This is one of the key objectives for many women in their fifties: to create at home an atmosphere supporting their wellbeing. During those passing years, our priorities might begin to shift with much more emphasis on self-care, relaxation and mental health. That might include carefully chosen wall art that will play a major role in that respect. Among all, wallpaper has been making its chic comeback in interior design lately.

Today's trends in wallpapers are anything but outdated, modern and versatile. For instance, studies on colour psychology show that soft greens, blues and earth tones can evoke calm and reduce stress levels. If you want to create a retreat where peace can be found, consider adding wallpaper illustrating nature - be it a serene landscape, a forest mural, or an abstract water pattern.

A recent report by The New York Times cited how great design elements can bring nature inside and restore our mood and mental clarity. Designs based on minimalism or Zen can also raise one's living space to a more welcoming and serene place. Neutral-toned wall art or simple line drawings invite relaxation, making your home a sanctuary. Whether one prefers contemporary designs or patterns infused with nature, the act of decorating one's space intentionally to nurture well-being will positively affect it for sure.

The fifties, for many women, are a time to look back at the adventures and experiences one has gathered over time. Travel often plays a big part in that, with memories crowding in of exotic destinations, important experiences and cultures discovered that enrich life. What better way could there be to celebrate those memories than by bringing them into your home décor? 

Another way to do this could be through travel-inspired wall art: a canvas print of a breathtaking landscape one has been to, a mural depicting a world map, or even pictures taken on trips. 

These then can serve as daily reminders of the joys of exploration. Studies indicate that such visual reminders of good times-nature travel - can bring about happiness and help to reduce stress and anxiety. Alternatively, you can create a gallery wall that maps your life's adventures. You could frame images of the places you have been or would like to travel to, along with art or other pieces you collected on your journey. Such a space will add character to your space and easily become an ongoing source of inspiration. 

A survey by Houzz reports that travel-inspired design elements will be big, as people look to bring in elements of the outside world into homes. Whether one has travelled to different parts of the world or simply the more cosy corners of one's local countryside, capturing such transformative experiences with considerate wall artworks has proved the most meaningful way of reminiscing about the self, adding spirit and personality to your surroundings. 

In promoting personal growth and reflecting well-being, this creative project rewards you with a space for stylish wall art in your home; one that particularly speaks to you. The idea of incorporating wallpaper for a calming touch, right through to displaying cherished memories, the right wall decor ensures your home is your haven, expressing your style, experiences and core values.

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1. Go on a road trip

Tick off some of the places you’ve always wanted to visit on a road trip through Europe! United under one visa, you can freely explore country to country, visiting vibrant cities and spectacular countryside which ranges from towering mountains to golden coastlines.

Why not pick up a used vehicle for the experience to protect your car’s mileage and ride in style without the price tag? You could look at Blue Bell Hill car sales in Kent which is close to Dover for the ferry and the Folkestone Eurotunnel entrance for easy access into Europe.

2. Learn a language

Especially useful if you plan to travel, you could celebrate hitting fifty by learning a language. This is a great brain-trainer that will help to keep your mind young and aid your mental wellness. It’s also an avenue to meet like-minded people and, once you’re proficient, it could even help advance your career.

English speakers should start with related languages such as French, German and Spanish which have the same alphabet and related words and grammar. Alternatively, you could test yourself with a more challenging language if you’re passionate about a particular culture.

3. Run a marathon

Or do a triathlon, or a bike ride, or a trek… Whichever specific event you choose, training for a fitness challenge is incredibly rewarding. The process proves your capabilities, improves your sense of self-worth and can lead to the development of a lifelong passion that helps you maintain excellent physical health.

You can attempt the challenge solo or with friends; both are equally fulfilling in different ways! Either way, try to find a local community to get involved in such as a running club for top tips, support and motivation.

4. Research your family tree

Mark this milestone by taking the opportunity to delve into your family tree and connect with your heritage. Uncovering the stories of your relatives is fascinating and might give you insight into aspects of your personality, culture and physical appearance.
Online archives with old newspapers and records are a great source of information and could help you dig back further than your family can remember. You can even test your DNA to see how diverse your family gene pool is.

5. Celebrate in style

In addition to committing to at least one of these larger ideas, remember to celebrate in style! This significant birthday should be honoured accordingly in a way that’s personal to you. Have a fancy meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, treat yourself to a piece of jewellery or plan a party with your loved ones.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.

Being able to throw open the doors from your lounge, dining room or kitchen area, gives you a much closer connection to the garden than simply looking at it through a window. And the wider the opening, the bigger the connection will be. That’s why fitting bi-fold doors can prove better than traditional sliding patio doors and French doors. As bi-folds can be pushed neatly to the side, nothing impedes your connection to the garden.

To improve this connection when the doors are closed, it’s worth choosing floor-to-ceiling doors that extend as far across the room as possible. You could also choose an ultra-slim frame to minimise the interruption of your view outside. However, when you have large bi-fold doors, it’s also important to choose a high-quality product with a well-built running system, to make opening them smooth and effortless.  ​

Another way to boost the connection between your home and garden is through plants. By mirroring your garden planting inside the home, you can achieve a more cohesive design and bring the two spaces closer together.

You could do this simply, by growing the same plants on the inside and outside ledges of your windows. All you need are herbs and flowers that grow happily as both garden and houseplants. So, you might have pots of parsley, chives and mint growing. Or perhaps colourful window boxes full of begonias, ivy and jasmine. Similarly, you might place containers of leafy plants, like Fatsia japonica, on either side of your doors to create a seamless transition.
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But you needn’t be so obvious or exact in your planting. You could simply match the style, colour or leaf shape of your plants, or go with a matching theme. So, for instance, you might use a tropical theme with tree ferns, harts tongue ferns and crocosmia outside, matched with crispy wave ferns, Boston ferns and bird of paradise plants inside. Or perhaps you’ll choose variegated leaves, with a mix of hostas and coleus plants in the garden and Chinese evergreens, elephant’s ears and begonias in the house.

Fitting a bi-fold or patio door isn’t always possible, so a good alternative is to add a picture window. Picture windows tend to be big with slim frames and no crossbars to hinder the view, so they’re a real bonus to have.

Your picture window could be positioned to get the best angle of your garden or create a window seat. To bring you closer into your garden, you may choose to frame the view with a leafy mural or surround your seat with houseplants. So, your indoor-outdoor connection is complete.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post