In the past week, I found myself in a surreal moment, watching the aggressive attacks in the Ukraine and people fleeing their homes while I was sitting on a beach in Mexico. The contrast did not escape me. I decided to take a week off and just sit with those feelings and experiences.
While in Tulum, I had the pleasure of staying in a small condominium with a good friend. Every morning we relaxed in the minimally decorated spaces filled with natural textures and I read a book in the small enclosed yard that felt like a miniature oasis. In the afternoon I explored the town or sat on a beach.
It was a time where I felt the need to rest and disconnect so I honored what my mind, body, and heart was telling me. Sometimes we all need to rest and disconnect. To check in with ourselves and check out of the constant content on social media, both the exposure to it and creation of it.
our condo in Tulum
It was a relaxing stay in a simple condominum with minimal furnishings and a small yet serene yard. I felt a deep a sense of appreciation for where I was and how relaxed I felt. It lead me to think about how calm spaces have restorative powers. The calmer our spaces are, the more rejuvenated we can become living in them.
Where does the feeling of calm come from? It’s all of our senses responding to our current environment. It’s what we’re seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling, but it’s also energetic. It’s when all the senses in combination result in a more relaxed state of mind.
How do we create calm spaces? By creating an environment that looks and feels that way. It’s achieved by looking to the place where many humans feel the most calm: in nature. When we pull back and look at our planet we see that most of our globe is one of three colors: blue, green, or brown. The skies and waters present in all shades of blue. Green is everywhere in the natural world, and the earth is covered in deep browns and golds found in stone, dirt, sand, and dried grasses.
Mimicking mother nature indoors helps bring us closer to the peace found in the great outdoors. When choosing finishes, consider wood and stone. Look to include grass textures like raffia or rope. Accent with objects that are found in nature such as marble, stone, shells, geodes, and semi precious stones. Layer fabrics that are soft to the touch like cotton, linen, or silk. Bring plants and flowers indoors that will thrive. These images below help to illustrate that each one of us has the ability to create calm living spaces. Nature shows us how.
Decorate with earth tones
Layer organic textures & textiles
Hang large scale nature photography
polignano a mare – carley rudd
Activate senses with natural fragrances
Choose tile that mimics the colors found in stone, sea, or shells
Include living trees and plants
What have you found creates the most calm in your spaces?