Stressed household? Bring more calm into your home with simple interior design tips
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 03 Mar 2025
Modern homes are busier and more stressful than ever, filled with technology, noise and the chaos of daily life.
"With so many people experiencing financial stress due to the costing of living crisis, homes are not the relaxing havens they used to be. At the moment, they can be very stressful and challenging environments," Kellie Richardson said.
Kellie is one of Australia's most respected and well-known interior designers and colour experts. She is also the founder of highly successful interior design and staging company, Kurved by Design and Australia's first online design academy.
"Life is fast-paced and our homes often reflect that. Clutter, bright artificial lights and neutral tones that lack warmth can make a space feel cold and overwhelming rather than restful," Richardson said.
"With many people juggling work, family and personal commitments, creating a peaceful home environment is more important than ever."
The psychology of colour
Colour plays a powerful role in influencing emotions and mental well-being. Studies show that different hues can trigger emotional responses, some energising, some soothing.
Richardson explained that certain colours evoke certain feelings and moods.
"Cool tones like blues and greens are known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Earthy neutrals such as soft beiges and warm greys create a grounded, comforting atmosphere and muted pastels including pale pinks, lavenders and sage greens evoke a sense of tranquillity," Richardson said.
"For this reason, it is important to use colour as a key means of helping to manage emotions in the home.
"By being mindful of colour choices, you can design a space that naturally encourages relaxation and reduces anxiety."
Richardson outlines her picks for the best colours for a calming home
- Soft blues: Reminiscent of the sky and ocean, blue is proven to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.
- Sage green: Symbolising nature, green fosters balance and serenity.
- Lavender and soft pinks: Gentle and understated, these colours help alleviate stress and promote emotional healing.
- Warm neutrals: Soft whites, beiges, and warm greys provide a sense of stability and warmth without feeling sterile.
"Incorporating colour into your home is easier than you think. You don't have to move out all the furniture and repaint the walls throughout the house. There are easy ways to incorporate calming colours," Richardson said.
Accent walls
"Accent walls are a great way to achieve a block of colour without painting the whole house. A soft blue or sage green feature wall can create an instant calming effect," Richardson said.
"These days you can pop down to Bunnings and get the things you need or even engage an Airtasker to take on the job for you. There are lots of ways to make change in a cost effective and easy way. This is important as you don't want to add more stress to the home."
Decor and accessories
"Décor and accessories are easy to add to the home and can be purchased at second hand shops, from Facebook Marketplace or from low-cost departmental stores," Richardson said.
"Incorporate calming colours and sott fabrics through cushions, rugs and curtains for an easy transformation. Items such as soft throw blankets, Himalayan salt lamps and scented candles are ideal. Plush and textured throw blankets in neutral or pastel shades add warmth and comfort to any space. Draping them over a couch or bed creates an inviting and soothing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Salt lamps emit a soft, warm glow that helps to create a tranquil ambiance. Known for their ability to purify the air and promote relaxation, they are ideal for bedrooms or meditation spaces, adding both beauty and function to the home. Aromatherapy candles with calming scents help create a serene environment. The flickering flame adds to the cosy and soothing atmosphere, making them perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or bathrooms."
Artwork and prints
"Wall art is an important way to bring calm into the home. When located on a wall where it can be seen from a range of vantage points, it can deliver instant results," Richardson said.
"Select wall art that features tranquil landscapes or abstract designs in soothing hues. I always recommend to build the interior design of a home starting with wall art. It sets the mood and has a huge impact on the feeling of a space."
Natural elements
"Nothing relaxes like plants. Plants in neutral or green-toned pots bring a fresh, peaceful energy into the home. Place them where they get light so they grow well," Richardson said.
"Your home should be a place where you can truly unwind. By making small, thoughtful changes with colour, you can create a space that feels both stylish and serene," Richardson said.
Relaxing scents
"While colour is important, so is smell. By adding calming scents to the home through diffusers you can help to bring down stress levels. My favourite three include lavender, chamomile and sandalwood," Richardson said.
"Lavender is widely known for its calming and stress-reducing properties. It helps lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting relaxation and better sleep. The soothing floral aroma makes it ideal for bedrooms and living spaces, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Chamomile has a gentle, herbal scent that helps reduce anxiety and induce a sense of calm. Frequently used in aromatherapy, it is perfect for winding down in the evening. This scent works well in bedrooms or cosy areas where relaxation is a priority. Sandalwood has a warm, woody fragrance that promotes emotional balance and deep relaxation. Often used in meditation, it creates a serene ambiance, making it ideal for living rooms and home offices. Its grounding effect helps enhance focus and tranquility."
About Kurved by Design
Since 2016, Kurved by Design, founded by Kellie Richardson, has provided Melbourne with a range of home design services. The company umbrella comprises five different companies: interior design, property staging, retail furniture and homewares, property maintenance and its interior design academy. Its vast reach has made it a 'truly one-of-a-kind company. In 2020, Richardson won the global CEO Excellence award in 2020 for 'Best Property Styling and Interior Design Business'.