Carving out moments of calm at work can be difficult when juggling busy routines and work pressures. While booking time away is the traditional way to reset, creating a soothing environment within your own four walls offers a sustainable alternative.
Transforming your home into a tranquil oasis can provide the relaxation and joy often associated with holidays, offering a retreat-like atmosphere year-round.
Embrace Natural Materials for a Calming Ambience
Bringing nature indoors has a proven effect on reducing stress and improving well-being. Incorporating natural materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, and organic cotton can instantly add warmth and texture to your interiors.
They can help create a sensory connection to the outdoors, evoking the quiet of a woodland lodge or coastal retreat. Beyond aesthetics, natural materials also align with sustainable living, a growing priority for many households.
Utilise Earthy Tones to Create a Soothing Palette
Colour can have an immediate impact on mood. In 2025, interiors are embracing palettes inspired by nature with shades of olive green and warm terracotta. Earthy tones inspired by the great outdoors can bring a sense of depth to any room in your home.
Don’t be afraid to introduce a few potted plants to add splashes of green and a sense of vitality in your living room. Use soft, warm lighting throughout your spaces with a mix of standing and desk lamps to avoid relying on harsh overhead bulbs.
Incorporate Multifunctional Furniture for Flexible Spaces
Working remotely has been the norm for millions of Brits since the pandemic. While it has benefits like removing the commute, it can blur the lines between professional and personal lives. Multifunctional furniture, such as foldable desks and nesting tables, can ensure that your living spaces can adapt to different needs throughout the day.
A lounge that doubles as your office by day and a cosy film nook in the evenings will be a more inviting space than a sterile-looking imitation of your in-person desk. It also allows your home to quickly accommodate guests without having to rearrange your furniture and belongings.
Design Personalised Spaces with Bespoke Elements
New builds and modern apartment buildings can feel uninspiring. To make your interior reflect your identity, try adding vintage and bespoke pieces. On top of them, you can display family heirlooms or framed photos of your parents’ wedding.
Interesting pieces will be conversation starters that guests pick up on during a housewarming party or dinner with old friends. An environment tailored to your style can make even the smallest flat instantly feel like home.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
