After a busy day, most of us can’t wait to get home and relax. But when you step through the door, is your home always the clean, calm and welcoming refuge you imagine it to be? In the midst of our busy lifestyles, most of us have neglected our domestic duties at one point or another, causing clutter to build up in our homes.
A teetering pile of books, a week’s worth of dirty plates or a suspicious puddle are definitely not the relaxing sights one wants to see after a long day. Here are some tips for keeping your home a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses!
A welcoming hallway
First impression counts, so you should strive to make your hallway as clean and inviting as possible.
- Invest in a closet for your coats and a shoe rack or cabinet for the family’s footwear. Clothes and shoes account for most of the hallway clutter in the average household.
- A large mirror can help to create the illusion of space in even the narrowest hallway. It’s also practical, giving you that last look at your outfit before you head out for the day!
Don’t be color blind
Scientists have found that the color of a room can have a profound influence on one’s emotions and mood. If you want to create a calming effect in a particular room (for example, every bedroom should have a relaxing atmosphere to promote good sleep), you should consider the following color themes.1
- Blue, particularly pastel blue, has a soothing effect on most people.
- Green is another calming color, and not just for the nerves. Gazing at green walls or objects for a short time can relax the eyes, giving them a break from all that Facebook and Instagram-browsing.
- Yellow is reminiscent of sunshine and flowers, and is a great choice for a pick-me-up. It’s also a tried-and-tested color for the children’s room!
Light up your life
While every room should be well-lit, opting for harsh fluorescent white light is likely to cause eye-strain and even migraines. If you need white light for reading, cooking or work, invest in a UV lamp. These lamps emit white light on a similar wavelength to sunlight and are easier on the eyes.
Orange light creates a serene atmosphere. Orange lamps aren’t the only options in this regard — candles and tealights are a cost-effective and attractive option. Of course, make sure you place them far away from the hands of playful children and flammable objects. Safety first!
Finally, assign chores to each member of the family and create a chart detailing each person’s role and responsibilities. By encouraging each person to play their part in keeping a house clean and tidy, you’ll instill a sense of ownership and pride in your family, and enjoy a more attractive and hygienic living environment to boot. Together, you can make your house a home!
Resources
- Kuller R, Milellides B & Janssens J. Color, arousal, and performance – A comparison of three experiments. Col Res Appl. 2009 (34); 141-152.
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