CALM by Sally Denning

Books have the power to transport, make you forget your busy lives, transport you to different places and give you moments of thought and reflection that you can then implement into your own space. Calm is one of those books, perfectly timed and needed for the times we are living in, if you love interior books as I do then you’ll know that the pages of this beautiful publication will make you breath slower and re evaluate your home and way of living for the better.

Our homes should be our sanctuaries, the place where when we close the doors behind us we are welcomed by peace and tranquillity, a home that induces relaxation and rest surrounded by objects that bring joy and happiness. Rooms that evoke your simple style, no clutter or mess to make you feel anxious. Colours and textures that are tactile and restful, that cocoon and sooth the mind and body, creating a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and just be.

The aspirations of Calm is to give you ideas and tips to creating a restful, restorative space where our lives unfold from working, playing, exercising, eating, sleeping and relaxing our home spins many plates. As many of us over the last few years have spent more time than ever at home the pages of this book give us the tools to create a nurturing space to recharge a retreat from the outside world.

Sally guides us through the essential foundations of a comforting environment, calming and harmonious colour from neutrals, delicate pastels to bolder hues. Lots of appealing textures, a home has no soul without texture, from old wood to exposed walls and tactile tiles. An abundance of textiles, linens and wool from sheepskins to velvet, cushions, blankets and throws layered for comfort. Sally tells us how to add in a quiet pattern and calming decorative details alongside other natural elements. The she goes on to exploring 12 different homes that all have one thing in common a timeless and tranquil atmosphere that makes you stop on each page and pause to look at the details more closely rather than racing forward.

The homes featured are unique and quite different from each other, from beach houses to town houses, contemporary cottages to rural hideaways. My favourite being the 17th century stone cottage of interior designer Jody Collorick, nestled on the edge of a pretty valley just outside Painswick in Gloucestershire. Bleached floorboards, muted colour palette, tactile textures and pared back furnishings, its simply beautiful.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, its brought me such joy reading it and will become one of my firm favourites that I look at for inspiration. It would also make to perfect Christmas gift for someone who needs that little bit of calm in their lives too.