Zen is a Buddhist doctrine according to which enlightenment can be attained through meditation and direct intuitive insight rather than faith. Zen is a religion as well as a philosophy. Because of their hectic lifestyles, many people use meditation and yoga to increase concentration and gain peace of mind. Therefore, it is no wonder that the use of Zen as an interior decorating style has gained popularity.
Zen décor emphasizes on harmony, balance, elegance, utility and relaxation. Zen style is clean, simple, and has minimal furniture. It involves little color, simple lines, and minimal amounts of things around the room. Zen style décor in the bedroom creates a perfect sleeping environment. It results in a look of austere luxury but since it focuses on restraint and minimalism, it can easily be done on a budget.
People lead busy, highly stressful lives nowadays. They need a calm soothing atmosphere in the bedroom that can provide them relief at the end of a day. Soothing color combinations and designs of Zen bedding and décor are a welcome retreat.
Colors
Neutral, restful colors with rich textures that calm the senses are ideal for a Zen bedroom. Earth tones and natural colors such as grayish brown, chocolate brown, pale blue, white, cream etc should be used. Bits of metal, chrome and simple straight lines can also be used. The resultant look should be serene and modern at the same time. Because of the minimalist approach, a Zen bedroom may end up looking a bit plain and boring. Bedding can be used to spice up the look. A combination of subtle shades, rich quality fabrics and layers in the bedding can make it interesting. Fabrics like crisp Egyptian cotton, velvet, silk etc can give a look of austere luxury to the room.
Keep the Furnishings Simple
Plain furniture should be chosen for a Zen bedroom. As per popular opinion, platform beds with straight headboards complement Zen décor. Zen style furniture should have clean and simple lines. Light and flowing window treatments should be used. Drapes made of sheer white fabric arranges in a manner that they flow to the ground would look splendid in a Zen bedroom.
Unclutter the Room
Clutter eats into the clean and calm ambiance of the room. To create the Zen look in the bedroom, one must perform addition by subtraction. Things like repeating patterns, knick-knacks and pictures on the walls that add clutter to the room must go. All non essential items should be removed. Other things should be put in storage space such as bins, cabinets, armoires etc.
Maximize Open Spaces
Zen décor focuses on functionality. Each piece of furniture in a Zen bedroom must have a function. The essential furniture such as the bed, nightstands and a dresser should remain and non essential ones like accent tables and decorative furniture should be removed. The room should be open with plenty of floor space.
Accessories
If Zen style of décor is followed in its entirety, all electronic items such as televisions, telephones, alarm clocks, cell phones etc should be removed from the room. Blinking lights, sounds, glow and electromagnetic fields of these objects interfere with the serenity of a Zen bedroom. However, if removing all electronics is not a feasible option, they should be covered or hidden. Simple accessories such as bamboo nightstands, plants, waterfall bowls and candles can be used. This style is not suitable for those who enjoy being surrounded by a lot of decorative items and accessories.
Zen décor is all about creating balance and peace in our living environment. A Zen bedroom is a place of calm contemplation, a retreat from helter-skelter state of the things in our lives.
Posted in Luxury Bedding