Top buys to make your home super chilled & spa-like – with NONE costing more than a tenner, from a top interior designer
TURNING your home into a peaceful haven is simpler than you may think.
Henry Chebaane, founder of interior design studio Blue Sky Hospitality, shares his top tips . . .
DITCH CRAZY COLOURS: By having fewer hues, light entering your eyes will trigger fewer pigments and your mind will be less excited.
CREATE EMPTY SPACES: Try separating objects and furniture to create “empty spaces”.
This emptiness will create opportunities for the mind to focus and empty its own clutter into these abstract zones.
LET THERE BE LIGHT: Avoid down-lighters.
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They create strong contrasts, which can be stressful on the body, especially after a long day’s work and even more so now that most lightbulbs are produced by LED.
When buying lighbulbs, look for a low temperature – the lower the number, the warmer the light.
Storage savvy
THE first step to zen is to clear clutter, because leaving your bits and bobs all over the place can make daily life more stressful.
Give your keys a home with this set of three mini-trays from H&M.
Most read in Fabulous
The natural fibres will give your hallway a Scandi feel.
Storage nests, £9.99, H&M
Faux Foliage
NATURAL foliage will help you create a calm, comforting environment.
But if real plants are not your preference, go for a low-maintenance option with this faux hanging plant from Matalan.
Fake plant £6.50, Matalan
Tactile Texture
SOFT, fluffy textures not only invite you to wrap yourself up in them, but also bring a comforting, sensory richness to your space.
This beige blanket from The Range will do the trick.
Beige throw £7.99, The Range
Low-level lighting
TURNING on the main light? Then think again.
Low-level lamps create a cosy, snug atmosphere.
And they don’t need to be pricey.
Use this one from IKEA, which has a soft white bulb to bring a warm glow to your room.
Lampan lamp £5, Ikea
Cosy rugs
TREAT your feet by warming up cold, hard flooring with help from a stylish textured rug.
A handwoven, neutral-coloured design will add cosiness without being overpowering.
This rug comes in a variety of sizes for different-sized rooms.
Striped rug from £6.99, homescapes online.com
Sheer scents
LIGHTING a candle will bring a spa-like vibe to any room at home and help create a perfect sanctuary.
With soothing bergamot, rosemary and lavender aromas, this candle is packed with essential oils to help you unwind.
Serenity & Calm candle, £8, Tesco
Calming cuppa
TWO great ways to relax are to incorporate colours that take inspiration from nature, and to sit down with a cup of tea.
This M&S mug helps with both.
Its sandy and blue stoneware hue will add tranquillity to your tea break.
Mug, £7, M&S
Scandi chairs
THE Scandi way is to add fur throws and rugs to every chair in sight.
Why? It transforms an otherwise cold, wooden chair into a cosy, snug seat.
Dress your dining chairs with this option from B&Q.
The colour means it will not show up any spills.
Faux fluffy rug, £9.99, B&Q
Plush cushions
TRANSPORT yourself to warmer climes with a sun-patterned cushion cover.
The plush texture and radiant motif create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Sun pattern cushion cover, £9.90, Cider
Origami lampshade
INSTANTLY brighten up your room by swapping dark, bulky lampshades for a lightweight, origami version.
Inspired by Japanese design, this paper pendant lets out a warm, golden glow – and it creates a striking look.
Paper pendant lamp shade, £8, Habitat
Subtle fragrance
A SOOTHING scent is a must if you want to master a zen space at home.
This eye-catching pampas grass diffuser will see to that, while adding a trendy touch to your interior at the same time.
Diffuser with pampas grass, £5, B&M
Heat Buddy
SHIVERING is not exactly relaxing, so beat the chills and cosy up with this fluffy, faux-mohair hot-water bottle from Dunelm.
With charming checks and tranquil colours, it looks lovely and feels snuggly.
It will cut the energy bill, too.
Hot-water bottle £8, Dunelm
Natural reflection
BOOSTING natural light in your home enhances serenity.
For dimly lit rooms, try hanging a mirror opposite your window to lengthen sunlight beams.
This simple, asymmetric mirror will instantly add a contemporary touch to your home.
Silver mirror £7.99, Wilko
Serene Green
THE colour green is often associated with calmness, thanks to its connection with nature.
Wondering about an easy way to introduce some to your home?
Enter eucalyptus.
This faux bunch will add timeless tranquillity, all year round.
Eucalyptus bunch £3.99, Home Bargains
Mindful affirmations
NEED a reminder to relax? Hanging affirmations or positive quotations around your home is a great place to start.
The more you see a slogan, the more you will bring it into existence.
Get going with this peaceful offering from Flying Tiger.
Picture frame £3, Flying Tiger
Clever Candlesticks
CANDLESTICKS can provide great mood lighting.
But they are not always the safest option, particularly if you have children running around the house.
Luckily, you can still replicate that cosy glow without using a naked flame.
Try these faux versions from Sostrene Grene.
LED twisted candlestick Sostrene Grene, £4.42
Practical Rattan
NATURAL fabric rattan has proven a Scandi-style interior hit, and it gives a bohemian feel to any interior.
Seagrass is similar and this seagrass basket from Rex London will help keep your home clutter-free for less than a fiver.
Seagrass basket £4.15, Rex London
Streamline cupboards
BEING organised is crucial for keeping your home stress-free.
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To make staying on top of daily disorder that little bit easier, reorganise your kitchen cupboards, sideboards and bathroom shelves with these storage jars.
Wooden-topped storage jar, £3.50, Primark