house and homeby ari clare
With each new report of lay-offs, stock market
drops and store closings, we all need a little Zen in
our home to cope with these crazy times!
Creating Zen
No matter what your religion, it is so necessary
to carve out a spiritual little place in your home
During these Crazy times
where you can escape the stressful job, or dodge
the bad news that streams across the television
and Internet by the second. This is a place to relax,
gather your thoughts, do some deep breathing
and tell yourself it’s all going to be just fine.
Here are a few recommendations to create the
ultimate Zen spot to escape it all:
(1) Take a corner of your balcony or patio – add
some potted plants (lots of green)
and add a small waterfall. There is nothing more
peaceful than the sound of water.
(2) If you really want to go wild with this concept
– take a small alcove space or dead spot in your
condo or home that really has little other function
and add a little altar table with incense and some
floor cushions. Make it a little cozy meditation spot
of sorts.
The key with any of these suggestions are ele-
ments of tranquility, relaxation and maybe even
colors or textures that are totally opposite your
normal taste or style. Find a complete new space to
immerse yourself in.
In addition to the space itself, there are many
light meditation and mind/body techniques that
go hand-in-hand with these spaces to take you
outside your problems and find a place of peace
and solitude. Personally, I love deep breathing
techniques while others may love Yoga, chanting,
candle light, incense, and soft music or any number
of techniques to clear the mind.
As far as design relates to the concept of calm
and peace, there are studies that associate certain
colors to these types of feelings. For example,
cooling colors like blue which is most closely-
associated with water and green often associated
with foliage and nature certainly fit the bill. From
a spiritual sense, these colors are thought to bring
balance and freedom to pursue new thoughts
and ideas. Yellow and gold are believed to protect
against depression, help reduce the possibility of
burnout and add clarity to the decision making
process.
The psychology of calming design is most often
deep-rooted at the end of the day. Every one will
need to find what works individually. Most impor- Ari Clare is the owner of House.Boi— a unique retail space in North Park that com-
tantly, create a small space of escape for the sake of bines home accents, contemporary furniture, men’s clothing and interior design
your mind, spirit and attitude. services.
www.houseboisandiego.com 2537 University Ave. 619.298.5200.
72 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2009
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