De-Stress Decorating

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Jackie Craven on Mar 24, 2005 at 4:39AM

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In Times of Excess Responsibility... Seek Simplicity

Just like changing your hairdo can wash away heartache after a bad breakup, changing the look of a room can renew your spirits during times of stress. Going through a major life change? Frustrations and worries got you down? Here's how to make over your home using techniques designed for stress-free living.

When you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by responsibilities and obligations:

Clear obstacles from passageways.
Minimize collections and decorative details.
Combine light, neutral colors with the golden tones of natural wood.
Remove light-obscuring window treatments to fill rooms with soul-warming sunlight.
Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with natural pine, oak, maple or ash.
Choose lightweight, functional tables, shelves and seating.
Emphasize confident, straight lines.
Seek symmetrical, balanced arrangements.
Add the calming fragrance of cedar or marjoram.
Ensure that all doors and windows open easily, even if you never use them.

Photo by Brian Vanden Brink