Living in a small space, like a 20-square-meter apartment, comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to creating a peaceful and harmonious home environment. As someone who has firsthand experience living in such a compact space, I understand the unique obstacles and opportunities it presents.
Through thoughtful planning and a few simple adjustments, I’ve been able to transform my own tiny apartment into a serene sanctuary, and I’m here to share those insights with you. Whether you’re living in a small apartment or just looking to enhance your home environment, these tips are designed to help you create a space that nurtures peace and well-being.
Now that we’ve established the general stuff, let’s give in.
Comfort Essentials
Creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in your small space is key to maintaining peace and tranquility. Start by selecting furniture and decor that not only fits your space but also brings you comfort and joy. Consider cozy throws, soft cushions, and furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Personal Touches
Incorporate items that bring you joy and comfort. For instance, having a collection of really nice teacups and a selection of your favorite herbal teas can make your home feel cozy and inviting. It’s okay if some of these items, like a chipped cup, hold sentimental value—they add character to your space.
Lighting
Lighting is crucial in creating a peaceful atmosphere. Natural light during the day, combined with ambient floor and lamp lighting after sunset, can help set a calming mood. Consider using a purple grow light for your plants, like a large monstera, to create a soothing glow in the evening.
Choosing the Right Wall Colors
Color Palette Selector
The colors you choose for your walls play a significant role in setting the tone for your home environment, especially in a small space. Light, neutral colors like soft whites, light grays, and pastels can make your apartment feel more spacious and airy. These shades reflect light better, creating an open and calming atmosphere.
If you prefer adding a bit of personality, consider using an accent wall with a deeper, soothing color like a muted blue or a gentle green. These hues can evoke a sense of tranquility and can help define spaces within your small apartment without overwhelming it.
Maintaining the Perfect Temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in your comfort and well-being at home. In a small space, it’s important to maintain a stable, comfortable temperature to ensure your living environment remains pleasant throughout the day and night.
In the summer, use light fabrics and invest in a good fan or air conditioning unit to keep the heat at bay. During colder months, cozy blankets and a space heater can make your apartment warm and inviting without taking up too much space.
Important Tip: Aim for a temperature range between 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night for optimal comfort. This balance will help you stay comfortable and relaxed, making your home a true haven.
Digital Wellness
In a small living space, it’s easy for digital devices to dominate the environment. To maintain a peaceful home, it’s crucial to be mindful of your digital consumption. Consider creating designated times or spaces where technology is used, allowing other parts of your home to remain tech-free zones.
Important Tip: Establish a morning or evening routine that doesn’t involve screens, allowing you to start or end your day with calm and intention.
Evening Social Media Limits
It’s important to set limits on social media use, especially in the evening or at night. Constant exposure to screens and negative content can have a detrimental impact on your well-being over time.
Strictly curate your social media feeds to avoid being bombarded with negativity. Choose content that inspires and uplifts you.
Nature’s Influence
Bringing elements of nature into your small space can have a profound effect on your mood and overall well-being. Even in a tiny apartment, you can connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.
Daily Outdoor Time
Spending time outside every day, even if it’s just for a walk with no specific purpose, is crucial. Regular visits to calming and inspiring nature spaces, such as local parks, beaches, or forests, can greatly enhance your sense of peace.
Important Tip: If you live in a city, look for small green spaces or quiet corners where you can spend a few moments in nature.
Houseplants
Houseplants can bring life and serenity to your home. Watching them grow can be incredibly satisfying. If maintaining real plants seems daunting, consider artificial ones, like the ones from Ikea, which still provide a green, calming presence without the upkeep.
Background Noise
Creating the right sound environment is key to maintaining a peaceful home. While silence can be calming, some ambient noise can also contribute to a sense of coziness and liveliness.
Important Tip: If you live in a big city, sometimes opening the windows to let in ambient noise can provide a connection to the outside world without overwhelming your senses.
TV for Ambience
This may seem strange to some, but having the TV on can sometimes help to give liveliness to your home environment. It’s about finding the right balance between silence and background noise to make your space feel cozy and lived-in.
Get a Pet
Pets can bring immense joy and tranquility to a home. For me personally, I enjoy having small fish like gobies. They are low-maintenance, and watching them swim around can be incredibly calming. Even in a small space, a small aquarium can add a sense of life and vibrancy.
Clean Environment
10-Minute Clean-Up Routine
A clean environment contributes significantly to a peaceful home. Spending just 10 minutes each evening tidying up before bed can make a big difference. While you don’t need to make the house spotless every night, focusing on tasks like washing dishes and picking up clutter can ensure you wake up to a more organized, pleasant space.
Maximize Storage Solutions
A clutter-free home is essential for peace of mind. Investing in enough storage and boxes will ensure that everything has a place where it belongs. Think of affordable and functional storage solutions, such as those from Ikea, that can help you keep your space organized.
| Storage Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Under-bed storage | Utilize the space under your bed for storing less frequently used items. |
| Wall-mounted shelves | Maximize vertical space by adding shelves for books, plants, or decorative items. |
| Multi-functional furniture | Opt for furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans with compartments. |
I hope that this little post helps you in some way to create a more peaceful and harmonious home environment. Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or tranquility; with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can transform your apartment into a serene sanctuary.
Remember, it’s the small changes that often make the biggest difference. Thanks for reading, and I’m excited to hear how these tips work for you! 😊