Self-care has become a very important topic of conversation. Our lives are hectic and busy, people are stressed out and burnt out, and mental health issues are on the rise in the form of anxiety and depression. A quick search online will give one endless lists with tips, ideas, and suggestions about how to manage stress and practice self-care. Everything from taking a spa day, to getting outside, to meditation, etc. are some of the most popular recommendations. Although these can all be great ideas, we also think a very important case needs to be made about why cooking is self-care.
And while granted cooking is better than not cooking at all, we don't exactly refer to self-care cooking as making a box of pasta with pre-made sauce and then calling it a day. (However, there are also sometimes those days.) Rather, we mean using whole ingredients and whole foods as a way to learn how best to prepare a meal that is nourishing physically and mentally. A home-cooked meal gives one peace of mind from an activity that benefits the physical and psychological health.
The food we eat literally creates the cells in our body and serves as our only source of fuel. Why on earth would that not also affect one's energy? So if you are busy, stressed out and tired, why would you not prioritize the simplest tool you have in your toolkit?
We are not suggesting one needs to be a genius in the kitchen or start trying to create elaborate meals from the recipe books of famous chefs. But, just by starting with one meal a day using whole foods, such as a colorful salad of one's favorite ingredients or a warming plate of roasted root vegetables, begins the formation of a small routine for achieving daily sustenance. There are many ways to start cooking as a means of self-care and it does not have to be excessively time-consuming or elaborately expensive. Give yourself a whole ingredient minimum for the meal preparation (recommendations are usually around a minimum of five fruits and vegetables per day). Using 2-5 vegetables goes easily in a salad or most warm-cooked meals such as a soup, stew, or stir-fry. But whether vegan, vegetarian, meat-eater or anything else in-between, the choices we make about where our food comes from and how that affects the preparation of it, are issues of self-care (as well as care for the environment). Cooking with whole and fresh ingredients nourishes the body and the mind energetically much better than opening a bag of any processed food item.
Additionally, chopping, peeling, feeling, and smelling the fruits, vegetables and other ingredients we cook with can be a sensory, meditative and soothing process. Plus, it helps us better connect with the ingredients as well as with the time and effort it takes to prepare them. This helps us better understand the connection between what we put in our body nutritionally as fuel for energy and what fuel and energy it actually took to prepare such a food that lands on the table.
We don't know about you, but whenever we cook an enjoyable meal or whip-up some homemade granola for ourselves or to share with others, it is a pleasurable experience. The more effort put into creating the best possible medicine for the body is absolutely satisfying the first and even last bites. Whenever it is homemade or home-cooked and others praise you for the meal, it is uplifting for the general mood. After all, so many adages claim the same: 'You are what you eat' or 'the way to a man's--er, person's--heart is through their stomach.' In fact, ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (aka the 'Father of Medicine') is attributed with the saying, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food;" which is pretty much saying real food trumps junk food and the preparation of such is like creating medicine for the body. Thus, PoM recommends cooking a beautiful meal for yourself (with or without guests) as this Sunday's Self-Care tip.
If you enjoyed this topic, please let us know in the comments so we can contribute more to it!
Here are some of the best PoM kitchen decor products for your home:
1. Decorative Glasswares
Both our Mexican Handblown Glasses and Moroccan Cone Glassware sets are artisan made from recycled glass, the origins of which make great conversation pieces to share over drinks with family and friends.
2. Utensil Sets
Our utensil sets (with or without ceramic holders) provide a unified stylish design element to the kitchen, plus their practical and quality-backed application makes cooking with them a lot of fun!
3. Condiment Sets
The Condiment Containers (set of 4) are a great way to display homemade jams, sauces, and condiments. Even if they contain non-homemade deliciousness, it is a great way to serve-up meals that one can individually flavor and savor 'how-they-like-it.' They're made in the USA from porcelain and wood, and are such a modern way to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner together.
