Homes that feel relaxing and serene are ones that have well considered interiors that flow seamlessly from one space to another. So, instead of jarring the senses when we move from one disjointed space into another, there is a sense of ease and “predictability” that makes us feel calm and content within the space - because we’re not overstimulating our senses.

Can you relax at home?

When we combine unrelated styles, colours and furniture, our homes do tend to feel less relaxing. This is because our minds are being over stimulated having to take in all the different aspects of our interiors (whether we are aware of this or not!)

It is possible to create more serenity at your place by making more considered choices when it comes to colour, furniture and style.

How to create a more relaxing vibe

By repeating common design elements in each space, we are creating a much better sense of flow.

We can still create unique spaces (it’s important to put your personal stamp on different rooms), but when done well, each room feels connected. Tied together by some commonality, where the style and colours chosen for each space, sit well together.

When contemplating how cohesive your own interiors are, consider the following:

Paint colours

Are they of a similar colour palette?

Regardless of whether spaces are adjacent to one another, there should be a similarity in tone and warmth that help create a sense of overall cohesion as you walk through your home from room to room.

Having darker colours and lighter colours throughout your home work very well, provided they have been chosen to sit well together. Using a combination of darker and lighter colours create an interesting and dynamic interior (as apposed to having an all white interior - but it is personal preference).

If you have have darker colour in the bedrooms, and a lighter colour in the living space, adding some depth of colour in the living space (a feature wall or accessories in darker shades) will help the spaces feel more unified.

Are they warm or cool colours?

Mixing warm and cool colours is possible when decorating, but to create a more cohesive space, it’s a good idea to choose paint colours that tie in nicely together - either all warm or all cool. Personally I would choose warmer colours as too many cool colours can make a home feel cold - but that depends on what your personal style is.

Colours of furnishings

Do your furnishings work well together?

The colours of your furnishings should work well when combined together, even if they are sitting in different spaces. So, similar to choosing paint colours, the colours of your furnishings should also feel good next to each other.

If you have one room that has a lot of strong orange, and an adjoining room decorated in pink, there could potentially be a lack of flow between these spaces. By adding an orange cushion and using a pink that is “punchy” enough to sit well next to the orange, you will create greater cohesion between these spaces. Also by choosing colours that are a similar depth or intensity, they feel better together, like these two rooms shown. When rooms work well together you will feel inspired by the way they work together, and your space will feel more relaxing and serene.

Textured and patterned fabrics

By choosing textures and patterns that inspire you, you will likely be drawn to similar types of fabrics and finishes. For example I love the combination of linens, wool, velvets and more natural fibres. I love traditional patterned fabrics in florals (impressionist style), and I combine these with smaller timeless patterns that complement but don’t compete.

If I was looking for a duvet cover, I would choose a cotton duvet cover in colours that worked well with my paint and accessory choices, and other colours throughout my home. I would be unlikely to choose a satin duvet cover as this texture wouldn’t sit as well as a cotton cover would, with the rest of my more natural interior furnishing choices.

Furniture Styles

Are your furniture choices of a similar style or era?

Try to repeat furniture of similar styles. This doesn’t mean they all need to match, but if you have traditional or rustic styled furniture in one room, having gloss white, or light and sleek Scandinavian furniture in another space won’t feel as unified. When you have a clear sense of your personal style, you’re more likely to make choices that work well together - therefore create a home that feels more cohesive and well considered.

So, this weekend, have a look at your home from fresh eyes and ask yourself whether your home has a clear sense of flow when you move through your spaces. What elements are repeated?

Is there one quick win you could implement easily to give your home a greater sense of cohesion, and a more relaxed vibe?

If you’d like to share any observations you’ve had about your place, and what changes might be possible to create more cohesion, post them below. I’d love to hear them.

How to create a relaxing home interior