What Does Zen Mean

Zen is a branch of Buddhism strongly influenced by Taoism and emphasizes meditation as the central practice, practiced individually or in groups, to attain enlightenment.

Zen is one of the most well-known and widespread forms of Buddhism today, especially in Western countries. Over time, the concept of zen has expanded to include various secular or spiritual practices to achieve harmony.

What zen means in interior decoration

Zen interior design involves balance, harmony, relaxation. Zen, in this case, refers to a state of mind and body induced by the way you arrange your home and is most often associated with minimalism, simplicity, and purity of lines.

When we talk about Zen interior design, we always inevitably consider the 5 elements: fire, earth, water, metal, and wood.

How to bring zen into your home

Zen-type interior design aims to create a home that will induce your state of relaxation, reduce stress levels and help you find peace.

Zen is not a style of interior design in itself, but rather involves accepting a set of measures designed to create an atmosphere that will give you a feeling of well-being. Here's what they entail and what you need to do:

Organize your things

Crowding and clutter are the main sources of stress in a home. Throw away things you don't use, organize others, and use boxes to hide them.

Use nature-inspired colors

Certain colors, such as white, gray, shades of beige help you relax. Give up very strong colors and prints and opt for monochrome bed linen in a warm color. Do the same with the curtains, carpet, etc.

Choose natural materials

Always opt for decorations made of natural fibers, pleasant to the touch, friendly to the skin, and which create the feeling of comfort.

Whenever possible, choose natural light

During the day, keep the curtains drawn to enjoy natural light, and in the evening opt for warm light, even if it is paler, or even candles instead of cold fluorescent light. Use reading lamps and apply light to areas of interest.

Opt for furniture and decorations as simple as possible

Invest in quality furniture, but without excess details and ornaments. Don't fill your house with furniture, just keep the ones you need. Give up the colorful, complex decorations, which distract you and give you a state of agitation.

Make your feet comfortable

Although parquet is a simple and handy solution for "dressing" the floor, many people consider it too cold and give them a feeling of discomfort. If you are one of them, opt for a fluffy carpet instead of a parquet. , in the colors chosen for this!

Mask electronic equipment

Ideally, do not keep your TV in the bedroom. If, however, you can not give it up, place it in a more discreet area, where it is not so visible when you do not use it, or put it in a piece of furniture created especially for its disguise.

Hide all the wires and extensions because they also load the atmosphere.

Create a pleasant atmosphere with the help of plants

The plants oxygenate the rooms and have a pleasant green color, which induces a state of calm. However, opt for plants that are easy to care for, that do not smell and that are not very bulky to avoid loading the room too much. A bonsai is ideal in this regard.

Hide sharp edges

Sharp edges create dangerous areas in the house that unconsciously induce the feeling of stress. Choose a round table, mask the corners or at least remove sharp objects from your comfort and relaxation area.

The harmony of the 5 elements

It incorporates the 5 essential elements: fire (candles, fireplace), earth (plants, decorative stones), water (a decorative fountain or a fish tank), metal (sculptures, furniture), wood (decorations, furniture).

 The most important thing to remember is that zen is, first and foremost, a state of mind. Be receptive, therefore, to your mental needs and respond to them accordingly by creating the perfect environment for what your state of harmony entails.