4. Hot Pads
Who doesn't need hot pads?! Trick question, we all do, whether for protecting surfaces or precious hands from hot dishes straight-out-of-the-oven, hot pads are a definitive MUST in the kitchen. Pop of Modern's Luxe Hot Pads (set of 3) are handmade by local artist Luxe by Linda. They come in various colors from traditional to rad and are a great way to support the arts and add personality to the kitchen.
5. Pendant Lighting
Adding pendant lighting to the kitchen over an island or next to a space or piece of furniture to highlight the storing of treasured and daily-used items, is a great way to make a kitchen stylish and inviting. Also placing pendant lighting where all the magic happens in the kitchen helps to add warmth, free-up work space, and even invites others to join in on the action. Check out our slick Brass Pin Light Fixtures for getting busy and inspired in the kitchen!
With these kitchen decor items, it’s easy to share a little bit of what makes your kitchen special. They’re a great way to update your kitchen’s look on a budget, making them great options, too. Some of the items are currently on sale, so make sure to grab them while they're hot and add some personality to your kitchen today!
With autumn arriving, it's time to ditch the cold drinks and warm-up with some herbal teas that help nourish and protect the body. We recommend brewing some Chai, which actually means tea in Hindi, that's why Masala Chai is often heard simultaneously with chai. Masala Chai is a mixed-spice tea brewed often with black tea and milk is added.
A basic recipe to start one's own spiced chai (based off of traditional Masala chai) is start with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamon, nutmeg and black pepper (preferably in that order of with larger to smaller amounts accordingly). Often, fennel, star anise, vanilla can be added along with black tea, milk, and honey for sweetening. The variations and other ingredients are as diverse as the Hindu culture, so the possibilities and preferences are up to you!
Cinnamon and ginger as well as the numerous other spices all have health benefits, especially for their warming and antibacterial benefits during the fall and winter seasons. We recommend bulk/loose leaf, organic/fairtrade, and fresh when available and possible for the consumer.
Add all spices to at least three cups of fresh cold water to boil. Three cups for those who want to add milk and/or have a more intense chai, and five cups for a lighter brew with or without milk. Once it begins to boil, cover and let spices simmer for at least 15 mins, but we recommend 30 mins to even a few hours at a low simmer. (If only boiling for 15 mins, re-adding water and boiling again for a second use is a great way to eco-nomize!) Turn off heat and let cool for a few minutes or add milk/milk alternatives right away to achieve the desired drinkable temperature. Don't forget to strain the tea and add some sweetner for a blissful, warming drink.
If you like tea and sharing this past-time with friends, head on over to our shop and check-out our Espresso Cup Set—not just for coffee—for a loved-one or yourself.
Ever notice how lighting can affect the mood or even energy levels? Is it a get-together with friends, where low and warm lighting facilitate comfortable, fun conversations and dancing, or is it an artificially bright and cold-lit atmosphere such as in a typical straight-to-business office setting?
If you wake up before the sun rises, or work in a poorly-lit office, full-spectrum lighting and light therapy can be great ways to boost moods and even productivity. Giving new definition to the well-known phrase: let there be light!
We've previously mentioned before that lighting contributes to how one feels in a space, using full-spectrum light-bulbs can provide a more natural (sun)light setting for indoor spaces with positive effects. As the name suggests, full-spectrum labeled light-bulbs come in array of sizes, shapes, qualities, and even colors; but the most important aspect to know is that they mimic the sunlight or daylight conditions indoors, especially when spaces lack this kind of light-source. Bringing natural light into dimly-lit, windowless spaces, or when seasonally the daylight hours are shorter, is continually being utilized for its beneficial effects.
Not to get too technical here, but full-spectrum light bulbs are based according to the color temperature, i.e., cooler or warmer tones, which is measured in kelvins (K) for light sources. To understand this better, we like to refer to how sunlight (and also moonlight) is emanated, which can be brighter or duller depending on weather conditions, clouds, seasonal rhythms, geo-location, etc. The higher the range of kelvins, the more close to natural lighting the bulb (around 6,000 K).
Daylight or full-spectrum light-bulbs also consider these adjustments towards color temperature with brightness or dimness in mind to reflect the full color spectrum that sunlight emanates. Thus, warm lighting is associated with yellow light, where as bluish-white tones are known to be cooler, brighter lighting.
