Kitchen, The Esplanade
How to be Happier at Home: 5 Design Recommendations
We spend most of our time at home, it’s where we eat, sleep and recharge, but our environment can have a huge impact on our mental health. There’s numerous research studies linking the importance of interior design and how it can help relieve anxiety and depression by promoting positive emotions and improving our mood.
Below are a few easily accessible recommendations for how to be happier at home.
001 Colour Psychology
Colour psychology is the study of how specific colours can impact and influence human behaviour.
Colour can have a profound impact on our mood and emotions. Different colours can trigger different feelings and emotions. Choosing the right colors for your home can create a soothing and uplifting environment.
Below is a general list of what specific colours can portray:
1. Red is often associated with love, passion, and excitement.
2. Pink represents softness and femininity
3. Blue is known to be calming and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Yellow promotes happiness, energy, and joy.
5, Green represents nature, growth, and new beginnings.
6. Brown refers to earthy and grounded emotions.
7. White represents clean, minimal, and expansive.
8. Black usually represents mystery or darkness.
Once you understand what colours mean, you can see how this gets translated into residential spaces. We can use these colours to our advantage to create a specific mood and look.
002 The Biophilia Theory
Biophilia is the idea that humans are innately connected to nature.
Have you ever gone for a walk to get some fresh air and reset your mind? Or opened up the blinds and windows to let the sunlight in? Almost always you feel 10x better. That’s biophilia in action! Biophilia has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve productivity, boost your mood and energy levels, and so much more!
Biophilic design nurtures the relationship between people
and nature.
For some quick, accessible biophilic methods, consider incorporating these elements into your home:
1. Opening the window to let the sun and fresh air in.
2. Maximizing natural light.
3. Using natural materials.
4. Painting walls with naturally occurring colours.
5. Listening to the sounds of birds and water.
6. Hanging up nature themed artwork.
7. Incorporating flowers and house plants.
Did you know that some houseplants improve interior air quality? That’s why we’ve rounded up nine beautiful house plants that even NASA recommends to keep the air in your home fresh!
003 Clean Home, Clean Mind
Research shows that clutter can create a sense of chaos and increase stress levels.
Keeping your home organized and clutter-free can create a calming and peaceful environment. Declutter your space and in the words of Marie Kondo, get rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. By maintaining a clean and decluttered home, you’ll reduce anxiety and overstimulation, promote creativity and higher levels of productivity, keep you organized and make it easier when cleaning/moving.
004 Comfortable, Round Furniture
Comfortable furniture is essential for creating a cozy and inviting environment.
Your furniture should be both functional and comfortable. Avoid the use of rigid lines and select furniture with round/curved edges. Studies show that round/curved furniture triggers pleasant emotions over furniture with straight lines. It’s a good idea to invest in the furniture that will be used every day, like a plush sofa or armchair.
Layer in soft textures and cozy accessories like throw pillows and blankets, to make your space even more cozy.
005 Adding in Personal Touches
Your home is where you live and it should represent who you are. It should feel lived in and not like a museum.
By adding personal touches to your home, it can create a sense of belonging and happiness. Incorporate items that have personal meaning, like family photos or mementos from your travels, to make your space feel more like you. Display artwork or decor that inspires you or sparks a conversation. Art and decor bring in personality and add visual interest to bare walls making a space feel alive and fun. This should be curated thoughtfully and not just be random pieces you find at HomeSense or objects that incorporate tacky phrases!
Final Thoughts
Our homes can have a significant impact on our mental health and well being. Incorporating these five interior design tips can help create a space that promotes happiness, calmness, and relaxation. Remember, your home should be a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and acts as a backdrop for you to be your most authentic self.
