Feeling safe at home has always been important. For centuries human beings have studied the art of home making across different cultures, geographies, and time. The knowledge that our home impacts the way we feel has been around for ages, with many civilizations aiming to perfect our surroundings and the way we live.
From the ancient Chinese art of feng shui which centres on achieving harmony and balance through the arrangement of objects and space, to the Indian Vastu Shastra – a guide for a positive home, to the Japanese design aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which took the interior world by storm[1] in 2021, the trend of arranging our home in a way that makes us feel good is here to stay.
Given the global events of the last three years, the pandemic and sudden changes to how we live, play and work have meant that we’ve all been spending considerably more time at home. Homeworking and the blurry line of separation between our professional and personal life have made it more difficult to keep the stress out of our living spaces. Without realising, we’ve started to pay more attention to our surroundings and how they make us feel. From investing in new furniture pieces, to redecorating, or accessorising more, we’ve all spent some time and effort on improving our home.
One trend that’s been capturing our imagination, which experts say will be here to stay in 2023 and beyond, is the safe surroundings trend. So, what do we mean by ‘safe surroundings’? The safe surroundings movement has largely been inspired by the drive to make your home your sanctuary, a place where you feel the most safe, comfortable, and secure. As we enter the new year with renewed sense of purpose and positivity, now is the perfect time to gain some inspiration and explore the benefits of this exciting new trend.
So, what is the ‘safe surroundings’ trend?
Much has been said about the correlation between home design and emotional stability, with recent studies suggesting that creating spaces for being together and being apart can increase mental health[2]. Much like the biophilic design which draws upon the benefits of bringing ‘nature into your home’, the safe surroundings trend is aimed at improving your wellbeing by nurturing a sense of safety and security.
At its essence, the safe surroundings trend is aimed at making a home feel especially welcoming and inviting, a ‘safe haven’ for its occupants, complete with cosy and serene spaces to help balance out hectic lives. Elsewhere it is described as bringing your both physical and mental feelings to fruition with warm and earthy tones, ultimately creating an environment that feels relaxing and warm.
How to create safe surroundings at home
There are different ways you could go about creating the safe surroundings of your dreams. The secret lies in combining muted tones with deeper hues and your choice of cosy chic pieces. Next, it may seem obvious, but to make your space feel enjoyable and safe to you, you should start by choosing the colour pallet that you personally love and that appeals to your individual taste. Should you need a little bit of inspiration, some of the most common muted colours to go for are the earth tones, such as grey, green and brown.
Moving home?
If you’re moving into a brand-new home, consider yourself lucky. With a blank canvas in front of you, you’ll have a real opportunity to transform the place and make it truly your own by not just embracing the safe surroundings trend, but also by investing in new furniture, home décor, finishings and pieces that will all come together to create a unique sanctuary of your own.
Update your current home
Updating your existing home is also possible whether you’re looking to create a more dramatic transformation, or take smaller, gradual steps. It’s easy to accumulate stuff we don’t always need or use, things that we can perhaps donate, upcycle or give away to family and friends. Decluttering can be important to begin with to ensure you feel calmer, happier, and more in control in your own environment.
Creating your sanctuary
The great thing about the safe surroundings trend is that it can easily be applied to any one of your rooms or as a theme across your entire home. The living and kitchen/dining areas are the heart and soul of any place. Multifunctional, practical, and versatile, this might be a great place to start transforming into a safe surroundings haven.
Starting with some core muted pieces, you may want to choose from a cream sofa or bedspread and a simple rug and curtains to form the bare structure of your space. You can style those up with cushions in deeper ‘spicier’ tones and add houseplants for improved wellbeing or a statement piece of art to enjoy, while unwinding on the sofa.
Consider moving to the bedroom(s) next. A place for rest, to feel yourself and indulge in some much-needed self-care, combining soft and muted pieces with comfy textures cannot be easier anywhere than in the bedroom.
Adding a layer of texture is another useful trick to improve on your surroundings, with experts recommending patterned wallpaper, plush velvet cushions, faux fur throws or a standout mirror depending on your preference and space.
This is where the spicy tones come next. Adding hints of red, caramel, bronze or paprika will help lift the space and add an extra feel-good factor. Lastly, you may opt to lift the room with lighter colours and the result would be a truly balanced and harmonious space.
The role of shape and light
As we know, light plays a great role in our physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s hugely important to consider the light in the room to make the safe surroundings trend work. Like textures, different lighting can be layered too to create a warm, ambient home. Having multiple sources of light will make your rooms feel tranquil and especially inviting.
Use warm bulbs to create a cosy feeling, and finish off with candles for a welcoming, snug space[3]. If you’d like to create a more intimate atmosphere, make sure you take the time to choose the right lampshades. Consider the function of the room and the type of light that is needed as well as the colour and fabric of the lampshade, as the fabric can greatly influence how it diffuses light.
As far as the furniture is concerned there is no right or wrong as long as you opt for pieces that bring softness and comfort. Cocooning furniture, the latest shout in home décor, are a great choice for making your space feel snug, super stylish and that extra bit cosier. Look for pieces with smooth curves and rounded edges to bring comfort to your home, such as a circular coffee table or side table or soft edged bedside tables for your bedroom.
Soft and comfortable materials are essential too. Think a warm rug to accentuate the wooden floor, throw wool blanket and large cotton or velour cushions on sofas and armchairs.
Sustainable materials such as natural wood, recycled textiles, natural yarns, and plush soft fabrics go hand in hand with the safe surroundings trend, and what more could we wish for really – it’s better for the environment, and better for us.
The right tone for you and your home
Your home is your castle. The place to feel soothed, where you unwind after a long day at work, and a home to make memories in with your loved ones. By adopting the emerging safe surroundings movement, you will be able to make your surroundings feel warm, welcoming, and safe. The result is a living space that brings you great satisfaction. A place where you enjoy spending time on your own as well as with family and friends. A place where you can be true to yourself and others. A place you’re proud to call home.
