Five Ways Minimal Can Help Reduce Distractions in Your Home
Photo: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz
Distractions are everywhere around us. Between technology, social media, busy jobs and hectic schedules, our attention is being pulled in many different directions every day. It’s a problem that we face both at work and at home, but it’s also a problem we can correct.
To regain your focus and find your inner peace, start with your surroundings. Your home should be a place where you feel calm and in control. Minimal interior design can help remove the distractions that take away from your ability to focus. If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, serene home, but just aren’t sure how to get there, here are five ways minimal design can help.
Minimize Clutter to Minimize Distractions
Although you may not realize it, your clutter is distracting you from what matters. Your brain registers and decides what to do with every object in your visual path. If you have a lot of clutter, that means your brain is always working. And that can make it hard to focus on the important tasks.
By removing the clutter from your home, you also remove distractions. Especially now that we’re doing so many different tasks at home. A clutter-free workspace can bring increased focus and productivity making working at home much more enjoyable. And an organized kitchen where everything has a place will make meal prep and clean up both quicker and easier.
A clutter free kitchen frees up counterspace and can make kitchen tasks easier. Photo: Getty Images
Minimal Colour Palettes Reduce Distractions
Colour can make a space pop, but if the goal is a refuge from the hectic outside world, a neutral palette is far more soothing. By limiting the colours in a room, you also reduce distractions and allow the eye to rest.
To keep a neutral space from feeling boring, it’s important to incorporate a variety of different shades of neutral colours. The darker and lighter tones add depth, while interest is created with layers of rich texture. You can read more about how to elevate a room with less in my post here.
A monochrome palette elevated with a mix of classic marble, glossy tile, velvety matte black accents and warm wood tones, keeps the palette serene, sophisticated and timeless.
Plan for Fewer Distractions
“A place for everything, everything in its place.”
Minimal design looks at how you use your home to improve function and help eliminate distractions. If you work at home, do you have a designated workspace where your work tools are easily accessible? If you like to cook, does your kitchen offer the proper storage and ample workspace? Do you have the right type of storage to accommodate your family’s favourite activities?
Well-thought-out spaces that include custom storage are a great way to eliminate clutter and the distractions that go along with it. Built-ins that blend with the walls and hidden storage that makes the most of unused spaces can give everything a place and help create order in your home.
Photo: Getty Images
Spaces to Get Away at Home
Sometimes the best way to reduce distractions is to remove yourself from the equation. It’s important to have sanctuary spaces at home where we can get away to work, relax, or recharge. But we don’t always have an extra room we can dedicate to these activities.
That’s where minimal design can help. Removing excess items from your home can free up space that can be used to create distraction-free zones. Emptying a walk-in closet could give you the room to set up a home office or create a quiet place for the kids to play.
Distraction-Free Spaces are Better for Your Health
The many distractions we deal with on a daily basis can actually be harming our health. Studies show that clutter can cause stress, anxiety and depression. And experts believe that excessive noise pollution can contribute to illnesses such as heart disease, cognitive disorders and sleep loss.
By creating a home with minimal distractions, we can help counterbalance some of these health risks. Remove distractions in the bedroom by decluttering, removing electronics, and eliminating light and noise pollution. These simple changes create a better sleeping environment which can lead to better physical and mental health.
Minimal design helps eliminate the distractions from our homes and workspaces. Less clutter, soothing colours, and clever organization create a calming environment where you’ll have the space and time to focus on the things that matter most. To learn how we can reduce distractions in your home, see my consultation services here.