After a long, stressful day, we’ve all experienced the feeling of returning home. You may have experienced anxiety due to work emergencies. You may have fought with a member of your family. You may have lost an important match. You may have lost a loved one. Our instincts tell us that we should go home after a shock. Unwind. Recharge. You can lick your wounds. When we feel vulnerable or need protection, we retreat into our private spaces.
Our personal spaces at home are the backdrop for many important moments of our lives. These areas set the stage for many stressful and important moments in our lives. It is, therefore, vital that they provide comfort and support.
Our home is the only place in our lives that we can control. The way you decorate your home and the way you paint the walls and arrange your possessions can have a significant impact on your overall sense of well-being and security.
It is very easy to observe this in children. Kids create nests without knowing why. Kids fill their bedrooms and spaces with things they like. They want to make their rooms feel personal, but they also want them to be safe from parents and siblings. The “keep out of the room” sign does not represent rebellion but rather an effort to create a private space.
Can Home Design Improve Mental Health?
According to the Mental Health Foundation, anxiety and depression are among the most common complaints of mental illness. Many interior design approaches and techniques have been proven to reduce depression and stress. Recent studies have confirmed the validity of this claim. At the same time, the link between home design, emotional stability, and mental health is not new. The links between home design and emotional stability are well documented. Mental health can be improved by creating spaces that allow people to interact and separate.
The business world pays attention to the psychological effects of interior design. Corporate designers use colors, lighting, layouts, and textures to create inspiring, motivating spaces that promote creativity, efficiency, happiness, confidence, or intimidation. Business designers are just as concerned with the mindset of their clients as they are about aesthetics.
According to Chloe Taylor, in a study from 2002, daylight was cited as one of the key factors for increasing retail sales.
While many studies have demonstrated the physiological and psychological benefits of natural lighting, a study found employees who had access to sunlight at their workplaces performed better than those without it. When people are forced to work under artificial Light, they show signs of fatigue and a lack of energy.
EXPANDING THE SPACE OF YOUR HOME CAN EXPAND SPIRIT
Many people prefer spacious rooms to small ones, but they don’t realize that a feeling of spaciousness can improve your mood. In a study, it was found that people are more creative and happier in rooms with high ceilings. The positive effects of spaciousness are also possible in rooms with lower-ceilinged ceilings. A sense of space is one of the most important components of a happy place.
Clutter-free, clean homes that are open and spacious with minimal clutter can improve mood. The right furniture, lighting, design, and organization can create a sense of spaciousness in any room. The hit Netflix show “Tidying Up” has made many people fans of Japan’s Konmari method. Founder Marie Kondo champions the life-changing benefits of tidying. She draws inspiration from Feng Shui to make orderliness and organization a part of her daily life. She encourages people, for example, to let go of possessions that do not bring them joy. This could be a couch or a pair of socks. Kondo uses her method to help people declutter their homes, arrange and store their remaining items, and feel happier and cleaner afterward.
The first step in creating spacious homes and rooms is to declutter. The layout of the room, the placement of furniture, storage options, and color schemes all contribute to creating a spacious and open feeling. According to, room organization is an important component of a calm and peaceful home. Easy-to-navigate spaces that encourage social interaction and reduce anxiety are more conducive to a quieter home. The use of furniture arrangements and the purpose of furniture pieces in all room sizes contributed to creating mentally healthy spaces.
Plants and flowers in the home can improve mood.
The use of flowers and houseplants can elevate moods. According to Texas A&M, the presence of house plants and flowers improves concentration and memory retention. They also reduce stress.
Several types of houseplants act as natural air filters. They reduce allergens and improve air quality. Also, they increase oxygen levels in the air, stabilize humidity and look beautiful. It’s no wonder that they make people feel calmer and more focused.
Flowers can also lift your mood. Flowers around the house can actually reduce depression and boost positive feelings. Flowers are not only beautiful, but they also have a relaxing, calming effect on people. Flowers are not only beautiful, they make people happier.
Bring in the elements: WATER, WINDS, FIRE, METAL, AND EARTH.
