An Interior Designer’s Take on Pantone’s Colour of the Year
Pallavi Dean talks Very Peri.
If there’s one takeaway from Zanna Roberts Rassi’s recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, it’s that head-to-toe purple is surprisingly flattering. The celebrity stylist (effortlessly) sported a suit made of wide wale corduroy in honour of Very Peri, a periwinkle shade selected by Pantone as Colour of the Year 2022 because it “encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression”. But while the hue is sure to suit a spectrum of skin tones – already making it popular across the fashion and beauty industries – we can’t help but debate its suitability in the world of interiors. Enter: Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of boutique interior design studio Roar, for her take on this inquisitive “It” colour.
On Pantone’s pick of Very Peri:
“I feel the Pantone Colour of the Year 2022 taps into a greater movement that places emphasis on personal growth and well-being. Here, colour is used to stimulate our senses while soothing our bodies and our minds. It’s also a symbol of our time and the hybrid world that we currently live in, which flawlessly switches between online and offline.”
On the spaces best suited to Very Peri:
“Pantone tells us that, with Very Peri, it has created a colour that ‘displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence’ while reflecting ‘the global innovation and transformation taking place’. In my view, this makes it the perfect hue for a study, a playroom, or a chill-out area – in other words, any space that is designed to promote inspiration, fun, and relaxation.”
On how to incorporate Very Peri into the home:
“I would always recommend starting small, subtly introducing the colour through curtains, cushions, or other elements of soft furnishing, for example. Another easy way to incorporate a new and untested colour in your home is to paint a wall or a segment of a wall – maybe even a door! – to create a visual contrast without overdoing it. And for those of you who are feeling a little bolder, you can experiment further and invest in a beautiful statement piece of furniture to create an unexpected focal point in your interior.”
On using colour psychology when designing spaces:
“Colour is paramount to any interior design scheme. I see it as the glue that brings a project together and gives it consistency, but more importantly, it’s increasingly being used as a way to influence people’s mood. That’s something we’ve been exploring at Roar for a while now, especially as improving the users’ experience through our designs is at the core of what we do.”
On what boosts her own level of creativity:
“I get inspired by all sorts of places and things. Designers are curious beings – we are people who can never switch off our creativity. I think of myself as an antennae, ever ready to tune into the inspiration from a book I’m reading, a place I’ve visited, a walk in nature, or simply listening to my own stillness post-mediation. All these impressions – whether they be triggered by a certain colour, texture, or shape – will consciously (or otherwise) inform my work.”
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So you’re thinking about transforming your home into a Zen paradise. That’s great! Do you often find yourself stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by your current living situation? Do you crave serenity, tranquility, and greater inner peace? Do you spend more time feeling anxious about your clutter than enjoying your living space? Do you dream of a space that feels welcoming, calming, and rejuvenating – all at the same time?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then a Zen home may be for you.
What Is Zen Home in Interior Design?
The word “zen” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “chán”, which in turn is a Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit word “dhyāna”, meaning “meditation”. Zen is a Buddhist concept that places emphasis on the practice of meditation with the goal of achieving a state of inner peace and tranquility.
Zen interior design is all about creating a living space that promotes peace, harmony, and a sense of balance. The goal is to create a relaxed and calm haven from all the hustle and bustle of daily life where you can unwind and recharge. A Zen home is characterized by its emphasis on natural textures, simple lines, neutral colours, and an overall minimalism effect. Furniture is minimal, surfaces are kept clear to achieve order and calm, and natural light is important so windows are often uncovered to allow as much natural sunlight as possible. Decluttering your space and removing distractions, as well as, adding relaxing elements such as candles, diffusers, and other natural materials, you can create an environment that amplifies the Zen factor and also conducive to nurturing concentration and productivity.
Benefits of a Zen Living Space
In addition to creating a peaceful and harmonious living space, there are many benefits to practicing Zen design in our homes. Research has shown that incorporating natural elements into our living spaces can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve our overall sense of well-being and help us feel more connected to the natural world.
How to Create a Zen Home
A Zen home is a living space that prioritizes simplicity, natural elements, and tranquility, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and overall wellness. Today, Zen design has evolved to include a wide range of interior design styles that often incorporate elements of natural materials, organic shapes, and minimalistic design. The idea of a Zen home has become a popular trend in interior design, as it can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation in our daily lives.