As well, light therapy has been used to improve the ill-effects of S.A.D. or seasonal affective disorder, often experienced in winter and probably also linked to Vitamin D absorption (aka lack of sun exposure). Referred to as "happy lights," these light therapy lamps mimic natural spectrum daylight to promote energy and alertness by using UVB white lights. However, it does not replace the ability of the sun to help one absorb and produce Vitamin D in the body.
Full-spectrum light-bulbs and light therapy are great ways to to boost energy and productivity, especially during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Add a full-spectrum light-bulb to any of our lamps to help add some warmth and lightness to your work space and home, and let us know if you 'see' the difference!
This week for Self-Care, we recommend taking a sustainable approach to one's beauty routine, which makes sense since we are talking about self-care. Self-care starts with taking care of ourselves, so we are better able to take care of others and the planet we all live on together.
Sustainability is not a trend, or, at least, it should not be. Sustainability should be something we think about when making daily decisions in our lives and in our social circle of family and friends as well as in our work-life balance. We can no longer regard (Mother) Nature as separate from ourselves, especially when everyday Nature confronts us with its relevance.
Keeping that in mind, it is important to take what we care for and cares for us and give back through little, but consistent gestures such as a sustainable self-care routine. Now, what is a sustainable self-care routine? That can be anything from switching to a more eco-safe beauty brand to making one's own makeup, cosmetics or hygiene products. We love D-I-Y, so naturally, making some face oils, deodorants, or body creams are great ways to start with a sustainable beauty self-care! However, we also understand that not everybody has the time or even interest in whipping up some D-I-Y cosmetics; so finding others that make such products or focusing on other rituals or gestures are also contributions.
For example, in our shop we carry one-of-a-kind handmade reusable Luxe Face Scrub Pads made by local artist Luxe by Linda. These face pads come with 7 to a pack, are machine or hand-washable, and made from 100% hand-woven cotton fabric. Different colors and design make them great for displaying. No more need for throwing away single-use face pads and towelettes or smearing mascara all-over hand-towels, certainly makes for a sustainable and lasting beauty routine.
Besides reusable beauty accessories, there are many ways to change up one's beauty routine into a more sustainable, all-caring one. Start today by simply making your own homemade "Spa mask" from ingredients you already have at home!
Let us know what you think about our tips for sustainable beauty (self) care, or recommend some yourself!
Some rooms just lend themselves to interior design—living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, dining rooms, and even outdoor spaces. However, there’s one room in the house that is first and foremost simply about function, which might be a reason why we reduce a natural focus on its design: We’re talking about the bathroom!
While it might not be at the top of one's mind when it comes to modern decor, a bathroom makeover can actually be a real mood booster. The bathroom is used consistently as part of our daily rituals and it should also naturally support our needs for creativity and/or calming vibes. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase a lot of personality! Or, if preferred, the place to display bolder design over other spaces in the home.
Bathrooms are usually one of the last spaces in a home to be considered when it comes to design and decoration, yet this space is an extension of one's style and home aesthetic as well. Perhaps a small space, but a great way to show-off unique individuality and supportive vibes in an intimate setting. Let's talk about some ways we can do that in the bathroom:
1. Vanity Decor
Vanity decor, can be anything from cherished toiletries to actual works of art. Set these items directly on your vanity or shelving in the bathroom. You can group items together, such as:
2. Bold Accents
Bathrooms don't need to be just plain or full of water lilies. Bold accenting can be achieved through color blocking or even unique accessories, such as this Brass Toilet Paper Holder, that also doubles as a wall hook. Whatever the choice, don't be afraid to go bold.
3. Light It Up
Don't forget that proper lighting contributes to how one feels in a space. That's why we often see candles in bath spaces or even bright lighting in vanity mirror areas. Depending on the necessary vibe, be it for looking one's best down-to-the-up-close-details or for a romantic, peaceful soak in the tub, the right mixture of electric lighting and candles can help achieve the best of both worlds.