In their own homes, people are more relaxed when they have sunlight, space, and plants. These are not, by chance, all-natural elements. Throughout history, man has attempted to bring nature’s beauty and calming effect into the home. For thousands of years, people have brought character inside, whether it’s through animal furs or woven mats.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that celebrates the shapes and textures of natural elements such as earth, water, and wood. We can use these elements in our homes today. Mirrors and reflective surfaces can also provide some of the benefits that fountains and pools do. Open windows and fans bring the wind in, but mobiles and fabrics that move fast also have some of their psychological benefits. We can bring fire into our homes with candles and fireplaces. Iron, Brass, stone, wood, and silver are all made of metal and earth.
A healthy and happy home will make it possible to use the elements to calm down. Water can be used in therapeutic ways, for example, with deep baths or rain showers. Stone can be used as a decorative item by using dishes of smooth stones. Sunrooms, screen porches, and other interior spaces that are comfortable and bridge the indoors to the outdoors can be created.
Use color in your interior design to improve mental health.
Color is one of the best-documented design elements that can alter your mood. Color is an important part of many people’s worldviews. Our modern understanding of psychological theories dates back to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Theorem of Colours, published in the 1800s. Interior designers and researchers have continually revised their views on color. The emotional power of colors is influenced by their saturation and brightness, in addition to the psychological benefits and traits attributed to them. Saturation is the purity of the color. Less saturated colors, for example, have more black or grey in them. Steel blue is less intense than true blue.
The brightness of a color is determined by the amount of lightness that it appears. Bright colors tend to be less saturated. These lighter tones have a calming effect. True red, for example, can be associated with anxiety. However, a blush pink that is less saturated but brighter is soothing. Less vibrant and deeply saturated colors, like an emerald green, can be intense or energizing.
People refer to warm colors as reds, oranges, and yellows. Greens, blues, and purples fall into the “cool” category. We feel physically warmer in rooms with warm colors. Cool colors make us cooler. Reds are popular during the winter months, and turquoise and teal are popular in warmer weather.
Each color also has psychological effects. Years of research have confirmed that certain colors evoke emotional responses.
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- Red
The color red is associated with power, aggression, and passion. Red also stimulates appetite, which is why restaurants use it so often. Red is a warm color, so accents in red can quickly heat a room. Red is associated with anger, but it can also be used to show control. Red can be overwhelming and cause people to feel uneasy or anxious. Use it sparingly in your home if you want to create a calmer atmosphere. - Orange
Orange is associated with energy, sports competition, and innovation. Another warm color that can instantly make a room feel cozy and comfortable. Orange is an energetic color, so it’s rarely used in home decor. Orange is often used in sports facilities and office settings. Orange is not the best color for a tranquil space. However, when used in interior design, it can be a mood-lifter. - Yellow
Yellow is the only warm color that is associated with relaxation. It is also associated with creativity, happiness, and innocence. Yellow is associated with nurturing and is, therefore, often used in the kitchen, children’s bedrooms, and other private areas. Less saturated yellows also go well with neutrals and create a relaxing atmosphere. Yellow can be used in bright spaces to intensify the effect of sunlight. - Green
The color green is soothing. Green is a color of balance, harmony, and nature. Green is the color of renewal and growth. In professional settings, green is used to calm occupants. Green can be used to create a calm and serene atmosphere in homes. A little green can go a long way. Saturated greens will quickly overpower a room, making it look dark or dank. Bright greens or apple greens can make a space look cheery, but they can also take over if you use them repeatedly. Greyish greens, tones of sage, or khakis are often interpreted as neutral colors and create a relaxing environment. - Blue
This color conveys calmness, freshness, and serenity. This is a color that’s conservative and orderly, which works well in professional settings. This color is popular in financial and healthcare offices. Saturated blues can be used to evoke water and oceans, and they look great next to bright whites. Blue can also be associated with sadness, and it may not work well to combat depression. Blue is also one of the least appealing colors, according to research, which could be why it’s less common in restaurants and kitchens. - Purple
This color is indulgent and evokes feelings such as luxury, privilege, or specialness. In many religions, it is used as a color of divinity. Purple is also associated with creativity, individuality, and quirkiness. Purple is a color that is rarely used in homes, making it an unusual choice. Lavender, or pale purples, are considered feminine and soft. Purples with a deep saturation, such as eggplant, can be powerful. Too much dark purple can make people feel sad. Studies show that too much purple can make people think arrogant and irritable, no matter what shade they use. - Grey
Grey accents can be used to create balance and neutrality in interior design when they are used correctly. It is neutral because it’s a balance between black and white. Grey can be a variety of colors, including blue, green, purple, or yellow. It’s important to consider the tone of grey. Grey has negative connotations in color psychology. It is associated with depression and loss. Grey rooms can make a room feel cold and unwelcoming.
