Organise your living space to create relaxation at home

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A well-maintained and organised home does more than just look good; it invites relaxation, offering a peaceful environment where one can unwind and recharge.

The connection between a neat home and a relaxed mind is undeniable, with each tidy space acting as a buffer against the chaos of daily life.

Robinah Naluggo, an interior designer, says imagine walking into a home where everything has its place, the floors are clean, and the furniture is arranged just so.

According to her, the immediate sensation is calm, and the sight of clutter can overwhelm the senses, but a neat space allows the mind to rest.

According to Naluggo, the simple act of organising your surroundings can create a mental clarity that is hard to achieve elsewhere. But creating such a space is more than just tidying up; she says it's about intentional living.

She says maintaining a neat home also involves regular upkeep. Cleaning routines, however simple, help keep the space inviting.

Regular dusting is essential to maintaining a neat living room. (Courtesy Photo)

Practical tips

Calendars

Many homes have a calendar, but how often do we pay attention to it? Naluggo points out that while some people rely on their memory or mobile phones for dates, a calendar is still a useful and decorative tool.

However, a calendar can also be a silent witness to neglect. Naluggo emphasises the importance of keeping your calendar up-to-date.

“What impression do you leave on a visitor who sees your calendar still showing July when we are weeks into August?" she asks. A tidy person will not ignore the calendar; keeping it current shows attention to detail and care for your home’s appearance.

Clocks

Like calendars, clocks in many homes suffer from neglect. Even though a pair of dry cells can cost as little as sh1,000, many people leave their wall or table clocks inactive for months, relying instead on their mobile phones for the time.

This neglect can send a message of indifference to anyone who visits. If you no longer need a clock on your wall, it is better to take it down rather than leaving it as a relic of disrepair.

Dusting

Regular dusting is essential to maintaining a neat living room. Naluggo recommends focusing on the walls, window panes, and furniture, especially the mirrors, wall portraits, and motifs.

Often overlooked, these items accumulate dust, which may not be visible until it is too late. A sensitive and attentive person will always notice when dust has begun to gather and will take action to clean it before it becomes a problem.

Toys and other small items

For bachelors and families without young children, it’s relatively simple to keep toys and other small decorative items in place. Adding a touch of class to your interiors with a collection of textiles, rugs, cushion covers, curtains, and other items can enhance the overall appearance of your home.

However, in homes with children, maintaining order can be more challenging. Regular decluttering, getting rid of toys and items you no longer need, and ensuring proper storage of children's books and toys after use are crucial.

Teaching children to tidy up in a friendly and encouraging way can also make a big difference. Newspapers and periodicals should have a designated place after they have been read, rather than being left on the couch.

A tidy home, after all, is not just about cleanliness; it is about creating an environment where both the owner and visitors can feel relaxed and at peace.