How I style my space to feel calm and inspired
Your home should be more than just a place to live it should be a sanctuary that nurtures your wellbeing and sparks your creativity. After years of styling homes and curating beautiful spaces, I've discovered that creating a calm and inspiring environment isn't about following every trend or filling your space with expensive pieces. It's about intentional choices that reflect who you are and support how you want to feel.
Today, I'm sharing my personal approach to styling spaces that promote both tranquility and inspiration principles I use in my own home and with every client at Ara a journey.
Start with a Clear Vision
Before adding or rearranging anything, I always ask myself: How do I want to feel in this space? For a calm and inspired environment, I focus on creating areas that feel both restful and energising. This might sound contradictory, but it's about balance soft, soothing elements combined with touches that spark joy and creativity. Take a moment to identify what "calm and inspired" means to you. Perhaps it's a reading nook bathed in natural light, a workspace with meaningful art, or a living room that feels like a peaceful retreat after a long day.
Embrace a Neutral Foundation
One of my go to strategies for creating calm is building a neutral colour palette as the foundation. Soft whites, warm beiges, gentle greys, and earthy tones create a serene backdrop that never feels overwhelming. These colours have a psychological effect they lower stress levels and create visual breathing room.
But neutral doesn't mean boring. I layer different textures and shades within the same color family to add depth and interest. A cream linen sofa paired with a chunky knit throw, natural wood side tables, and a soft jute rug creates richness while maintaining that peaceful atmosphere.
Layer in Natural Elements
Nothing brings calm and inspiration quite like nature. I incorporate natural materials throughout my space wood, stone, clay, and plants. These organic elements ground us and create an immediate connection to the outdoors.
My favorite natural touches include:
Wooden bowls and trays that add warmth and texture
Stone or ceramic vases with fresh or dried botanicals
Houseplants in varying sizes (even low maintenance ones make a difference)
Natural fiber textiles like linen, cotton, and wool
Rattan or wicker accents for visual interestPlants, in particular, are non-negotiable for me. They purify the air, add life to any corner, and have been proven to reduce stress. I choose a mix of leafy greens and sculptural varieties to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Create Intentional Lighting
Lighting transforms the mood of a room more than almost any other element. Harsh overhead lighting can feel clinical and stressful, while thoughtfully layered lighting creates warmth and tranquility.
I use multiple light sources at different levels table lamps, floor lamps, and candles to create a soft, ambient glow in the evenings. During the day, I maximize natural light by keeping window treatments minimal or using sheer fabrics that filter light beautifully. Dimmer switches are a game changer. Being able to adjust lighting levels throughout the day helps transition from energized morning light to calming evening ambiance.
Curate Meaningful Decor
Inspiration comes from surrounding yourself with things that tell your story. Rather than filling surfaces with generic decor, I carefully curate pieces that have meaning or evoke positive emotions. This might include travel souvenirs that remind you of cherished memories, artwork from local artists that speaks to you, books you love displayed beautifully, or handcrafted pieces that feel special. At Ara a Journey, I always encourage clients to incorporate jewellery displays or small treasures that spark joy every time they catch your eye.
The key is editing. Too many items create visual clutter, which disrupts calm. I follow the principle of "less but better" fewer pieces that you truly love will always feel more inspiring than surfaces crowded with things that don't resonate.
Designate Zones for Different Activities
Even in smaller spaces, creating distinct zones helps your mind transition between activities. I designate specific areas for work, relaxation, and creativity, which helps maintain both productivity and peace.
A cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small side table for tea becomes your calm retreat. A dedicated workspace with inspiring art and organized supplies becomes your creative zone. These boundaries even subtle ones help your mind shift gears appropriately.
Incorporate Texture for Depth
Texture is essential for creating a space that feels both calm and engaging. Smooth, hard surfaces alone can feel cold, while too many soft textures might lack interest. I aim for a balance.
I layer textures through: Soft throws and cushions in varied fabrics (velvet, linen, bouclé)
Woven baskets for storage that doubles as decor
Textured wall hangings or macramé
Mixed metal finishes in small doses
Ceramic and pottery with interesting glazes
These tactile elements invite you to touch and interact with your space, creating a sensory experience that's both comforting and inspiring.
Keep Surfaces Clear and Organized
Clutter is the enemy of calm. I'm passionate about maintaining clear surfaces—not empty, but intentionally styled. A cluttered countertop or overflowing bookshelf creates visual noise that prevents your mind from settling. I use beautiful storage solutions that serve double duty. Elegant boxes, woven baskets, and decorative trays corral everyday items while looking intentional. Everything has a home, which makes tidying effortless and maintains that peaceful atmosphere you're cultivating.
Add Personal Touches That Inspire
The most inspiring spaces reflect the people who live in them. I always include elements that feed my creativity and remind me of what I love. This could be a mood board with tear sheets from magazines, a gallery wall of personal photos and artwork, or a collection of beautiful coffee table books.
For me, jewellery isn't just for wearing displayed thoughtfully in a beautiful dish or on an elegant stand, it becomes art that inspires daily. These small luxuries remind you to find beauty in everyday moments.
Embrace Scent as Part of Your Environment
Never underestimate the power of scent in creating atmosphere. I always have candles, essential oil diffusers, or fresh flowers adding subtle fragrance to my space. Lavender and chamomile promote calm, while citrus and eucalyptus energize and inspire.Scent creates an immediate emotional response and can transform your mood within moments. It's one of the simplest yet most effective styling tools.
Allow Your Space to Evolve
Finally, remember that your space should grow with you. What feels calm and inspiring today might need refreshing in six months, and that's perfectly natural. I rotate accessories seasonally, move furniture to shift perspective, and regularly edit what no longer serves me.
Your home is a living space let it breathe and change as you do.
Creating Your Personal Sanctuary
Styling a space to feel calm and inspired isn't about perfection or following rigid rules. It's about creating an environment that supports your wellbeing and nurtures your spirit. Through thoughtful color choices, natural elements, meaningful decor, and intentional organization, you can transform any space into your personal sanctuary.
At Ara a Journey, I'm passionate about helping people create homes that truly feel like themselves spaces that calm the mind and inspire the soul. Whether you're looking for guidance on a single room refresh or a complete home transformation, I'd love to help you discover what calm and inspired means for your unique space.
Ready to transform your space into a calm and inspiring sanctuary? Book a free interior styling consultation and let's create a home that nurtures your wellbeing.