A few weeks ago, I went to a new doctor’s office downtown. I hoped it would be a comfortable and calming place that I’d be excited to return to. However, when I walked into the office, my interior design spidey senses started tingling.
The design was functional, funky, and modern, but it lacked the comfort and ease that the office should exude. This got me thinking: How does design impact the way we feel?
We know interior design plays a substantial role in our mental health. Color theory, cleanliness and comfortable furniture can contribute to our overall sense of well-being and enjoyment of a space. But sometimes, incorporating these feel-good design strategies can seem costly and complicated.
At One of a Kind Interior Design, we always design with mental health in mind. These simple, cost-effective strategies can transform your space from functional to fun.
Pick the Right Color
Even though the temperature was comfortable in the doctor’s office, the room felt cold because I was surrounded by hospital white and beige-yellow walls. Thankfully, building comfort in a space is easy through a simple wall color change. Color theory recommends using colors like blues and pastels to boost feelings of relaxation in a space. For example, dark blues and maroons contribute to an individual’s ability to relax and unwind in bedrooms.
When creating a space that should inspire energy and focus, like a bar, gym or office, we can use bolder and more vibrant colors, like reds, pinks and bright greens.
Avoid Clutter
Marie Kondo said it best: “The intention to clean is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living in that environment.” As an interior designer, I don’t have the expertise to share tips on keeping a space shiny and spotless, but I can help you create opportunities to enhance the organization of a living area.
Simple, affordable items like baskets, countertop and cabinet organizers can help keep your space looking and feeling clutter-free. I like to put these organizational tools inside of cabinets or under countertops. This allows clients to store away any unwanted items in a hidden spot. Even if the basket is still a pile of junk, at least it’s a pile of junk that is out of sight and out of mind.
Consider Acoustics
The doctor’s office should be a space that promotes privacy. Unfortunately, the doctor’s office I visited felt more like an echo chamber. Without any art on the wall, there weren’t any acoustic barriers to absorb sound. Throughout the appointment, I was aware of how much my voice carried, which distracted me from the present moment.
It’s easy to create an acoustically considerate space. Adding a few pieces of art on a wall is an effective strategy for adding sound barriers to keep your private conversations private.
Enhance Comfort
Have you ever been in a room and can’t find a place to sit? Creating opportunities for relaxation, comfort and ease is essential to creating spaces that people feel good in and want to return to.
When creating these opportunities for relaxation, I encourage clients to trust their instincts. What couch, blanket, pillow and rug feels good to you? How do you like to move around and find comfort in a space? Use these instincts as your guide as you select fabrics, furniture and seating arrangements for your rooms.
Showcase your Style
Finally, the most important strategy for creating a space that promotes comfort, joy and relaxation is to lean into what you love. Inviting friends and family over can feel challenging if you’re not proud of your space. It’s important to create a space you want to bring your community into—whether that’s through playdates, parties or family gatherings.
If red is your favorite color, paint that wall red. If you love neon signs, hang up the neon sign. We encourage our clients to take chances and showcase the things they love to celebrate their one-of-a-kind style.
You don’t need to be a mental health or design expert to create a space that you can feel good in. Partner with the One of a Kind Interior Design team today and we can help you design a space that looks as good as it makes you feel.