Less Is More
A well-edited room is more visually appealing than one that is crammed full of furniture and knick-knacks. One of the key benefits of the Zen design approach is that it can help to make small spaces feel larger and more open. When there are fewer objects on display, each one can be given more attention, and the eye is not drawn to any one particular area. In addition, a minimalist approach can also help to create a sense of order and calm, making it ideal for a Zen home.
Neutral Colour Palette
In a Zen home, one of the most important things to be mindful of is choosing a natural colour palette. Colours are typically muted and neutral, like white, cream, beige and gray, creating a sense of simplicity and tranquility. Avoid bright colours like red and yellow which can be reminiscent of Asian themes but are disruptive to the overall Zen flow. Instead, stick to muted tones that will ensure a serene and relaxing space, and if you do need some colour greens and blues can serve as excellent accent colours. Also, consider incorporating natural textures and materials to keep your space from feeling too sterile.
Natural Elements
The modern Zen design also emphasizes the use of natural elements like wood, stone, greenery, and water, that give your space an organic feel to support relaxation and balance. Incorporating such elements does not have to be expensive or difficult and often a few simple accents can make all the difference. For example, placing small potted plants is an inexpensive way to add some nature into your space. You may try adding a bonsai to keep with the Zen look but other plants would also do the trick. Similarly, a clear bowl filled with different coloured stones and water or a water fountain or similar feature, also creates a natural touch to your decor.
Natural Light
Lighting plays a major role in a Zen home, with natural light preferred, as it helps to create an open and airy feeling. With visually stimulating views, we feel relaxed and optimistic, which can greatly improve our overall well-being. Sunlight has a calming effect on the mind and body, and it can also help to improve mood and focus. In addition, natural light is an essential part of the cycle of nature, and it helps to regulate our bodies’ circadian rhythms. For these reasons, it’s important to make sure that your Zen-inspired interior receives plenty of light.
Streamlined Furniture
In a Zen home, furniture, decor, and household items are chosen for their simplicity and functionality. Furniture that is simple and clean in design are perfect choices. Selecting streamlined furniture made with natural materials such as wood, stone, or bamboo with straight lines and smooth surfaces will add to the Zen factor of your space. This type of furniture creates a feeling of calm and serenity – all qualities perfect for achieving a zen state of mind. By choosing streamlined furniture that is low to the ground, you will help keep the visual flow of your room uninterrupted, enabling you to feel more grounded and very much in tune with the Japanese style of Zen. Handcrafted furnishings made with reclaimed wood or rattan can add warmth. We recommend avoiding heavy, closed-off furniture designs to maintain an open and airy look and feel throughout your home.
When it comes to furniture styles for a Zen home in Dubai, you’ll want to focus on simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Here are a few furniture styles and design elements to consider:
Accents to Add Zen to Any Home
Diffusers, candles, incense sticks, and sage are all great tools to incorporate into your house to create a more Zen-ful ambiance. Here are some tips on how to use each of these items to create a Zen living environment:
Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are a great way to create a calming atmosphere in your home. Choose oils such as lavender, chamomile, or bergamot to promote relaxation and calmness. Place the diffuser in a central location in your home, or in a designated relaxation space to promote serenity.
Candles
Candles can help create a soft, warm glow that promotes relaxation. Choose candles with natural scents made from natural bases like beeswax or soy, to avoid overpowering synthetic fragrances from invading your space. Place candles in areas where you would like to create a sense of ambiance, such as a meditation space or near your bathtub.
Incense
Burning incense sticks can help to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Choose natural scents, such as sandalwood, or cedarwood, and place incense in an area where airflow is good.
Sage
Burning sage, also known as smudging, is an ancient practice that can be used to clear negative energy from your home. Light a sage bundle and walk the smoke around all the corners of your home, reaching the places where energy tends to get trapped. Remember to open your windows in order to let out the smoke.
The question to really ask yourself is, are you in need of a peaceful and calming living space? Do you often feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your current home? That’s when you know for sure that a Zen home is just what you need to strive for.
You may even follow your higher sense of self and spot signs such as feeling distracted by technology, constantly playing catch-up with household chores, wishing deep inside for a welcoming and calming home, or feeling overwhelmed or anxious by clutter. These are clear signs pointing you toward the need to create a Zen home for yourself. The results are well worth the effort and the process can be healing too.
The Gaggler team is passionate about finding and sharing great products with our readers. We take pride in researching and testing products to find the best of the best, and we only recommend things that we love and think you will, too.
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