With the outside world’s penchant for persistently pressing your stress buttons, your home is truly a refuge from the white noise. It’s your sanctuary; a place for peace and quiet, one’s zone to re-centre the mind, body and soul.

Very often, however, we bring back the stress of modern life into our personal lives, and in short, don’t disconnect from that noise. What you really need are spaces in the home that will encourage you to re-connect with yourself and your inner voice. Here is how you can promote mindfulness at home.

 

Find your Zen

This one is even for those who don’t believe in meditation. All you need is a space designed to promote quiet. I recommend you find a spot by the window — light works wonderfully in altering one’s mood. Add an area rug, some floor cushions, a rocker or a day bed in natural materials and opt for a soothing, preferably earthy palette. Make a conscious effort to spend time in this space away from your smart devices. You don’t have to sit straight, you don’t have to concentrate on a flame, you just have to breathe deeply. And now you have a space designated for that very purpose. If you are having trouble letting go, load an app that helps relax, or a sound machine that takes you away from the maddening city noise. Investing in a miniature Japanese Zen garden is a good way to lose yourself to raking patterns in the sand.

 

Make space for a hobby

What were your childhood hobbies? Cater to them in your adulthood. A dedicated corner, no matter how small, can facilitate and at the very least, house the tools required for your passion. That way, it’s out of everyone’s way and having the tools, be it paint, yarn, even journals, so apparently visible in your surroundings will eventually entice you to use them. That is where you disconnect from the world and reconnect with your inner child. Nigella Lawson has this interesting theory about why cooking never stresses her out. According to Lawson, repetitive culinary actions like chopping and churning that don’t require a constant and active engagement allow one to be totally in the moment. I find that tending to my house plants also helps in a similar manner.

 

The truth about colour therapy

The hues we wear and surround ourselves with impact the way we feel and the way others feel about us. I am sure you must have read the many reports on what to wear for success on an interview or a first date. The same basic rules apply to home interiors. Sharp, high-energy colours like reds and yellows do not promote peace and quiet; not to mention they are not exactly selfie friendly. Instead, take a page out of the Scandinavians’ book to invest in pastel, almost washed out shades of blue, greens, greys and even blush pinks. Try to stay away from glossy coats and opt for the most matte, flat finishes possible. Also, be wary of textured wall surfaces. The only textures that make sense moving forward are those mimicking cement screed — thus grey, or even limestone white — allude to naturally occurring materials and simpler times.

Going monochrome is not only super on trend, by negating clash, it bolsters harmony and ease on the eyes. Monochrome circa 2018 is not about white, black and 50 shades of grey. Choose your favourite colour and explore its many pastel hues to create a singular look. I find teal very soothing. From green-grey and green-blue, to seafoam and until it is just a drop in a sea of white, the new monochrome is all about committing to a colour, spending time layering the look and exploring its diversity in materials.