The average person in the UK and US spends 90% of their time indoors. And since the pandemic and shift towards working from home, a lot of that has been within the home. So it's only natural that our interiors have a massive impact on us. And thus, it's extremely important to design our homes in a way that boosts our well-being. This is especially true in the fast-paced, stressful life of the current era, where we often look to our safe havens (our homes) for comfort.
The good news is — the right interior design really can help improve well-being and mental health. Keep reading to learn different ways you can improve well-being through interior design!
Go For A Minimalist Style & Zero Clutter
A sleek, clean, and minimalist design style lends to a relaxing and calming environment. The space is decluttered and easier to maintain, with every piece having a meaning and purpose.
We recommend decluttering as you go, but if you have lots of clutter in your space, consider doing a thorough decluttering drill. If you haven’t used something in a year, you probably don’t need it — and, according to our favourite tidying expert, Marie Kondo, if something doesn’t spark joy, you can surely do without it.
Less clutter and good organisation make a space feel bigger than it actually is, elevating moods and boosting productivity. You can also add to the spaciousness of the room by learning the secrets to making a small room appear taller.
Welcome Natural Light
Sunlight not only creates an alluring ambience but has several health benefits, too. It boosts happiness (by encouraging the production of the hormone of happiness, serotonin) and helps us sleep better (with the stimulation of melatonin). Additionally, natural light brightens up the interior and makes it feel bigger, especially when reflected with strategically placed mirrors.
If you don’t get your daily dose of sunlight outdoors, allow it to make its way through your windows. Positioning your desk in a spot that receives maximum light will ensure you can make the most of your windows during the daytime.
Bring In Mother Nature
Human beings have a deep connection with Mother Nature, and studies prove that spending time outdoors is good for you. However, if you struggle to get out in the wilderness on a regular basis, you can try to tackle the problem by bringing Mother Nature into your interior, literally.
Adorn different rooms with plants (there are even varieties suitable for the bathroom and laundry) and look after them as a part of your morning routine. Building a connection with nature helps us feel revitalised, improves emotional well-being, and boosts the mood.
Learn more about biophilic design and how you can incorporate it into your space here!
Create Cosy Corners
Have a habit you love? Make room for a cosy corner where you can have a seat and enjoy what you love to do — for example, read your favourite book or sip on your comfort drink (if you’re anything like us, that’ll be a massive mug of coffee). Here’s how you can set up a cosy nook:
Find the perfect spot — perhaps somewhere near a window offering a good view.
Pick the type of seating you enjoy. This could be some cushions and a fluffy rug on the floor or a comfortable armchair.
Add texture by layering cosy textiles, such as throw pillows and blankets.
Get the lighting right. Think warm, golden floor lamps.
When you have a corner you love, you’ll look forward to spending time there all day, which can in turn improve your mood throughout the day.
Consider The Colour Palette
According to the colour psychology of interior design, different colours have different impacts on our mood. Whilst some can make us feel more elated and happy, others can make us feel angry and depressed. So, be mindful of the colour palette you choose.
Generally, light and neutral hues help create a soothing ambience. Think beiges, whites, and creams. Muted tones of blues and greens can help add a punch of colour without taking away from the relaxing environment you aim to create.
Incorporate Relaxing Scents
Interior design isn’t just about visual aesthetics — you must work to please the sense of smell, too! Incorporate relaxing scents that help you unwind. Famous examples include rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus. These not only reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels but also help ease feelings of worry and anxiety.
Create A VOC-Free Environment
Poor indoor air quality can be detrimental to your health, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the worst indoor pollutants due to their continued emission from a variety of sources and their diffusion properties. They are widely used in construction and building products, so it's important to monitor the levels in your home.
A key way to reduce VOC levels in your home is by opting for VOC-free paints (these contain lower than 5 grams of VOCs per litre). Be sure to also increase your home ventilation by opening windows regularly.
Final Words
Utilising the above-mentioned interior design tips can help improve your overall health and well-being. But beyond that, remember that your home is about YOU. Always make room for decor pieces, colour schemes, and design styles that resonate with your personality and make you happy — looking at the things you love everyday will improve your well-being like nothing else!
Need some help with creating a space that helps boost your health & wellbeing? Just book one of our Interior Design Gurus here! They can look at your space over video chat, understand your objectives, and give you personalised tips, ideas and guidance on how to achieve an interior that you love.