12 Stylish Ideas to Elevate Your Home’s Calm Factor

Have you ever stepped into someone’s house and instantly felt at home? You’re ready to kick off your shoes, curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee, and visit for a bit.

What is that “wow” factor that brings a bit of tranquility to any living space and makes you want to spend time there? Here are a few ideas to help elevate your home's calm and quaint feel and make the relaxed atmosphere seem natural.

1. Go With Neutral Colors

Top designers often turn to neutral color palettes to create a warm base for homes. You can always add a pop of color or some textures for interest, but sticking to a neutral palette ensures people have a positive association with your space.

Every person has a different psychological reaction to colors. One person might respond positively to red, and it may be someone else’s least favorite color. When you choose neutral options, you remove the emotions linked to the brighter hues.

2. Add Throw Pillows

If you’ve read any design magazine, you know people are always recommending pillows to up the design factor of a space. However, you can also use pillows to add some calming elements and make the space inviting.

A stark couch without any additions may not be as welcoming as a couch with some fluffy pillows you can sink into. You’ll want a variety of sizes and textures. Imagine lounging in the space and watching a movie while you unwind from a hectic workday.

3. Choose the Right Carpet

Carpeting can offer warmth and comfort on cold winter days, but it also absorbs sounds and adds a quiet tranquility to your living space. Its soft texture also makes it ideal for families with young children. Since carpet is now more stain-resistant than ever, you can find lasting options that hold up even in a busy, high-traffic household.

4. Remember the Lighting

Lights and lamps are sometimes overlooked in the design process or an afterthought. What if you designed the room around an amazing lamp, wall sconce or ceiling light? There are so many different options, it can be hard to know what might seem cozy in your atmosphere. 

It may be best to avoid industrial features, which can come across as harsh and impersonal. Look for vintage options, unique styles and lights that diffuse the light, spreading it out. You have a lot of options, depending on your style, but keep in mind that even the type of lightbulb you choose can add warmth or make the room seem sterile.

5. Utilize Textures

People are usually very tactile. They love nothing more than to rub their fingers over a silky soft throw or feel the rough texture of a denim material. When creating your home decor, look for ways to add varying textures for interest and to draw people into the room.

Add a denim material pillow and throw a soft blanket over the back of your couch. Try a quilted rug and some smooth-sided lamps. Look for ways to add variation while bringing the look together with colors and patterns. Natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, stone and wicker, help you connect with nature and feel more grounded. 

6. Declutter the Space

Decluttering creates a clearer space and can bring peace to your mind and spirit. Start by assigning a place for everything you need. Get rid of anything you don’t use. Have a yard sale or donate items to the charity of your choice.

When you remove all the stuff, you clear the way for the things you truly love, such as a beautiful vase of flowers or a unique piece of wood from your family farm. Focus on the items that mean something to you, and you’ll instill a natural warmth and sense of style into the room.

7. Get Symmetrical

Clean lines and order can bring peace to a space. Look for ways to arrange your furniture so it feels balanced. Step back and make sure nothing seems off-kilter or out of place. If you have art with square or rectangular lines, align other elements alongside it evenly. 

It’s alright to mix different geometric shapes — just be sure they complement one another. When you walk into the room, you’ll notice anything that sticks out or is significantly taller or shorter than other pieces. Sometimes simply moving a table to the other side of the room can make a huge difference in the feel of the space.

8. Incorporate Calming Pops of Color

While a neutral color palette is calming, you should also add some interest to the space. Think about the colors that add calm to your life, such as blue or green. You can add a few pillows or a blanket or two in those shades. A rug with a varied array of relaxing tones can add serenity.

9. Add Scent

Consider all the senses when creating a sense of calm in your favorite spaces. Aromatherapy is an excellent way to make any room more inviting. You want to incorporate just the right balance of smells. If you add too much perfume, it could overwhelm those with sensitivities. Wax melts and small candles are usually just the right amount to add a homey feel to your room.

Scents known to have a calming effect include vanilla and lavender. However, you should use whatever makes it feel like home and brings positive memories of years gone by. If your idea of home smells like freshly baked cookies, look for a candle matching that scent. 

10. Embrace Your Green Thumb

Researchers have found that houseplants reduce stress and improve state of mind. Adding a few live plants around your home can up the calmness factor and give you something to look forward to as the plant grows and blooms.

Add a few planters in a brightly lit window. Place some potted greens around your entry and living room. Put freshly cut flowers in a vase on your kitchen table. 

11. Place a Water Feature

Add a small fountain or tabletop water feature to your space. The gentle sound of water trickling over stones can add to the room's personality, and most people find water sounds relaxing. Even adding a pet water fountain to your kitchen can add to the overall sensory experience of your home and calm people as they walk in.

12. Select the Right Art

Art adds a personalized touch to any room. To up the calming factor in your decor, select art with a soft effect and muted colors. A scene of a babbling brook, the ocean or abstract art can all qualify. 

You can add any art you love, but to keep things tranquil, try to stick to neutral colors, such as blue, green and soft pastels.

Remember the Room’s Function

If you want a space that works for you and any visitors, it must function for your needs. If you have pets, consider how to make the space comfortable for them. Don’t get rid of that family heirloom because it doesn’t quite fit your overall scheme. Keep it and make the other elements work for the prized possession. Over time, you’ll find your style and add and remove pieces until you have a cozy, relaxing space to return home to at the end of each long day. 

Want to visualize real furniture in your room?Design Now

Ready to turn your home into the ultimate calm retreat? With the DecorMatters app, you can play around with serene designs, soothing color schemes, and cozy layouts to create a space that feels truly yours. Download the app today and start designing a home that welcomes you with warmth and tranquility every time you walk through the door.