Zen Zone Concept & Design

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Creating Tranquil Spaces Indoors and Out 

The creation of zen zones on our remodeling site goes hand-in-hand with our overall remodeling philosophy of addressing lifestyle enhancements and not just home makeovers. A Zen Zone is an option that should at least be considered during the initial planning of a remodel project.

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“Zen Zone” is an apt name for what is essentially a quiet personal space. “Zen” is the Japanese name for a Buddhist tradition that practices “zazen,” which means “just sitting” meditation. We would describe a Zen Zone as where you go to “get away from it all” but without leaving home

A Zen Zone is somewhere to go to unwind, chill out, be by yourself, meditate, pray, or whatever your mind or mood requires at the time. And in this post, we explore the creation of zen zones inside the home and outside in the garden.

The Importance of Creating Tranquil Spaces

Having a tranquil space as a personal retreat is simply good for our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. We live in a screen-driven, fast-paced technological world. We are constantly bombarded by distractions, noise, and stressors that can leave us feeling overwhelmed.

So it is a really good idea to have a place to chill out, escape the chaos, and find some calm. Let’s break down the benefits of a Zen Zone, the conscious creation of a calming and relaxing space in your home.

Stress reduction: A place to escape from the stress of daily life and relax. A Zen Zone can reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Improved mental well-being: In a space that promotes mindfulness and relaxation, one can improve mood, reduce feelings or symptoms of depression, and foster an overall sense of well-being.

Increased productivity:  By “taking our foot off the gas,” for a while we can coast along in a place of peace and quiet. This lets us step back and reflect. This in turn results in better focus and therefore productivity. In a counter-intuitive way, a Zen Zone can be a career booster. 

Better sleep: Taking a “time out” in a  Zen Zone produces a generally calming effect. A mind that has been throttled back from flat-out racing to ambling along in a state of calm, is much more receptive to sleep.

Connection with nature: It is well known that “communing with Nature“ fosters personal fulfillment. And this is why we build natural elements into a Zen Zone.

Creating a Zen Zone

There are no hard and fast rules for creating such a space. It can range from an informal reading nook in the corner of a room in your house to a garden bench. And you don’t have to put any great thought into either of them.

But with a little planning and awareness of what we are doing, we can create zen zones as little home havens that will positively enhance our ability to relax, reflect, meditate, practice yoga, or pray. It will help us slow down and connect with both our surroundings and our inner selves. This in turn will lower our stress levels and raise our mental clarity. And that is good for us and our relationships with the people around us.

Inspiration for Zen Zone Design

We can find inspiration for Zen Zone design in three schools of thought: Zen itself, Feng Shui, and Biophilic Design.

Zen

Zen is known for its simplicity and emphasis on the use of natural elements, such as wood, stone, and water. So start here when it comes to bringing things into your Zen Zone. And you can probably recall images of Zen-inspired design in Japanese temples and gardens for further inspiration.

Finally, take a look at Swedish design. This tends to be minimalist. And minimalism is inspired by Zen.

Feng Shui

Zen comes to us from Buddhism, which originated in Nepal. Whereas Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of the placement of things to harmonize people with the environment. However, you can certainly find Feng Shui helpful in the design of your Zen Zone. We discuss Feng Shui in detail elsewhere on this site, as it applies to different aspects of our home.

• Related post: Feng Shui for the Home
• Related post: Garden Feng Shui

While the philosophies of Zen and Feng Shui are not related, the principles of Feng Shui can come into play when creating the harmony of the tranquil space that is the Zen Zone.

Here are some tips for using Feng Shui to create a Zen Zone in your home or outdoor space:

Incorporating the five elements of Feng Shui: The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water can be combined in harmonious ways to create a space of tranquility and balance. For example, the water element in a fountain, or fish tank creates a calm feeling. And earthy elements such as stones or pottery help ground the space.

Decluttering: A Zen Zone should be free of the clutter that disrupts the flow of chi energy and can lead to stress and anxiety. 

Calming colors: Color has a powerful effect on our emotions and moods. In Feng Shui, the greens of the wood element represent growth and new beginnings. The browns and yellows of the earth element provide grounding and support. The whites of the metal element offer joy and brightness.

Balancing Yin and Yang: These are the ancient opposing but complementary forces that must be in balance to create harmony in the Zen Zone. In the black-and-white Yin-Yang symbol, Yin is black and Yang is white. 

Yin is feminine and symbolizes darkness, shadow, and the moon. It is quiet and aloof and has dark energy. Yang is white and male. It symbolizes warmth and positive energy, action, and the sun.

So, for example, in a Zen Zone, you could create a balance by balancing a soft, flowing fabric (yin) against a bold piece of artwork (yang).

Lighting: Light represents the fire element of Feng Shui. Natural light is always best. Any artificial light should be soft and warm. You don’t want a harsh or bright light, which can overstimulate and destroy a meditative effect. If you need artificial light, consider using LED circadian rhythm lighting.