Pop of Modern's recommended approach to bathrooms, is to focus mainly on the decorative details rather than the overall scheme. These spaces don’t usually need any investment in pieces of furniture, so it's better to have fun picking out the little finishing touches.
To get started on your next bathroom makeover, head over to our bath section and make sure to check out our mirrors for more inspiration!
We realize there is a lot going on in people's lives and in the world at the moment. For this Sunday's self-care theme, we are going to keep it short and simple and even add a little 'retail therapy' as inspiration.
Home decor and self-care are definitely linked to one's state/peace of mind, which the Pop of Modern blog highlights in this space. How the home feels, reflects often how we feel or how it impacts us on a daily basis. Modern home decor emphasizes the need for calm, practical, clean, and natural/elemental-inspired lines and objects to balance against the chaos of the busy, fast-paced, and cluttered reality of our public and social spaces.
To put it bluntly, getting rest and relaxation within the home helps us to recharge our batteries for competing and surviving outside of it. In honor of rest and relaxation, we think pillows and cushions make a perfect way to add comfort and to promote de-stressing at home. Be it for meditation, reading, watching a film, or even eating sushi and take-out, pillows just make it easier and more comfortable to do all these things. In fact, in a home or a space with little furniture, simply having pillows and cushions can turn a dull or empty space into a paradise of ease.
Pop of Modern hopes that you have a comfortable space to promote rest and ease with just the right amount of pillow or pillows to make it possible. But, if you don't have any or enough pillows or are looking for a change, we are currently offering all of our pillows and pillow cover sets on sale for a limited time.
We invite you to update your space to add a little ease with PoM's pillows, cushions and cover sets with a little retail therapy. Adorn your space with style for some comfy pillow dreaming this Sunday and see you again here soon!
When you dedicate a space to meditation and actually carve out some time to use that space, we think it is a wonderful investment into the self and into caring for one's self.
Meditation is an ancient tradition mostly associated with Eastern cultures, but its presence in our modern society has been embraced by Western psychology. For many who have yet to 'meditate,' it might seem a difficult or even unrealistic task to achieve because there are so many different associations and abstractions of meditation out there. But, basically, meditation is about calming the mind and listening to the body's breath. From there on there are numerous benefits connected to health and well-being, and mindfulness is something we really appreciate at Pop of Modern!
If one is new to meditation, we recommend starting with a corner or space dedicated for mindfulness practices, or breathing exercises, that has minimal distractions. The space should be able to support you either sitting or laying down with ample room to move the arms, legs and head without bumping into something.
Helpful are supportive pillows and cushions, often referred to as meditation cushions, but those are not really necessary. As long as the pillow(s), cushion(s), or even folded blanket(s) can be comfortably placed underneath the butt and coccyx (tailbone) to alleviate the spine; or underneath the head and shoulders if lying down, the objective is achieved.
Lastly, the meditation space should reflect what you want to achieve in your meditation practice. If you want to clear the mind, then make sure there are not tech devices, work stuff, or other 'loud' objects that distract rather than facilitate mindfulness. Colors can be used to enhance or even impede, especially when using visualization techniques, so make sure to choose wisely.
If there is certain inspirational quotes, persons or deities that you want to focus on, placing images of them can also be added to the space to focus attention (much like an altar of sorts). If you have a yoga mat, great, if you do not, don't worry about it. Blankets and pillows help to support the body, but sitting or lying down comfortably is the key. It can also be therapeutic to have candles, incense, and even plants that promote good air quality such as Aloe Vera or English Ivy.
The great thing about meditation is that is can be accomplished anywhere and at anytime, including in nature! But, we find it helpful to dedicate a space to mediation as a reminder to do it whenever possible.
From slow, conscious breathing exercises onto visualizations and affirmations there are many meditation techniques that suit different individuals and objectives. Meditation has proven to help relieve stress, anxiety and promote positive and improved cognitive thinking alongside a host of other benefits. Here are some links to get started on simply beginning and on to more detailed meditation techniques for those who are familiar with it. Happy Self-Care Sunday everyone!
