform your apartment into a peaceful retreat.
Get into a Furniture Flow
The way you arrange your furniture can significantly impact the flow and energy of your space. Feng shui experts often suggest you start by identifying each room or space’s focal point and ensuring there are clear and defined walkways of at least two to three feet.
Designers advise against pushing furniture up against windows, which cuts into the natural lighting that’s so important to creating a chill space. In the end, the key idea is to aim for plenty of breathing room. Oftentimes, the freedom to move effortlessly between unencumbered spaces makes an apartment home feel peaceful.
Embrace Minimalism
The foundation of zen design lies in the art of minimalism. Less is often more when it comes to creating a calming environment. Start by decluttering and focus on highlighting or showcasing items that bring you joy or serve a purpose. This approach not only creates a sense of calm but also makes your space appear larger and more open.
Create Clever Storage Solutions
Invest in multi-functional furniture pieces that offer hidden storage. For example, ottomans with removable tops, beds with built-in drawers, and floating shelves can all help keep your space organized without sacrificing your personal taste.
Utilize a Neutral Color PaletteA soothing color scheme is essential for a zen-inspired space. A time-tested designer rule of thumb is to stick to a neutral palette that primarily uses shades of white, beige, and gray. These tones create a sense of spaciousness and calm. For balance, be sure to add depth by incorporating natural textures like stone, natural wood, and woven materials.
Lighting Is Everything
Choosing the right lighting can beautifully add to the ambiance of your apartment home. Layering lighting has become all the rage in the design world in recent years because it creates such a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
To achieve this, consider adding forms of lighting to support your main overhead or pendant lights. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can achieve a balanced and serene environment. Floor and table lamps are the easiest way to achieve this outcome, though some apartment dwellers have found that simply hanging string lights or battery-operated LED strips offer an equally ethereal glow.
Bring Nature Indoors
Incorporating natural elements and materials is one of the key cornerstones of zen design. Not only do many varieties of houseplants purify the air, but they also add character, life, and tranquility to your space. Low-maintenance options that offer chill vibes include snake plants, jade, and succulents. Another easy way to bring the “outside feel” in is to update your throw pillows, area rugs, or blankets using textural elements like jute, bamboo, or woven materials.
Creating a zen escape in your apartment comes down to much more than aesthetics or personal taste — instead, it’s about crafting a space that nurtures your well-being and provides a sanctuary. By incorporating these designer tips and focusing on elements that promote calm and serenity, you can transform your living space into a personal retreat that truly feels like home.
