Increasingly, today’s home buyers are looking for a retreat from the physical and mental pressure of their constantly hectic lives. A sense of community and togetherness continues to be meaningful to most buyers, but the current trend seems to be leaning more toward the need for a bit of quiet separation.
As a matter of fact, if you scour listings for homes for sale, anywhere in the country, you’ll discover that many property descriptions are dotted with the words: private, secluded, quiet, separate, peaceful, out of the way, and relaxing. Indeed our newest and trendiest lifestyle preferences are very often reflected in a home seller’s listing narrative. And as an aside to home sellers: it never hurts to create a few peaceful alcoves or relaxing niches to suggest a zen environment, when staging your home for sale.
Photo credit: thought-catalog-OJZB0VUQKKc-unsplash
Along with an enduring preference for private home offices, we’ve noticed a longing for even more personal space. The outdoor oasis with separated seating areas, gazebos and privacy hedges, solitary bedroom reading nooks, cushy basement and attic retreats, meditation rooms and of course the wildly viral She Shed, have all sprouted from the ‘quiet space’ seed of necessity. This ‘me-time’ concept is certainly not new, but it has been building up steam in the past few years, and a significant number home buyers are elevating it to a position of prominence on their home buying wish lists.
The ultimate ‘dream home’ would obviously include all of these things, but as we all know, few people ever actually find their ideal dream home. So what can you do if your home doesn’t include a tranquil spot to de-stress? No designated area to get away from work, kids, to-do lists or just life in general? No worries, it’s easy to create the perfect space for yourself, right in the midst of it all.
5 Simple Ways to Create a Peaceful Home
Photo credit RIS Media
Work, kids, money, the news…there’s no end to the things that can cause us stress in any given day. That’s why it’s essential that when we walk through our front door at the end of the day, our home welcomes us with a sense of calm and serenity—the safe, comforting place we can rely on no matter how crazy life gets.
Easier said than done, right? Not with these simple, clever strategies. Try a few of the following and your home will instantly take on a more peaceful vibe:
1. Dim the lights. It’s been scientifically proven that lighting can have an immediate affect on our mood. Avoid harsh overhead lights and opt for softer-lit table lamps instead. Use dimmer switches to keep the lighting at an even lower temperature. You could also encorporate a few candles or scatter fairy lights or decorative lanterns in unexpected places.
2. Integrate music. Connect bluetooth speakers in several areas. Choose music that calms or boosts your mood, whether it’s Mozart or Motley Crue. Music is a great way to turn off the noise of the day or the babble in your head and just help you unwind.
3. Use scent. Soothing scents trigger your brain to relax. Find one that does the trick for you and make it part of your evening ritual—or morning, weekend, mid-afternoon… Scented candles might do the trick, as would essential oils that work with a diffuser. Skeptical? Consider the last time you went to a spa; while the massage or facial probably felt great, the way the room smelled was likely a big part of your relaxation experience. It’s simple to recreate a little of that right at home.
4. Add plenty of soft touches. To properly de-stress at home, we must feel ultra-cozy, and while comfortable furniture is of course a prerequisite, other small touches go a long way toward facilitating well-being. Be sure to have plenty of warm throws, plush toss or floor pillows, as well as cushy ottomans for resting weary feet. The goal is to make sure there’s one corner of your home that will embrace you with comfort.
5. Minimize technology. While your home may be outfitted with all the latest devices and smart home technology, be sure to carve out time—especially when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed—to put technology asside. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb, avoid television and computer screens, and instead spend time reading a traditional book or journaling. Indulging in a forgotten hobby, such as painting or carpentry can occupy tech-free time. Make sure you create an inviting, well-equipped space for such activities, i.e., an overstuffed chair with a reading lamp, a workbench in the garage, or a drafting table with lots of natural light.
Source: Self. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2019. All rights reserved.
Feature photo-credit-natalia-figueredo-f1O4eekgz44-unsplash.
For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952
eMail: golfarizona@cox.net
Bill Salvatore / Arizona Elite Properties
Your Valley Property Team
Residential Sales, Marketing, and Property Management
Founder: AZVHV Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans
Recipient: East Valley Tribune’s: Best Gilbert Realtor