Check out Pop of Modern's meditation corner guide (on Pinterest) to items we have in the online shop!
We don’t know about you, but we love to enjoy our evenings outside during the fall—whether it be dinner, drinks or conversations. What better way to prepare than planting some herbal friends that have a variety of uses and protection for the modern home?
As the last days of summer dwindle down, and the season's start to change, Nature's bounties start to transform for the cooler temperatures of fall too. However, here at Pop of Modern we are looking forward for the dry heat to ease as fall temperatures on the West coast are the perfect time for evenings spent outside. One way to enjoy the cooler temps in our hotter climate zones is to get-in some planting time. This week, we are doing something different by giving our readers the low-down on some valuable plant allies that make great late summer/early fall planting activities at home.
Below is a short list of some of our favorite beneficial plants suitable for planing this time of year:
Lavender is a genus in the mint family, with many different species such as French/topped Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) or fringed Lavender (Lavendula dentata), but most common is the English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) variety. As far as planting requirements go, it prefers dry soils and does best in hotter, drier zones. For those living in wetter climates, gravel or sand can be added to assist in drainage, as it thrives best with wet winters and dry summers, similar to its Mediterranean native origins.
Traditionally, lavender is known as an herbal remedy for anxiety and sleep issues, even promoting the recollection of dreams. Most are familiar with the scent and essential oil of lavender; however, the essential oil is a less sustainable option of use and can even be harmful to some including children. We recommend a more sustainable use of lavender by taking the fresh flowers to dry and putting them in sachets for scenting closets and protecting against moths. They can also be placed under pillows to promote calming rest. Additionally, one of the best benefits of lavender as a plant around the home is because it makes a great natural mosquito repellent, which also deters flies, fleas & other bugs. The linalool and pinene chemical components found in lavender emit a strong odor that repels many types of pest including those dreadful mosquitos.
We recommend trying to plant a maturer plant can be planted in late summer or early fall, which is not as fussy as smaller starters or even growing from seed in the spring, when it doesn't need as much attention and care, but you get the full benefits of it's beauty and scent!
It's low flammability make a great plant for very dry and fire prone areas and they also attract bee pollinators.
Lemon ball is a perennial that survives through winter, and is also related to the mint family. It makes an excellent tea known for its healing, balsamic properties and has a light lemon smell, hence the name lemon balm. Small white flowers blossom in summer—much like its relative mint. It also attracts honey bees, so this plant is an excellent ally for the garden, patio or balcony! Traditionally, it has been used for centuries with continued use in today as a digestive, a sleep aide and for elevating moods. Make sure to harvest leaves for tea when the plant is dry not wet, or after having just been rained on.
This aromatic evergreen shrub is perfect for late summer and fall planting and also related to the mint family. If you did not know already, we really love the mint family around here!
Since seeds are bit more difficult to start for the novice gardener, cultivating from cuttings (shoots from an established bush that need to rooted in water) or obtaining a mature plant are the best bets. Rosemary can withstand a lot of neglect, but why wouldn't you want to have a healthy rosemary plant for year-round culinary and therapeutic uses? As rosemary flowers, tiny little purple blossoms appear, possibly why it is regarded as an ancient sacred plant associated with remembrance traditions.
Rosemary contains camphor, which is known not only a pest deterrent, but is also highly mosquito-repellent. The fresh plant leaves and stems can be dried and burned as incense or used as an herbal remedy tea for its energizing and circulatory stimulant actions.
Also referred to as Catmint and within the mint family, catnip blooms from late spring through autumn, so planting a mature plant around this time is our recommendation. Most popular for its association with making cats go a little crazy and/or for promoting their playfulness, the plant is also excellent at repelling mosquitos. Both the cat attraction and mosquito detraction is due to its chemical constituent nepetalactone, which is better than DEET at warding off pests spatially (as opposed to direct use on the skin). Catnip also attracts butterflies.
In traditional medicine, it has been used as an herbal remedy for stomach cramps, indigestion, and for its overall calming and sedative actions. Plus, if you have cats it's a great source of entertainment for them!
