Key Points
\nBring in natural materials to create an organic feel.Layer in a variety of soft textures to add coziness.Choose soft, warm lighting for a relaxing ambiance.<\/p>\n
Decorating your home isn\u2019t just about making it pretty. Every decision can help you to design a tranquil oasis that feels as good as it looks.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cCreating a calm room isn\u2019t a luxury anymore\u2014it\u2019s a necessity,\u201d interior designer Darci Hether says. \u201cOur homes are the one place where we can soothe our nervous systems, feel grounded, and tune out the constant noise of the outside world.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
For interior designer Lauren Saab, walking into a space that feels composed has an instant effect on frazzled nerves.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cA space that feels composed lets your mind slow down in a way you immediately notice,\u201d she explains. \u201cYour attention does not jump around between objects, and the room has a sense of ease.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
We asked Hether and Saab to identify the top decor choices that they rely on to make a room feel calmer.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
Meet the Expert<\/p>\n
Darci Hether<\/a> is a New York-based interior designer. Natural Materials <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Desiree Burns Interiors<\/a><\/p>\n Introducing natural elements that bring the outdoors inside<\/a> are a foolproof way to make your interior feel calming. Natural materials such as wood, stone, linen, and wool introduce texture without shouting for attention, Saab notes.\n<\/p>\n “These natural materials age well and provide a grounding element that adds a sense of warmth to a space while eliminating overstimulation,” she says.\n<\/p>\n Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter<\/a> for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!\n<\/p>\n Soft, Layered Lighting <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Design by Tyler Karu<\/a> \/ Photo by Erin Little<\/a><\/p>\n Soft, layered lighting calms every room instantly, Saab assures.\n<\/p>\n \u201cSoft lights provided by lamps or sconces create a warm glow and eliminate the harsh contrasts that create visual clutter in a space,\u201d she explains, adding that this soft layering of light is particularly beneficial in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.\n<\/p>\n Simple Color Palettes <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Becca Interiors<\/a><\/p>\n “A sense of cohesion is one of the most effective ways to create a tranquil environment,” Saab says.\n<\/p>\n An easy way to achieve this is by using simplified color palettes<\/a> without bold contrasts to support calm in high-activity rooms like kitchens and living rooms.\n<\/p>\n “When the eye moves through a space without sudden shifts in saturation, the whole room reads as cohesive, and the mind follows suit,” she explains.\n<\/p>\n Layered Textures <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Emily Henderson Design<\/a> \/ Photo by Sara\u00a0Ligorria-Tramp<\/p>\n Hether relies on layering in \u201ctouchable materials\u201d to make a space feel calmer.\n<\/p>\n \u201cA sumptuous rug underfoot, a velvet throw pillow, or a boucl\u00e9 accent chair adds instant coziness and signals the body to relax,\u201d she explains. \u201cThose tactile moments soften the energy of a space and create a sense of warmth and comfort.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Tonal Paint Colors <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Desiree Burns Interiors<\/a><\/p>\n Tonal paint colors that have been softened with a touch of gray\u2014such as blue-gray<\/a>, taupe, or greige\u2014create a \u201chushed and enveloping\u201d feel, Hether says.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThese muted shades create a cocooning effect and are especially grounding in bedrooms, living rooms, and any place where you want to unwind,\u201d she suggests. \u201cThey allow the rest of the design to breathe and instantly quiet the mood of the room.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Curved Silhouettes <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n
\nLauren Saab<\/a> is an interior designer and the founder of Saab Studios in Dallas.<\/p>\n