Home is where the heart is, but did you know that your home’s design can also affect your mental health? From the colors on the walls to the layout of the furniture, your home’s design has a significant impact on your well-being. If you’re looking to create a home that’s not only beautiful but also promotes good mental health, here are some tips you need to know. Keep reading to find tips for interior design that will help keep your mood elevated.
Color Psychology
Colors have a powerful effect on our emotions and can play a significant role in our mental health. For example, blue is known for its calming properties and is often used in bedrooms and bathrooms. Yellow is associated with happiness and is a great color for living rooms and kitchens. Green is known for its soothing effects and is often used in home offices and bedrooms. When choosing colors for your home, think about the mood you want to create and choose colors accordingly. A good interior designer or interior decorator will know exactly how to find the right color scheme for you. Check out how we used a bluetooth therapeutic light in a bathroom remodel.
Natural Light
Natural light is essential for our mental health. Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which in turn can improve our mood, energy levels, and sleep quality. Because of the numerous positive effects natural light gives, you should make sure your home is designed to maximize its potential. That means using light-colored curtains, opening up your windows during the day, and choosing light-colored furniture and decor.
Comfortable Furniture
Your furniture should be both comfortable and functional. Uncomfortable furniture can lead to physical discomfort, which in turn can affect our mental health. It’s important to invest in furniture that’s comfortable and supportive, so if there is an element to splurge on, this is it. Whether it be a comfy sofa, a solid bed frame, or cushiony armchair; spending that little extra with your interior design now will save you stress and money later on down the road.
Clutter-Free Spaces
Clutter can be a significant source of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. When our homes are cluttered, our minds can feel cluttered too. Just imagine that pile of laundry that keeps getting bigger and bigger if you don’t put it away. The task of folding and hanging your clothing gets more daunting with each passing day. Regularly decluttering and organizing your belongings will give you a sense of accomplishment and peace in your surroundings. And, if you’re short on storage space, consider investing in multi-functional furniture that can double as storage.
Room Layout
The layout of your home can also affect your mental health. A home that’s designed with flow and functionality in mind makes it easier to move through your day and feel more organized. Every family has its own layout preference. If you’re anything like me and have little ones running around, an open concept layout is so important. I can keep my eye on things no matter where I am in our space. Even so, the coziness of a closed-off reading nook has its charm as well when I want to escape from the world for a little while.
Plants and Nature
Bringing nature into your home can have a significant impact on your mental health. Plants not only improve air quality but can also reduce stress and anxiety. Like I mentioned earlier with color psychology, the color green is soothing. Adding plants throughout your living space adds a level of tranquility that can only be found when hiking in the forest or laying in a patch of wildflowers.
Sound and Noise
Sound and noise can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to design your home with sound in mind, especially if you live in a busy city like Denver. If you are trying to cut down on noise, you should try choosing materials that absorb sound. Adding curtains and rugs to reduce echo, and using sound machines or white noise to create a peaceful environment.
Personalization
Finally, it’s important to personalize your home to reflect your personality and style. When we feel connected to our surroundings, we’re more likely to feel happy and content. I love when my clients show me unique pieces of artwork they want to incorporate. One of my personal favorites being a wooden sign that hangs over one client’s kitchen sink that reads “Rally Up, Motherfuckers”! The edginess fit that client’s personality perfectly and served as a beautiful contrast to the calm light blue on the walls.
Our homes are our sanctuaries, and the way we use interior design to construct them can have a significant impact on our mental health. From color psychology to room layout, there are plenty of ways to design a home that promotes good mental health. Whether you’re renovating your home or simply redecorating, consider how your design choices affect your mental well-being. Rally up, motherfuckers!