Vervain is a flowering perennial genus within the verbena or vervain family, containing many varieties that are drought-resistant. The flowers come in different shades of pinks, purples, blues and whites and attract butterflies, making it a great addition to the garden or balcony. Known as an herbal tonic in traditional medicine with ancient associations with divine and supernatural deities. With that kind of history, why would one to avoid the qualities of such a plant ally?
Depending on species chosen, it's best to take a look at the planting and soil requirements individually, but one recommendation is Verbena officinalis, known commonly as holy herb or mosquito plant (we wonder why?), which is native to Europe and drought resistant. (American) Blue vervain (Verbena hasta) on the other hand, is native to North America and prefers wetter soils. Blue vervain is an herbal ally in traditional medicine known for its nervine actions, which help relieve stress.
Lastly, basil is another great aromatic plant that deters mosquitos due to its geraniol content, but is best kept on a sunny windowsill or planted in late spring, early summer to benefit from this culinary herb. There are many kinds such as sweet or Thai basil, whose leaves are a great flavor to add in dishes for nutritional benefits. Additionally, crushing fresh basil in the hand and rubbing the released oils against the skin offer an itch-relief after a nasty mosquito bite!
These are just some plants to have in and around the home, there are, of course, tons of other mother-nature friendly plant allies out there. We hope this inspires you all to enjoy the last days of summer and welcome fall evenings surrounded by great smelling, bug-repelling plants that have culinary and herbal uses as well. Make sure to check out our modern planters for getting started on your next planting project!
There’s more to a stylish wall mirror than pure functionality.
Mirrors are great investments for adding framed-art to a room (especially, when one looks into it ;-) or for brightening up a space. Throughout history, mirrors have been used as large showpieces—think floor to ceiling reflections of the Versailles and Baroque-style kind. They've also become sculptures of art in various sizes and expressions in more modern times.
Like the Hall of Mirrors, there is much to be admired and intrigued by what is reflected or 'seen' in the mirrors' surface. But for now, we will skip the psychological aspects of a mirror's ulterior function and stick to the practical applications of mirrors as design elements in one's home and office.
So how do you find the right mirror for a space? Well, to answer that we must understand what one is looking for in a mirror:
Beyond these questions, budget and style can influence one's mirror quest. So much so that when it comes to choosing a mirror suited to one's style and space, the endless options can feel a bit overwhelming.
However, don't lose hope! Because the most important things to consider when trying to select a mirror, are the Three-S's:
The SHAPE of the mirror is about individual preference, but it also means it needs to fit into the space.
The aesthetic and practical applications where it is to be placed also determine the shape. Is it alone or with other shaped arts or light fixtures? Does it give a whole picture scenario such as square and rectangle shapes or only a small glimpse such as a round or oval-shaped mirror? Is it for up-close and personal details or for reflecting far-away light and flurried colors?
When shape is the biggest concern, we recommend something different that is also multi-functional, such as the Round Pharmacy Mirror. Its retro-industrial style and moderate round size make it practical in the bathroom or in a space that will also utilize its built-in shelf for displaying creations, favorite objects, or those daily-used items.
The SIZE of a mirror is of equal importance, because the practical or aesthetic applications determine where and when it can be placed in a space.
Budget and desire also influence how big or small of a mirror is needed. If limited wall-space are issues in determining size, Pop of Modern offers both the Rope & Circle Hanging Wall Mirror for its easy mounting and smaller circular shape (above) and the multifunctional Wallace Table Mirror with Display Tray for those that need up-close and personal but don't have the wall space needed to hang.
Both mirrors are on the smaller size, but have very different styles, think rustic, industrial-chic versus Art Nouveau mixed with some Art Deco. 
Finally, STYLE is wholly individualistic and the most fun part of choosing a mirror. While the former two S's need practical and functional applications, what one is looking for in a mirror determines its style presence. The style is a reflection of one's own style, be it modern, antique, nautical, baroque or any many others.
