Design a Stress-Free Home: Plan for Comfort and Convenience

The most serene environments acknowledge fundamental human needs for space and privacy. Designing a stress-free home may mean rethinking the placement of rooms and furnishings. Expansive open areas will evoke a sense of freedom, but cozy, comforting nooks are often preferred for relaxation and meditation.

As you rethink the floor plan of your home, look at how you live and where you spend most of your time. Also reflect on homes you have visited. What features did you especially enjoy?

Comfort and convenience are key when planning room placement, storage, and furniture arrangments. Modern theories of ergonomics suggest ways to encourage stress-free patterns of posture and movement. Many designers also look to feng shui, vástu shástra, and other ancient philosophies for ideas on ways to redirect the flow of energy through the home.

Tranquility Tools

• Feng Shui: Balance the flow of energies acording to ancient Chinese philosophies

• Vástu Shástra: Follow guidelines from ancient India for harmonious floor plans and furniture arrangements

• Ergonomics: Choose room arrangments, furnishings, lighting, and storage that will minimize strain and will help family members move safely and efficiently.

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