• Related post: Circadian Rhythm Lighting

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is a relatively recent trend but has an ancient lineage. It is based on the idea that people have an innate desire to connect with nature. This design philosophy holds that incorporating natural elements into our indoor spaces can improve our mental and physical well-being. These elements include wood, stone, water features, natural textiles and patterns, and light.

Of course, from what you read above, you will notice that this biophilic design philosophy has a great deal in common with Zen and Feng Shui. However, it has different roots.

The biophilic design concept can be traced back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. And it has come down from some of the architecture of the Middle East dating from the Islamic Golden Era of the 8th-14th centuries. 

Creating an Indoor Zen Zone 

You can make a Zen Zone out of pretty much any space in your home. It does not have to be large. After all, most people don’t have much room to spare. It just has to be enough space to create a feeling or vibe of relaxation and mindfulness

Location:  This is a space that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. It can be in a spare bedroom, a corner of a living room, an alcove, or even a closet. It just has to have enough room for you, a chair, and your thoughts.

Lighting: Light plays an important role in the creation of a calming and peaceful atmosphere. If possible, pick a spot with windows and plenty of natural light. If there are no windows, then use soft and warm lighting to help create the desired atmosphere. As we mentioned earlier, you might consider using circadian rhythm lighting

Design elements: Keep things simple. We have already discussed plants, wood, and stone. So consider a comfortable wooden chair with natural fabric cushion covers in patterns inspired by Nature. The chair should be one you can sit in for an extended period. Add a few potted plants to the space. 

Colors: Use calming blues, greens, and neutrals. Avoid overstimulating bright or bold colors.

Focal point: A focal point has a centering effect and can help create calm and tranquility. This could be a sculpture or a natural element such as a water feature. Consider adding a mini tabletop Zen garden to add an evocative atmosphere.

Or check out this kinetic zen garden. We’ve got one. It’s mesmerizing.

Eliminate clutter: Clutter disrupts the flow of chi energy. Think minimalist.

• Related post: Reasons to Declutter
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So, as you can see, creating a Zen Zone does not have to be a complicated exercise. In fact, the simpler it is, the better the likelihood of it becoming your little haven of peace, quiet, and tranquility.

Creating an Outdoor Zen Zone

An outdoor Zen Zone is easier to create  than the indoor version in several ways:

• It is already out in Nature, which is what we try to bring to the indoor Zen Zone
• It already has plentiful natural light.
• It is already surrounded by the natural things in your garden

On top of that, we usually have more space to work with.

So when we design an outdoor Zen Zone, all we need to do is enhance the effect of what is already there. Here are some suggestions:

Water feature: Add a fountain or a small pond.

Natural materials: Incorporate stone and wood. How about a bamboo table?

Plants: You can create flower beds to enhance your zen garden or you could surround your Zen Zone area by bringing in plants in earthenware pots.

Comfortable seating: You can use the same kind of comfortable seating as in your indoor Zen Zone.

Weather protection: You could put your Zen Zone under a gazebo. 

Lighting: If you use your outdoor Zen Zone in the dark, add the same kind of lighting, including circadian lighting, as you have in your indoor space.

Zen Zone Enhancement: Sound and Music

Sound and music are well known to affect our moods, emotions, and overall well-being. So it makes sense to incorporate the kinds of sound and music that can enhance a mindful and relaxed frame of mind. Here are some suggestions:

Music: Use instrumental music that may include ambient sounds or sounds of nature. Avoid music with lyrics that are too upbeat and overstimulating.

Soundscapes: These are recordings of natural sounds like ocean waves, waterfalls, rainfall, and bird song.

White noise: This can drown out distracting sounds and help create calm. You can get white noise generators or find apps for them.

Meditation music: There are many types of music recorded specifically for meditation and relaxation.

Experiment with the kinds of sound and music that work for you. Everyone is different. But it is certainly recommended for inclusion in Zen Zone design and realization.

Zen Zone Enhancement: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils and natural scents to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Aromatherapy can play a role in the success and enjoyment of your Zen Zone. It can help create the calm and peaceful atmosphere you desire. This is because some of the oils and aromas used are known for their therapeutic properties and to promote calmness and relaxation. For example:

• You could try using the essential oils of lavender, chamomile, and bergamot in a diffuser. 
• Or you could try the entirely natural scents of lemon or fresh flowers.
• Or you could try burning fresh herbs or a time-tested incense.

Experiment. Everyone is different. Just be mindful that these things can trigger allergies. However, they are safe, if you follow the directions. But, if in doubt, consult a medical professional.

• Related post: Aromatherapy

Conclusion

So creating a Zen Zone is all about designing a tranquil space. And we urge you not to hurt the effort by stressing over it!

Whether you are creating the space indoors or out, we have given you several ideas on how to go about it. And there is no right or wrong way. Just try to incorporate some of the elements we have suggested. See what works best for you.

But the most important of all is to bring a relaxed and open mind to the project together with a little creativity and have fun doing it. If you do it this way, you will be sure to create the perfect Zen Zone for yourself.