- Red
- Brown
In nature, brown is often used. According to studies, brown is a color that evokes feelings such as strength and reliability. Brown can be used to create a sense of security and dependability in a space. Brown can be found in many rooms, especially as part of wooden furniture and cabinets. Brown walls, floors, or furniture can make a room feel heavy, dull, or unimaginative if they are in a space with lots of brown wood. Combining browns and greens with whites, neutrals, or neutrals can create a calm, happy space. - Black
Black is not the absence of colors; it’s the combination of them all. Black is often created when you combine leftover paint colors. According to color psychology, black has many associations. Black is associated with mystery, death, and unhappiness. It’s the color of sophistication and seriousness. It also represents intellectualism and sexuality. Black is a dark color, and therefore, it is used to accent. Black elements, when used sparingly in a space, can create harmony and balance. Black can make an area appear powerful, dramatic, or important. - White
Most homes use white as a neutral color. White is the color of choice for most ceilings and walls. The white color reflects the Light and makes rooms appear brighter. White also conveys feelings of purity, cleanliness, and innocence. White can be bland and sterile if it is used too much. Few people choose white as their favorite color. It is a color that can be easily incorporated into interior design. White can be used with any color, whether it is dark or light or bright or saturated. It is a great background for artwork and sculptures. This is why many museums have white walls. White is a great color for highlighting imperfections. White sofas, floors, and cabinets are all easy to spot if they have stains, dirt, or wear. - Personal Associations
There is a lot of research showing how people react to color, but personal experience with color will always trump social norms. Our personal histories influence colors. White is the color that American brides choose, but it’s also the color of death for some cultures. Red might make you happy and cheerful as an adult if you spent a happy, carefree childhood in a room that was brightly colored. If your grandmother’s kitchen was bright purple, it may be a symbol of indulgence in caring and increasing your appetite.
If you have a personal color association or if you are influenced by research, choose colors that make your home feel relaxing and comfortable. If you tend to avoid certain rooms, changing the color scheme is a great way to make them feel more inviting.
Art in the Home Affects Mood
Numerous studies have shown that art viewing can positively impact your mood and mental well-being. Some art can also evoke negative or sad emotions. The psychology of art, like the psychology behind color, is based upon social norms. Personal tastes and experiences influence art. We know that beauty and individual expression are the best ways to create spaces that feel inviting and refreshing. It doesn’t matter if it is an original work of art or a cheap print. Art can be pottery, ceramics, and silver pieces, as well as sculptures, decorative items, glassware, or even dishware.
Artistic expressions that are in line with your worldview can help reduce stress and anxiety. A scientifically-backed solution to stress is to view art. Viewing and creating art has become an important part of many mental health therapies. It has been shown that viewing art can reduce stress, no matter where it comes from or how much it costs. Viewing and creating art are two ways professionals can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Art and decorative elements are associated with emotions and patterns. Our brains are hardwired for this. As babies, we form strong associations with colors, images, shapes, and artistic expressions. The human eye is drawn to beauty in all its forms, regardless of the culture or period in which it appears. The Islamic religion, for example, prohibits depicting humans or animals in art. Islamic art is still alive and well in intricate rugs, pottery, and fretwork. Japanese art is minimalist, whereas Eastern European art can have a dense and intensely decorated style.
No matter your cultural background, the majority of people are able to appreciate beauty in many different art forms. According to a study conducted in the U.K., looking at art can trigger the same feelings as falling in love.
Samantha Smithstein reports in Psychology Today.
