Make Your House A Haven

Our homes should be tranquil places but if yours is full of distractions, here's how to increase the peace

-  JO DUNBAR

Hide The Clutter

Interiors stylist Joanna Thornhill, author of The New Mindful Home (*) (Laurence King, 2021), says: "Plan your storage requirements, rather than leave as an afterthought, as clutter can really bring a room down, aesthetically and in terms of stress levels. Get creative - could you switch out your coffee table for a storage ottoman? Hang up a simple fabric curtain over the lower half of a bookcase to keep less-lovely items in the hidden section, leaving higher shelves for prettier pieces."

Plant Placement

Legends of the Leaf (**) author Jane Perrone tells us: "We know that greenery has positive effects on humans. Rotate houseplants so you can enjoy them. Placing them somewhere you often spend time in the spot where you drink coffee, or by the kitchen windowsill allows you to enjoy their beauty as well as spotting when they are not looking their best." 

Volume Control

Peaceful evenings can often be disturbed by rumbling tumble dryers and bleeping appliances. Look for the purple Quietmark logo when purchasing household goods. It's also worth putting a layer of rubber or carpet under noisy washing machines to stop loud vibrations.

Use Colour