interior design: PRELUDE TO FENG SHUI: ZEN INTERIOR DESIGN

Most of us clutter our homes with unnecessary items, yet Zen design infers a more minimalist approach: doing more with less. If you need a respite from your busy life, consider transforming your space into a personal refuge.

First visualize a calm, clear, wide-open space. You can create these qualities in your home as well as your mind. In fact, creating them in your home will reinforce them in your mind.

Try reducing the color palette to calm, 'quiet' colors

(like neutrals, water and earth tones).

Gradually take away all clutter, including: small decorative items (visually, they are clutter as well); things you don’t often use, things with bold distracting patterns.

Then start clearing the walls and floors, again only keep what is practical and necessary. 

You could, for example, start with one area, even a very small one; if you have a home office, it could just be a part of your desk.

Decide that nothing is going to disturb this free, clear, calm space. No decoration, no things, nothing.

Increase your conscious awareness by reducing the décor in your home. The less there is to stimulate your senses, the more you will notice what is there, and how it affects you, all occupants and guests.

Zen interior design really isn't about sparse rooms; it's about creating true well-being, for body and soul. Is your home pleasing to your senses? Is it comfortable? Is it welcoming? Does it create a peaceful, balanced atmosphere?

Designing with a Zen approach will turn your home into a sanctuary, a place of soothing tranquility and respite from the rush and busyness of the outside world.