The latest interior trend Aussies feel the ‘need to create’ in their homes

There's no denying the rise in health and wellness as an industry, but how does it impact our homes? According to a new study by homewares retailer Temple & Webster, 57% of Australians “feel the need to create a space at home where they can clear their mind and reflect.”

Known as a “soothing space,” the study found it was a top priority for respondents to carve out an area such as this in their homes. The most common reasons reported were because it reduced anxiety and increased feelings of ease (60%) and helped respondents clear their minds (57%).

Another important factor recorded by participants was that 49% said they needed to have this space just for themselves.

As for apartment and townhouse dwellers, 61% considered not only the design and functionality of the furniture and homewares, but also how they made them feel before deciding on the purchase. 51% of apartment dwellers intentionally chose items based on how these pieces made them feel over the past year.

According to Temple & Webster’s data, apartment dwellers prioritise the living room for calm, while those in semi-detached/townhouses prefer the bedroom as their soothing space.

When it came to living situation, it makes perfect sense that 41% of people in shared households with non-family members view a soothing space as an essential, 10% more than young adults living with parents (30%).

An expert’s advice

When designing a soothing space, beige and warm neutrals were the most popular colour palette overall, with 32% of respondents choosing them. Next were soft blues, followed by off-whites, soft greens, and earthy tones.

Director of Insights & Trends at Temple & Webster, Lucy Sutherland, says that colour is not only important to aesthetics, but has an effect on our overall wellbeing.

“Soft, nature-inspired tones (green, soft neutrals, and blues) help calm the mind, while cooler tones promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance our focus, making them perfect for bedrooms, home offices, and wellness spaces,” Lucy says.

“To provide a sense of stability and grounding, earthy, neutral tones are a good choice to create a calming interior.”

As well as colour, Sutherland suggests introducing tactile finishes to give your home a more calming feel.

“Texture through rugs, a stone coffee table, and textured cushions are perfect additions for soothing spaces, especially when paired with organic and natural touches such as indoor plants and beautifully textured decor pieces."

Top tips for creating a soothing space at home

Carve out your corner

It doesn't have to be a whole room, think a cosy corner, a section of your outdoor area, or, if you're really pressed for space, a zone you can create and then pack up.

Embrace colour

Introduce colours you find calming and pleasant. Before you reach for a paint brush, think about adding colour through soft furnishings like throws and pillows or objects like artworks or pots.

Get comfortable

It's so important that you feel physically comfortable in your space. Sutherland suggests “investing in a comfortable chair or sofa in a textured, neutral shade and introducing soft lighting with a floor or a table lamp and a cosy rug for warmth.”

Curate your space

Bring in elements that make you feel happy and relaxed. This could be a piece of art that you love, family photos, or trinkets that have a special meaning to you.

Let nature in

Increasing our exposure to the natural world is known to have many health benefits. Add an indoor plant or two to your space, some flowers, or even a few cuttings from the garden.

Set the scene

Grab a book, put on a guided meditation or some music that helps you feel relaxed. This part will be different for everyone, so choose this element based on your personal preference.

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