Uncluttered Zen Interiors for Your Stress Relief

There are times when we could all use a little more peace and quiet in our lives. Often, homes can become a hive of activity, but it’s important that they remain places that we can unwind, too.

Interior design is a wonderful way to evoke certain emotions in the home and also represent to yourself and others what means the most to you. Sometimes, more than anything else, we simply want to feel relaxed in our abodes, and creating a zen interior is the perfect way to create a destressing atmosphere.

What is Zen?

Zen refers to a school of Buddhism that originated in China, known for promoting practices of meditation and self-restraint. The term ‘zen’ is a Japanese pronunciation of the old Chinese word chán, which stood for meditation.

Zen in the modern sense has come to mean many things. Ultimately, Zen interiors are about creating an atmosphere in the home that promotes destressing and relaxation.

The Minimalist Approach

One of the key foundations of a zen interior is minimalism. Meditation is about connecting with the self in a way that is free from distractions, so take this into your interior by removing as much clutter as possible.

A minimalist interior design doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. The best zen interiors only include items that provide genuine value and remove the rest, creating rooms completely free of distraction. By running a colour scheme or style through your remaining features, such as industrial vintage lighting, you can still create eye-catching designs that are perfect for relaxation.

Sleek Edison Pendant - 1 Wire – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @mossley_hill_home)

Symmetry and Singularity

These two points are also key pillars in creating a zen interior. If you’re trying to bring more calm into the home, the first step should be to make sure everything’s clean and organised!

Symmetry is a physical manifestation of order, which produces a naturally calming effect in the home. In the same way, singular features, like a light, clock or table ornament, can help to evoke a calming sensation that runs throughout your interior.

Brooklyn Glass Cone Pendant - 7 Inch, by Industville (Image supplied by @sw20_nest)

Comforting Textures

If you want to create a relaxing home environment, then soft textures are something you should definitely consider. By blending different textures, you can create spaces with real depth and warmth, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Minimalist interiors can sometimes feel a little cold and tough, which isn’t always conducive to relaxation. Adding a few different textures instantly makes an interior look softer and more inviting, while they also pair beautifully with softer lighting schemes.

Old Factory Slotted Pendant - 15 Inch - Copper, by Industville (Image Supplied by @amazingtelly, Photographed by @beetspulseandthyme)

Spaces of Calm

While a zen interior is about creating a calming home, ultimately, for some households, that’s not so easy. Instead of trying to transform your home, you could always look to create little pockets of zen throughout your spaces.

A small, calming space, such as desk or corner chair, can make for the perfect getaway in a busy home. The singularity seen below – one mirror, one light, a small chair – is perfect for creating a space to reconnect with oneself, even if it’s just for a moment.

Old Factory Pendant - 12 Inch – Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by Ashbrook Serviced Apartments)

Connect with Nature

If you want to bring a little calm into your interior design, one of the best things you can do is incorporate plants in your style. Connecting with the natural world in any way you can is always supportive of a calmer mindset.

Plants are a hugely versatile part of interior design, and how you use them to create a calming atmosphere depends on your space. Often, small touches of green foliage pair beautifully with dark colours, adding vibrancy without taking away from that sense of calm.

Sleek Edison Wall Light – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @our_cornish_life)

Find Your Zen

Sometimes, people can think of zen interiors as being plain, bare spaces devoid of character. However, this isn’t further from the truth! Zen is about connecting with the self, so it makes sense that you reflect yourself onto your interior design.

When designing your own calming space, play with the principles of a zen interior. We love the design below and how it captures the soft, minimalist nature of zen interiors but flips it with standout colours. The soft pinks and greens look super modern but retain that sense of oneness and calm.

Brooklyn Glass Cone Pendant - 7 Inch, and Brooklyn Glass Funnel Wall Light - 7 Inch, £79, by Industville (Image supplied by @ourmillcottage)

Calm Work Environment

Many more of us have started working from home over the last year or so. As a result, having a calming, focused interior is more important than ever.

The principles of a zen interior are ideal for creating a home office. Clean, minimalist features with soft colours and lighting create the perfect space for focused work, while also helping to reduce feelings of stress. Leave desk ornaments to a minimum!

Brooklyn Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by Ava Rose Interior Design)

There are certain features that are seen in all zen interiors, namely minimalism and soft tones. However, beyond that, a calming interior can fit with almost any style and design. A space that allows you to unwind but is still undeniably yours is the sign of a great zen interior.

Looking for more design inspiration? We post stunning interiors every day on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Our blog is also full of the latest trends in interior design for you to discover.

Header image credit: @my.house.to.my.home