7 basically free ways to level up your living space for a more productive, stress-free life

Many people believe that your home serves as a window into your state of mind, and Suzanne Roynon, an interiors therapy expert and member of the International Feng Shui Guild, agrees. A clean, organized space can offer clarity of the mind, while a messy or cluttered space can take a toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing. “Piles of stuff are a constant visual reminder of confusion, procrastination and a lack of self-esteem, time or energy to put things right,” Roynon explains. “This alone is enough to drain your emotional reserves, and by the time living in a jumbled environment becomes ‘normal,’ considerable damage may have been done to emotional and mental wellbeing.” 

Roynon says hiring a detached third-party (such as an expert in decluttering or a professional organizer) can help you think differently about the items you’re holding onto, but if that isn’t feasible, she recommends starting with your bedroom. “As you pick up each item, ask yourself how it is serving you — if you don’t use it, need it or love it, then it’s surplus and you are safe to let it go,” she says. 

The colors in your home can make a difference in your everyday emotions. For instance, red, hot pink and orange are “fire” colors that Roynon says can promote feelings of anger and irritation while, in contrast, neutral colors can be calming and non-invasive to your thought processes. Mark Cutler, co-founder of CutlerSchulze, an interior design firm based in Los Angeles, recommends a neutral color scheme that’s earth-focused (think light green, taupe and white).

“In Feng Shui, we choose species with smooth, rounded leaves and avoid anything spiky, swordlike or with barbs or claws as they create a prickly atmosphere and can cause arguments and exhaustion,” Roynon says. Also, it may feel odd at first, but research suggests that speaking kindly to living plants can not only help them thrive, it can be cathartic for you. “Having something that responds positively to you is always going to be a good thing,” Roynon says. “The key word though is ‘healthy’ – if a plant is sick or dead, it’s not going to be supportive of your happiness.” 

Adding texture to your home can give it a cozier, homier feel. Cutler recommends incorporating linen, woven mats and even textured plaster walls to help create the feeling of nature. Consider adding texture by way of blankets, shaggy pillows, terracotta, bowls, artwork and even a water feature. 

The more countertop you have visible, the calmer your thinking will be. While you’re in the kitchen, ditch the knife block and keep knives safely concealed in a drawer. 

Yes, home organization extends to your fridge, too. This means removing all magnets and sticky notes.

Start at your front door and walk around your home noticing any area where you have to divert around furniture, discarded piles or blocked doors. If you can’t walk around easily, the positive energy you would love to have around you won’t be able to flow freely either. Actively create room for good vibes to circulate throughout your home.