Designing a Calm Home: Materials, Light and Space

Calm is not the same as empty. The most restful homes use texture, natural materials and light to create a sense of ease.

Choose a restrained palette

Three to four colors across a whole home, with variation in texture rather than hue. Warm whites, oak, linen and one grounding dark tone.

Layer your lighting

Ceiling lights for tasks, lamps for evenings, and dimmers everywhere. Aim for at least three light sources in every living space.

Give everything a home

Clutter is usually a storage problem. Built-ins, closed cabinets and a landing zone by the door do more for calm than any decorative object.