Zen is a spiritual Buddhist practice that can be translated into interior design to create a tranquil and serene space. Zen interior design is about true quality of life. It is about creating a beautiful sanctuary that releases and relaxes all of your senses. By applying the principles of Zen, light, space and function interact harmoniously within your home creating a quiet, calm environment that restores and rejuvenates mind, body and soul.

The first place to start is to create a low-key environment. To clear the mind you need to clear the clutter. Remove ornaments, photographs, objet d’art, anything that does not serve a purpose in the room. Too much furniture is also regarded as clutter. An excess of leather sofas, reclining chairs, bookshelves, side tables, lamps and accessories are not conducive to creating a peaceful and harmonious space. Also remove furniture and accessories with large patterns and bright, visually stimulating colours. Contemporary corner sofas in vibrant colours, colourful rugs with busy patterns and loud floral window treatments will disturb the peace and harmony of the room.

The Zen colour palette includes quiet colours with minimal patterns. Keep your colour palette simple with soothing neutral, water and earth tones. Natural materials and earthy textures also work well. A cream leather recliner with a chunky smokey grey wool throw is ideal for a Zen living room.