Redecorating to Create a Peaceful Space

Life is always busy and hectic. When stepping inside the abode you want to shut that life outside. Unfortunately, as soon as the door shuts, most step into a completely different utter mess. The kids are screaming. Everything seems to have been dropped on the floor by your feet, literally and figuratively.

It is time to start planning a space to call your own. The first step is to get everyone in the household involved. Make it a plan that everyone who joins in will be able to create their own private area.

• Start by removing all mess and clutter. Clutter is just a disorganized mess and adds to confusion and anxiety. Less junk and mess will succeed in a clearer mind and culminate in a relaxing environment.

  

• Everyone should have a letter box to place important papers and mail in. These can be kept neatly on a shelf. Make it a rule that these papers are gone through every day. They should either be filed away or thrown away, if no longer relevant. Keep all counters and table tops free and clear. The more stuff piled up in our abodes, the more stuff that will be piled up inside our minds.

• Go through the closets and dressers. Donate all of the clothing you have not worn in ten years. Bring any items (furnishings, clothing, books, etc.) to a local place of worship thrift shop, or Goodwill. You will be giving back to the community as you give to yourself. You might even end up with one less needed dresser and more space.

• Look at your furnishings. Do you have too many chairs? Have you inherited all of the furnishings from your relatives and your abode has turned into a maze. Thin out and give away. If you have items worth selling get in touch with a consignment shop. Consignment stores will take your items and sell them for a small commission. You can make some money and gain your much needed space. Thin out the knick knacks on the shelves. Do you really want to dust all that bric-a-brac? You might find that you can even live without the curio cabinet. Now you have gained another cleared spot.

After the clearing has been completed it is time to make your own special sanctuary.

It can be in your bedroom or maybe the corner of the living room where the curio used to be.

• Think about using screens to partition areas off. Read my articles http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/decorating-the-abode-with-the-use-of-shoji-screens, and http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/privacy-screens-and-partitions-to-decorate-the-abode, for inspiration. This might be a spot for a desk if you enjoy writing. Maybe you want a comfy chair to lean back in and read. Even just pillows on the floor can create a place to relax.

  

• When planning your special space think about the principles of Feng Shui. This will help to balance your environment and create overall harmony. My article on Feng Shui, http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/decorating-the-abode-using-the-art-of-feng-shui, will help you to understand the concepts.

Remember that you will need to stay ahead of the clutter. Make it a rule in the house that a basic cleanup must be completed every day. Take no excuses. Just a few minutes a day of organizing will create a relaxing environment for all who live there. An added bonus is that you now will know where everything is, relieving that stress of always looking for misplaced items.

Decorate with some plants and a table top fountain to calm the environment. Light scented candles or use aromatherapy infusers. Play some calming music. Step into your space, take a breath, and never be afraid to dance!

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