How to Bring Calming Materials into your Home

In the past few years, we have seen significant attention placed upon the wellness industry and how it can assist in helping us all feel less stressed and give us the coping mechanisms to deal with what the outside world brings.

This has definitely played a role in how spaces are being designed from offices to hotels and spas. In recent times we have also seen this transition into our own homes so I thought I would bring you some simple things to consider when choosing materials for your home that can bring a calming and cocooning feeling we all love.

From clay to stone, timber, and fabrics these products and textures have become the perfect options to assist in soothing our senses and delivering softer surroundings. They can create a sense of rest and relaxation and have become highly sought after as we have seen a direct connection to them and nature which washes a sense of calm over us naturally. As a result, we are also seeing a return to hand made materials, a sense of longing to understand and reflect where something comes from, the time that went into it, and the tactility associated with it.

Here are some of the key elements you can consider for your next project:

Clay

The softness and matte-like quality of clay makes it a sensory element and we have seen many types of clay vases, cups, and plates become a choice of many. The matt texture plays beautifully against botanical arrangements or very simple greenery and we know that having plants/greenery in the home only adds another layer of wellness.  The soft chalkiness of clay has also become popular in wall finishes. Even though we may not be able to have an actual clay wall many paint companies sell products that reflect this look and you will see how the light plays beautifully on them. Flooring is also seeing the return of clay tiles in a raw finish with earth-based tones like terracotta and charcoals. 

Wood

Wood has been used for many years in all different forms but for many, it was a simple piece of furniture or flooring but now we see the use of timber being used both externally and internally. These elements include external cladding and feature detail to full internal walls and ceilings being cladded or battened in a raw or stained timber. Timber Furniture continues to flourish in the industry, and we see the softness of curves and simple leg details play a pivotal role. We are celebrating timber by ensuring the grain detail is visible and even if you are not using real timber the technology developments in laminate over the past few years has been significant. The realism is wonderful and engaging and gives everyone the opportunity to have the feeling of timber in your home. Timber used in bathrooms or bedrooms will definitely deliver a sanctuary feel.

Concrete

Again, concrete has been used for many years but now there is a real softness to it, sounds weird right? We have moved away from the green-based concrete tones and moved into a soft chalk-like grey and even in some instances a small amount of blue shows through. It creates a direct connection to nature and when used on walls and floors or benchtops it draws you in and the sensory response is significant. Mix concrete with timber and you can have the perfect palette. We are definitely seeing curvature come into play with concrete by curved internal walls, furniture tops, tables, and furniture objects like a stool or organic seat. 

Tactile Weaved Material

Woven materials automatically add an artisan, handmade feel to a space. Natural fibres used in window furnishings let natural light in but shield you from the outside. Cushions and bedlinen in washed like linen create an inviting cocooning feel. Colours like soft blues, greens, terracotta’s, greys, and whites feature the most. Throws are one of the easiest ways to bring a sense of calmness, there is nothing better than wrapping yourself in a throw or blanket on the sofa. Handmade throws with different texture and pattern create a sensory response and feeling of safety.

When creating or updating a space, think of how the items you are bringing in will make you feel. How can I create a space that will assist in slowing my pace down? What is my natural landscape like that surrounds me and how can I make that connection back into my home?

We all need time to recharge.