If size and shape are not as importance as style, such as for adding dramatic appeal or depth to an otherwise selectively empty space, we suggest checking out the Gold (Bathroom) Mirror. Not just for the bathroom as the parentheses suggest, the Gold Mirror is beautiful and useful in all spaces. But, it also contains MDF backing that prevents humidity corrosion for protection in humid spaces such as bathrooms. Its large rectangular frame makes a classic, functional mirror and rounded golden edges turns it into a dramatic, modern statement piece, where ever placed.
As one can see, mirrors perform many functions. Use one to define or accentuate a space, or place it where it reflects a favorite view. Using a mirror to open up a room or to add some light are also great ways to pick a shape, size and style appropriate for the space! For a limited time, Pop of Modern wants to help you find the perfect mirror, by offering our selection of mirrors on sale.
It's important to have the room, where you sleep, supportive of the sleep process. But, what does that mean exactly? Well, the first thing we recommend at Pop of Modern is to eliminate unnecessary technological devices, such as T.V.s, computers/laptops, and even cell-phones. These devices not only channel noise and possibly facilitate thinking about work-related activities or deadlines causing stress, they also emit radiation. (Now, is probably a good idea to stop sleeping with your smartphone underneath your pillow at night.)
The bedroom (where possible) should be a space or place that brings comfort, so you can comfortably sleep and get enough deep sleep stage known as REM. This is a time when I body rejuvenates to help it start again the next day. Rest is important, but often neglected in our busy modern lifestyles. Thus, we've come up with a few guidelines that support the bedroom as a place for getting enough rest and supporting peace of mind:
1. Eliminate unnecessary tech devices.
We mentioned it before and stand by it. If you're going to stay up all night and watch t.v.—instead of sleeping—then, at least, make sure the t.v. is not positioned right in front of the bed. We realize many of you might disagree with this lifestyle choice, but the bed is for sleeping and also romance if you want, why would you put things in there that distract from those activities? (And, if you want to interject 'what about porn?!' We didn't say the bedroom is the only place for romance.)
Research is still coming out everyday about the harmful effects of radiation from tech devices. Additionally, falling asleep watching t.v. can form disruptive sleep patterns that are hard to break. Also, the last thing you need to be thinking about every night before sleeping is all the work-related tasks you still have not accomplished as anxious reminders scattered about the bedroom.
2. Try to make the bed everyday.
This one seems like a no-brainer, but many of us have not been trained into the idea that if you do something at least 21 times, it becomes a habit. If you are not in the habit of making the bed everyday, try it for 21 days and see if it sticks.
Making the bed everyday, not only brings the room or space together as the focal point that defines where one hopefully spends 7 - 9 hours a day, 7 days a week (holidays not included) sleeping. But, it is also a statement to one's own self-care, a space that is appreciated and respected because it is where we are often at our most vulnerable. Plus, when you see a made bed everyday, the other distractions, messes or housekeeping faux-pas, seem to fade away from view when staring at the marvelous, comfortably-made SANCTUARY of a BED.
3. Add individual comfort and style, but DE-CLUTTER.
We are all guilty of it at some point. There's either too much dirty laundry piled in the corner or other remnants of scattered clothes and ideas, or just an unmade bed as the spotlight of the room. Whatever the cause for the chaos, the best way to keep peace of mind where you sleep the most, is by making sure there's comfort, such as some nice throw pillows and blankets. But also just as important, not too much clutter, which makes it harder to keep the space tidy and comfortable.
It's also a good tip to keep surfaces clear, such as a bedside table or dresser top. Of course, add decor, individual mementos and things you use everyday, but make sure there's ample space to breath and flow. Space to place a cup of tea or a book without having to push aside a bunch of 'other stuff' is really the definition of peace of mind. Keeping spaces and surfaces free from too much clutter is said to help the mind flow more freely—not circularly—which is the kind of thinking we are trying to avoid in order to get true rest and deep REM sleep.
