zen living Toronto

Spring is always a great time to freshen up your home. During the winter we tend to keep our windows and doors closed and we don’t necessarily get rid of all those things that cause clutter and dust to build up in your houses and lives. However, the warmer weather and the sunshine are the perfect signal that it’s time to get back in control and to freshen up, lighten up and renew your home, and at the same time, your spirit.
 
Here are a few very easy steps to help you shake off winter’s mantle.
 
Open up!
Spring is the perfect time to throw open your windows, let in a cross breeze and air out your house. After a long winter, there is nothing better for getting rid of stale air.
 
Clean up!
Giving every room a deep, thorough cleaning will help to get rid of dust, cobwebs and the fine dirt that can build up throughout the year. Wash your walls, floors and ceiling. Put cloth curtains and pillows in the laundry and change your linen.
 
Lighten Up!
Lightening up means getting rid of all the clutter in your home. Spring is a great time to weed through closets, drawers, storage areas and your garage to get rid of everything you no longer need. Whatever is still in good condition can be sold at a garage sale or donated to charity.
 
Spruce up!
Spruce up your surroundings by swapping out heavy winter throws and pillows for lighter fabrics. Add splashes of vibrant colour to dull settings and use plants to enliven a dull corner or an empty bookshelf.
 
Touch up!
Touching up paint that has been chipped or damaged will make your home look brand new regardless of how old it is. In fact, for a quick pick-me-up, just paint all of your frames, baseboards and crown mouldings in a bright, glossy white to make your wall colours pop and to make your trims look fabulous.
 
Organize!
Getting organized is paramount to creating a fresh new reality in your home. Use organizers, shelves and boxes to give everything it’s own proper spot – and then make sure it goes back in that spot every time you take it out to use it.
 
Getting your Toronto home ready for summer doesn’t take much – just a little time and effort, and the rewards are well worth the price.

Zen spaces are the latest trend in Toronto home interior design. The reason for these tranquil settings is clear – they are the best way to escape the rigors and stresses of everyday life. In fact, every home should have at least one space where all cares and worries can melt away. Whether it is the ensuite, a den, a sunroom or even a basement, the way a space is set-up can mean all the difference in the world to its draw and the way it makes your feel.
 
There are certain elements needed to accomplish a Zen setting. By following a few simple rules you also can create either a whole home serenity retreat or just an oasis of tranquility in the room of your choice.
 
1. Natural materials
 
Using natural materials is one of the best ways to create a calm space. The texture and composition of natural woods, stones, wicker, cottons, wools, etc… contribute immensely to a purer aesthetic and to Zen setting.
 
2. Earthy colours
 
Keeping things neutral and earthy will help you to induce a sense of relaxation in any space. If you choose to go the monochromatic route, you can add accents of darker shades/hues of the same colour to produce contrast but to remain basically within the same palate.
 
3. The right furniture
 
Serene space require clean lines and uncomplicated design – this should naturally be reflected in the furniture that is chosen for your room. Avoid intricate patterns and a lot of detailing as these will distract from the overall theme of the space.
 
4. Natural light
 
Play up the positive attributes of natural light in the space you are designing as your Zen oasis. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, then make sure that the light you do have is indirect, soft and diffuse. If you have plenty of sunshine spilling into the space, use sheer blinds and/or other translucent materials to help diffuse the amount and intensity of the light entering the room.
 
5. Simple accents
 
Keep accents in the room simple – basically it means not to clutter up the space with knick-knacks, odds-and-ends and other bric-a-brac. Keep ornaments simple and to a minimum. Instead use plants and greenery to enhance the setting.
 
6. The nose knows
 
Lastly, any tranquil setting should smell as inviting as it looks. Eliminate pet odor and other unpleasant smells by including some sort of potpourri, scented candles or other odor diffuser in your design.
 
Once you have completed your serenity inducing space, the only trouble will be having to leave it!