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People are spending an increasing amount of time at home, but working from home isn’t exactly a vacation. It can make your work life feel less separate from your personal life, which can mean that your home isn’t the oasis you need it to be. It’s important that, even when your boundaries are fuzzy, your home continues to be your sanctuary, a place where you can relax, unwind, and do the things you enjoy. Urbane Design shows you some ways to turn your home into a relaxing space so that you can better balance your work and leisure time.
Make Your Home Office Productive
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First, give some attention to your home office. This may not seem like it can help make your home more relaxing, but if you design your office with productivity in mind, you work more efficiently and have more time to relax. Set your working hours and stick to them. Make sure your office is well-organized so you don’t have to spend time hunting for things you need. Bring in shelves to store supplies, and use file cabinets or boxes for your files. Label everything clearly. Use stacking trays to sort current paperwork. Keep your desk neat and your supplies close-at-hand, and clear up clutter.
If you have kids at home, set some clear boundaries so that you can keep this a productive space. Communicate your expectations and your schedule for the day so everyone knows when you cannot be interrupted. And do your best to reduce meetings when the kids are around, so you can give your work obligations your full attention.
Declutter
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Parade magazine notes that you may also do some decluttering in the rest of the house. Having too much stuff surrounding you may cause you to feel distracted and tense rather than relaxed. Pick up excess objects lying around your home, and store them neatly in closets or on shelves. Make sure your shelves are organized and well-arranged. Give yourself plenty of space to stretch out and move around. Also, put items away promptly after you use them.
You can replace some of the clutter with indoor plants for an added mood boost. Being in nature – even indoors – can help to reduce anxiety and increase positive thoughts. So harness the power of Mother Nature to make your previously cluttered space more zen. Home Garden Hero can help you decide which plants to choose (click here for more info), especially if you have a less-than-green thumb. There are plenty of indoor gardening tips to help even the horticulturally challenged.
Design an Area for Relaxation
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Create a space in your home specially designed just for relaxation. Set up a corner of your basement, for example, as an area for reading, meditation, listening to soft music, or simply sitting quietly for a little while. Furnish it with a comfortable chair, small table, cozy rug, and lamp. Don’t include a television or too many distractions, but do include a bookcase or two. This room is for peace and quiet only.
Adjust Your Decor
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Also, consider adjusting your decor throughout the rest of your home to promote enhanced relaxation. Better Homes and Gardens suggests switching to more muted colors, and relying mostly on neutrals that are calming. You can still include pops of other colors for interest, of course, using easily changeable items, such as pictures, throws, or rugs. Tone down your lighting by using shades and soft white light bulbs, and use brighter lights for reading and projects. Decorate your bedroom in a way that promotes rest and relaxation.
Create an Outdoor Oasis
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Finally, if you love being outside, consider converting part of your yard into a relaxing outdoor oasis where you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Landscape the area, and bring in comfortable patio furniture, a water feature, and even a fire pit.
It’s also a good idea to prune your trees annually. Pruning will keep your trees healthy, and you’ll reduce the number of insects in your yard. You can find local tree pruning to discuss your needs and obtain quotes.
Relax and Enjoy
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Whether you’re creating an outdoor oasis or redecorating your home, with a little effort, you can turn your home into a relaxing space that can help you calm down after a long workday. Because everyone deserves a calm place to unwind and escape the stresses of the world.
For all your rooms, reach out to Urbane Design for a professional interior design touch.
Guest Blog Written by Suzie Wilson
