Zen zeitgeist

Sharmila Chand 

Who does not wish to have a home as a serene sanctuary to seek inner peace after a stressful day at work? We all do. What must we do to attain such a space? We need to give our home decor a ‘Zen’ makeover.

One of the latest trends in home décor, ‘Zen’, is here to stay. Maintaining a Zen-like space is much more than just a trend. It’s about cultivating a peaceful space where each object has a meaningful reason for being there, surfaces are clean and clear, focus is on natural light, materials are natural and the atmosphere is calm with the whiff of aromatherapy oils.

We look at some useful elements to give your home decor a special Zen touch: 

Embrace earthiness

Earthy and rustic tones are the call of a Zen decor which includes: organic or khadi furnishings, bamboo and cane furniture, wooden blinds, neutral colour palette, natural fibre elements such as oak and ashwood help create a serene environment. Bamboo, teak, shisam, paper, stone, marble, earthenware and rattan are definitely the preferred materials. 

A single lotus in a bowl, a bamboo plant in a simple planter, table-top fountain, bamboo in a floor pot, mini Zen garden and pictures of flowers, waterfalls or seascapes are some ideas that gel with the theme. 

Designers recommend natural pebble tiles for the bathrooms and a monochromatic scheme with calm lighting. 

Create a Zen garden, they say. Bonsai trees or hanging terrariums, make a good choice and are often included in Zen décor.

Create a calming atmosphere by eschewing artificial fragrances and go for natural scents like those from beeswax candles, essential oils, natural cleaning products and fresh flowers. 

Finally, stay away from synthetic and artificial material. No plastic, should be the thumb rule. 

Furniture and furnishings

It is a must to opt for furniture pieces that are low in height, light and have clean, simple lines. Let it be in natural wood without shining polish. 

Embrace natural materials and textures like bamboo, wood, stone, etc to complement your light furniture. Add natural light with a decorative, airy curtain in natural textile. Make use of natural fabrics that are comfortable and would add a softer look to your area. For example, you can use linen or wool for your coverings and window treatments. 

Incorporate natural motifs and florals on upholstery fabrics, tapestries, wall art and rugs. Instead of the traditional cloth-based drapes, you can go for bamboo screens. 

Rugs in the oriental pattern in neutral shades add to the look and feel. 

Less is more! 

Zen décor essentially means clean straight lines and open spaces. The theme works around no clutter and more of nature indoors to welcome peaceful energy into one’s home. The aim is to create visual harmony where positive energy can flow throughout the space. 

It is important to reduce the number of small objects and furniture and add some accent pieces such as carved or painted tables and an oriental carpet or rug. Paper hanging lamps, wall art with framed silk or bamboo, candle holders are the perfect accessories you can add to enhance the theme. 

Ornate furniture, flashy colours and garish accessories are a big no no. Simplicity, openness and clean and clear spaces are the basic rules to follow. 

Zen decor means unifying spaces rather than dividing through solid walls. Hence, room-dividers made of paper, latticework or sheer fabrics are advised by designers to allow free flow of light and lend open and airy look to the house. 

Whether dramatic or understated, calming or elegant, Zen theme offers a unique way to give your home an exclusive appeal. 

— Sharmila Chand is a Delhi-based freelance writer and author

Soft colours 

• First rule is to remove all loud garish coloured things. Replace them with subtle, tone down colours. Sober hues of blue, green and brown besides white are ideal.
• Gentle cream, understated light blues and an elegant grey with a hint of soft pink of cherry blossoms are also an integral part of the Zen décor. 
• White is the best 
• Here white is not boring! It is the Zen colour code for thereauptic and peaceful energy. Enhance the white color decor with a single accessory, such as an art work. 
• hite signifies clean lines and that is signature feature of a Zen home. 

Accessorise right !

• Keep your home decor accessories to a minimum. 
• Zen decor is said to be incomplete without an iconic Buddha statue. It’s also seen as a symbol of balance, peace and tranquility. 
• Accents like paper lanterns, painted fans, Shoji screens, are some ways you can enhance the Zen look. Also soft lighting in rice paper lamps, framed silk fabrics featuring intricate embroidered patterns help in adding to the overall feel.
• Water is also considered a significant element. The sound of flowing water radiates positive energy and gives the peaceful vibes. So try to have water fountain or water body in whichever way you can. But the sound of water flowing is preferred. 
• Lastly, nothing beats a perfect look than a traditional Japanese tea set on a sideboard. And the room lit up with a few aromatic candles.