Holistic living has gained momentum in recent years, and many designers are encouraging homeowners to design their spaces in a way that promotes good feelings. While wellness is generally associated with exercise, nutrition, skincare, mindfulness and meaningful social connections, creating a space that nourishes your mind and body is also part of this concept.
Designing a happy home where you can unwind and rejuvenate is often overlooked, as homeowners tend to focus more on aesthetics. However, this is something that needs to be prioritized, and that’s because your surroundings have the power to shape your mood more than you think.
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Studies have concluded that looking at art can generate the same feelings of happiness as when you are in love – isn’t that wonderful!? By surrounding yourself with good design, you feel calmer and – surprisingly – more hopeful.
It’s true – a beautiful environment has the potential to bring out the best in you. Now that you know this, you’re probably eager to learn how to create a home that improves your mood. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for some simple interior design techniques.
Consider lighting
During the day, light levels signal your body whether it is time to wake up or wind down. So, when designing your home’s layout, you want to consider the light’s movement around the room.
Lighting dramatically impacts the ambiance of a room, and natural light is the best source of boosting happiness. There are different ways to increase exposure to natural light in your home, such as installing glass-paneled doors and utilizing mirrors.
Additionally, you can lengthen curtain poles past the windows’ edges, as this enables maximum light exposure.
You can also consider using artificial light to create a particular atmosphere in the room. For instance, smart lighting systems are a great option because they provide flexibility to adjust the scene however you want.
Also, consider the rooms’ purposes when choosing the type of lighting. Suppose a space in your home is dedicated to dining while also being a study. In this case, you want to opt for bright light during the day and a low-lit atmosphere in the evening.
Bring nature inside
Humans are innately drawn to nature because it gives them comfort. When you’re surrounded by nature, you are reminded to slow down and enjoy life – in other words, you become more mindful instead of doing everything on autopilot, as you’re generally used to.
Using natural elements in your home design will improve not only your home space but also your headspace. There are many creative ways to do so, such as incorporating plants into your home. According to science, plants have a lot of benefits: they act as stress relievers, boost your creativity and focus, and promote healing.
So, purchase some lovely balcony pots and transform your space into a calming oasis. Doing so will help create a healthy environment in your home and make your balcony look more colorful.
Also, consider opting for natural materials like bamboo, linen, terracotta, seagrass and wool when designing your living space. A feel-good home also focuses on sustainability; these materials are incredibly eco-friendly.
Moreover, some businesses like elho provide flower pots produced with sustainability in mind, so by choosing them, you protect the planet and, at the same time, embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Focus on the colors
Forget the trends- color is about more than that, as it can have a psychological impact. The shade you choose for your walls isn’t only decorative: it can make a small room seem bigger or add a sense of intimacy to a spacious one. According to psychologists, you should choose colors for each room to inspire a specific mood.
Paint colors can produce a wealth of emotions. For instance, red raises the energy levels in a room, while orange conjures feelings of enthusiasm and excitement. On the other hand, yellow evokes happiness since it is associated with sunshine.
Green is a restful color, and blue is said to reduce blood pressure. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? But it works – try using a calming blue shade on your bedroom walls and see for yourself how the entire mood in the room changes.
Introduce shapes
Scientific research has shown that shapes influence human emotions. For example, round shapes generate positive emotions like friendliness and approachability. On the other hand, spherical objects convey balance, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with anxiety.
Hence, you can introduce ball-shaped pendant lights, round mirrors, curved-edge retro furniture or circular coffee tables and notice how the entire space softens.
Promote healthy behavior
How do you promote healthy behavior via home interior design? Well, it doesn’t take much effort – small moves can go a long way in helping you improve the quality of your life. For example, you can begin by adding a fruit bowl to the kitchen island. This will promote healthy eating, reminding you that nothing compares with home-cooked food.
Also, consider adding a tap with a water filter to encourage you to stay hydrated. Drinking enough is important because it helps prevent certain illnesses, such as hypertension, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, etc. Moreover, it activates your metabolism, which helps boost your energy levels.
Consider dedicating a space in your home solely to exercise. A few stretches during the morning will help set the mood for the rest of the day and help maintain your health. Or, you can turn this space into a meditation area, where you can sit for a few minutes and connect with yourself.
Meditation has been proven to have a lot of benefits for your well-being, such as reducing negative emotions, helping you cope with stress, and increasing awareness of the present moment.
Last words
It is worth the effort to design a home that promotes wellness, considering how much it can benefit your life. Your home is your safe space, so it should feel as comfortable and peaceful as possible. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to designing a feel-good home, but we hope these tips can provide some inspiration to help you get started.