4. Lighting is KEY.
Lighting is always key, because without light how would we see through the darkness? But really, in this aspect lighting in the bedroom or bed space is important for calming down the mind and supporting a slowing down of daily tasks to prepare for the body's recovery through sleep. This is supported by lower lighting, such as a nice reading lamp or even some pendant fixtures as a decorative and functional statement. The right lighting creates the right mood, if you know what we me. (If you don't know what we mean, please head back to guideline number one.)
5. Add some sleep-promoting and air-purifying plants.
If you didn't know already, there are a plethora of indoor plants with low maintenance needed that also promote sleep and/or purify the air. Some of our favorites include Aloe Vera, Dracaena trifasciata (commonly known as Snake plant or Mother-in-law's Tongue), and Peace Lily. These plants are known as air-purifiers because they release oxygen and absorb air pollutants such as carbon dioxide.
Lavender and Valerian plants are some of the plants known to promote calm and sleep. The flowers of the Valerian plant give off a lovely slumber-inducing scent & the root is used as tea for insomnia. The list doesn't end there either, just make sure to be aware of the plant's water and light conditions are the most suitable for your bedroom space. They also look great featured in one of our stylish planters.
To sum up, the most important idea behind this guideline is to make sure your bedroom supports who you are, not some idea of what you think a bed/room should look like. By this, we mean, so many of us search for the cookie-cutter, conventional bed perfection, that we miss the point of why it's there in the first place: to help you sleep.
If a thousand oversized pillows aren't your thing, then don't buy them or donate the one's you don't need anymore. If all the bedding doesn't match, that's okay too, just make sure it's comfortable. Remember that calming and/or solid colors as well as uncomplicated fabrics make the best choices for peaceful vibes in the bedroom. We hope this helps you create your own bedroom sanctuary, so that you can get a good night's rest!
Keeping the DOs of pendant lighting in mind, this week we are sharing some tips and ideas on the best placements of pendant light fixtures.
Before we go into where the most unique and popular places to hang a pendant light, let's look briefly into the history of the pendant lamp predecessors. Before the more modern and usually sleeker design of the pendant lamp came into being, the most marvelous and opulent version of hanging light fixtures, was the chandelier. Originally lit with a plethora of candles, later glass accessories and bulbs took over. There after, the common (less opulent version) hanging lamps consisted of colored bell or semi-coned shaped hanging lamps, such as Tiffany lamps, which are now more of a retro find in homes. Since we are modern enthusiasts, we think the sleeker more light-focused function such as our Brass Pin Light Fixture adds a timeless and smart appeal to home and office spaces.
While pendant lighting can be hung in any room, there are three distinct areas where they are most commonly displayed:
1. The Kitchen
Pendant lighting in the kitchen has become increasingly popular since the modern arrival of kitchen islands and peninsulas. To offer light and to add some stylish, artistic design to the kitchen, place pendant lighting above a work space in the kitchen to highlight the beauty of the space. As well, when placed above the kitchen island or over another block of space, they provide light that does not get in the way of making a delicious meal. In other words, you aren't likely to bump against or walk into the pendant light by accident.
2. The Dining Room
Placing pendant lighting over a marvelous dining room table is possibly the most recognized style development since the advent of modern design spaces. Where once the glorious chandelier or several candelabra were placed taking up dining space and creating a lot of heat, the modern, less-fussy dining table needs only a well-designed pendant lamp (and maybe some designer candles for a bit of romance).
3. The Foyer
Thirdly, placing pendant lighting in the foyer, or entryway, makes a great design statement for the modern home or office. This is normally the first impression for those entering the home, why not adorn this space with style? Traditionally, especially in higher ceiling entryways, the chandelier was the grand lighting masterpiece on display. Today we see pendant lighting as more toned-down, yet still elegant way to dress-up the room you and your guests first enter into.
To address the original rumors about pendant lamps no longer being in style, we firmly disagree and offer another perspective: as the chandelier was once en vogue so too is pendant lighting today. We no longer use the same materials such as candles and glass to light rooms, and we have transitioned in technology related to the essential lighting (i.e. LED). The style of the pendant lamp will also evolve and various designs, shapes and sizes will come into being, so for now the pendant light is a great add-in to any space.
