In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of calm and relaxation is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. One powerful but relatively uncommon way to achieve this is by creating a dedicated space for self-care, enhanced by the presence of tranquil pieces of art.
Art in its various forms, including visual art pieces like graphic design prints and illustration art prints, has been shown to have therapeutic effects on mental and emotional well-being. From reducing stress and promoting relaxation to fostering creativity and self-expression, art plays a pivotal role in enhancing our overall quality of life.
Art therapy, one of art’s most important therapeutic applications, is often used by mental health professionals to debrief and console survivors of trauma. Through drawing and painting, patients can express their feelings, thereby easing their anxiety and stress. In a study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy, 81 percent of patients reported an overall improvement in their mental health after they participated in art therapy sessions. This just underscores how art can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and emotional healing.
Creating a Space for Self-Care and Art
To cultivate tranquility, introspection, and creativity at home, consider the following steps:
1) Start with a Neutral Base
The foundation of a serene space begins with a neutral color palette. Soft tones such as whites, creams, and muted grays provide a calming backdrop for art pieces, such as contemporary art prints, to shine.
More importantly, neutral colors create a sense of openness and allow the mind to relax, which sets the stage for a tranquil environment.
2) Bring in Natural Elements
Aside from art, another mental health ally is nature. So, bring natural elements into your living space, whether by incorporating wooden furniture, stone accents, natural fabrics, and so on.
Complement these elements with art that draws inspiration from nature. Whether it's landscapes, botanical prints, or abstract representations of the natural world, such as those that may be depicted on graphic design posters from DROOL, these pieces will bring the serene spirit of the natural world into your indoor haven.
3) Liven Up the Space with Houseplants
Houseplants not only contribute to improved air quality but also infuse vitality into indoor environments. In addition, they’re known to help reduce people’s stress with as little as 15 minutes of interaction.
The only challenge with houseplants is how to keep them alive because not everyone has a green thumb. So, to ensure the best chance of survival for your plant, choose low-maintenance species like the snake plant, ZZ plant, and pothos ivy. These indoor plant variants tend to be able to tolerate the occasional neglect of forgetting to water them. They also require less sun exposure so you can have more flexibility when deciding where to place them.
4) Design Your Lighting to Highlight Your Art Pieces
Thoughtful lighting design can significantly impact the ambiance of a space. Aim for a balance between natural and artificial light sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Consider installing adjustable lighting fixtures to highlight your favourite art pieces. In doing so, you’ll allow your art pieces, whether they’re unique art prints, beautiful pottery, an elegant sculpture, or intricate pieces of textile art to become focal points within the room.
5) Curate Art that Speaks to You
The works of art you choose should resonate with your personal preferences and emotions. That’s why you should select pieces that evoke feelings of tranquillity and joy. This could be framed photographs of serene landscapes, abstract art with calming colors, or graphic design prints that hold sentimental value to you because they’re from an artist you really like. What’s important is that each piece reflects your individuality and brings you a sense of peace.
In curating your pieces, take your time, and don’t be rushed into saying yes to something that does not fully capture your vision. Let your space be a labor of love and a continuous work in progress. If you need ideas, consider browsing DROOL’s Calm & Relaxed collection to find pieces that evoke warmth, peace, and tranquility.
6) Dedicate an Area for Creating Art
In addition to appreciating art, consider incorporating a dedicated space for your own artistic endeavors. It could be a corner of the room with an easel and a collection of paints, a nook with a foldable crafting table, or a spare room converted into a pottery studio. Having a dedicated space for your art-related activities can encourage you to be more productive and creative. What’s more, engaging in artistic activities fosters mindfulness and allows for a deeper connection with your inner self
In building a sanctuary for your art and self-care, there will be challenges and rewards along the way. If you take these steps mentioned above, you will be on the path to achieving your dream of having a dedicated space where you can recharge and heal.