Professor Semir Zeki is a neurobiologist from the University College London. He discovered that the pleasure of viewing art is the same as falling in loves. This effect has been confirmed by previous research. Patients in a hospital who viewed art experienced less pain and a faster recovery. Art can be used in a variety of contexts to improve the mental health and happiness of people of all ages. This is something that artists and art enthusiasts could have told you, but maybe this research will make everyone else understand the value of art .”
TIPS SIMPLE FOR INTERIOR DESIGN TO TRY NOW
Our interior designers use findings from research, psychology, and studies to create spaces that make our clients happy, secure, and relaxed. A good interior design that is tailored to the individual’s history and emotions has been proven to promote mental health.
It’s a good idea to assess each room if you aren’t sure whether your home helps to improve your mood. Think about your feelings as you spend time or walk through the room. You love spending time in that room. It’s your favorite place to relax after a hard day. You may wonder why you don’t spend much time in certain rooms. Do you enjoy sleeping in your bedroom? Enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Do you and your family enjoy eating in the dining area, or is it a chore?
No matter if you think interior design is important, humans have evolved to be sensitive to environmental cues. Your home’s design can increase or decrease productivity, intimacy, and efficiency. It can even affect happiness. Your home is a place that evokes emotions. Your home’s layout, lighting, materials, presence of flowers and plants, use of colors, and art can all improve your mood and increase your focus.
Here are some tips to help you make your house a more relaxing and enjoyable place.
- Get rid of clutter.
Clutter is the enemy of serenity. Donate, gift, or discard clothes, kitchen equipment, bedding, photographs, artwork, furniture, and other items you no longer use, like, or have space for. If you haven’t touched it in the last year, it’s probably not something you need. Second rule: “If it doesn’t bring you joy, then don’t keep.” After clearing out the clutter, organize your storage so that it is less visible. Find a place to store any small appliances that you don’t need every day. This will keep your kitchen clutter-free. Use a basket to recycle old magazines and newspapers. Under the sink, store your shaving and makeup equipment, as well as lotions. Cleaning your counters and floor will help you feel more in control and reduce anxiety. - Rethink your layout
Think about the layout if a room doesn’t work for you. You can easily enter and exit the room. You have to walk around the items a lot. Is the space calm and serene or overstuffed and cluttered? You may have “too many things,” or you might be able to solve the problem by rearranging furniture. Try out new layouts and be creative. New designs can feel spacious. - Let in more Light.
Blinds, shades, or curtains are often used to cover windows and doors. Consider ways to allow more Light into your home. More sunlight can lift your mood. Use sheers instead of curtains. Keep the blinds up during the day. Remove outdoor awnings. You can easily apply window films that allow Light into your home without letting people see inside. You can store curtains in spring and summer and then hang them in fall if you need them for emotional warmth or extra physical warmth during the winter. If you have a dark room, add mirrors, reflective surfaces, and items with glittery surfaces like cut crystal and hammered Brass to increase the Light. - Plants and Flowers
Flowers and houseplants have many benefits for your physical and mental well-being. It may be tempting, but you should have live plants and flowers in your house. You don’t need to be a green-thumb expert. Check out online plant options for easy-care plants that will thrive in different lighting levels. You can easily create greenery pockets in your home to help you feel better, both physically and mentally. - Use of Elements
Bring in elements of nature, such as wood, stone, and metal, or water, wind, and fire, to create a calm environment. You can start with small decorative pieces in any home store, even if some of the elements seem overwhelming. You can get flickering candles if you are worried about fire. Mirrors and glass can create the illusion of water in a room if you are not ready to install an indoor fountain. A jar filled with river stones can be a beautiful addition. Start small and be creative. - Color
What are the colors in the room? Do they make you feel relaxed and calm or anxious and nervous? If a stain doesn’t seem to “fit” in your space, change it or remove it. A small change in color or an update to an area can make a huge difference. - Don’t forget to indulge in art.
A bare wall can be depressing. Consider adding a few prints to your walls if they feel empty. Find a style that makes you feel happy. Art is subjective. Don’t limit yourself to the walls. Consider adding other items. Place a small piece of sculpture on a table in the hall. Add a beautiful box to the bathroom vanity. Put a vase in between your books on the shelf. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or buy expensive art to find joy. Find pieces that are meaningful to you and reflect the style of your home and lifestyle.
