With Mental Health Awareness Week upon us, it's a great time to think about how our surroundings affect our state of mind. When we are struggling we are often told to get outside more, but when facing a busy work and family schedule this can be hard to fit in. We spend so much of our days indoors we shouldn't underestimate the impact well designed interiors can have. From the way we use a room, to how a room is arranged and the colours we choose, interior design can really influence how we feel.
Plan your architecture
Research has found that key architectural details in spaces can really affect our mood. High ceilings have been shown to create a sense of ‘freedom’ that may invoke more free-thinking, whereas lower ceilings help us focus on more details. Having plenty of natural light and views of green spaces also boosts our mood, so if you can plan ahead to include windows overlooking these areas in your design it is sure to help.
Make Functionality a Priority
A well-designed room isn't just about looking good—it's about how it works too. Good functionality means everything in our space serves a purpose and makes our lives easier. Think about how you use each room and arrange things accordingly. A well-designed room enhances productivity, reduces frustration, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Thoughtful consideration of layout and organisation to optimise functionality, and how you move through a space, makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable, and gives you more time back to enjoy your hobbies.
Taking Control of Your Environment
If you have ever sat in a hot waiting room or office you will know that being too hot (or too cold) can really affect your stress levels and mood. Having control over things like temperature, lighting, and even noise levels can make a big difference to our day. Consider investing making each space in your home or office controllable, with smart thermostats, adjustable lighting, and even soundproofing to create a space that's just right for you.
Keep Things Balanced and Symmetrical
Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly at ease? Some spaces just feel right, but a lot of thought has usually gone into making these spaces feel just so. Symmetry and balance in design can give us a sense of calm and stability. When a room is balanced, it evokes a feeling of harmony and reduces visual tension. Incorporating symmetrical elements, such as matching furniture or evenly spaced decor, can create a sense of equilibrium that contributes to a peaceful atmosphere.
Declutter for a Clear Mind
Picture a room filled with stuff piled everywhere, no set storage for items. You try to find something you need and have to search through everything to find it. Not exactly peaceful, right? Clutter not only overwhelms our physical space but also clutters our minds. A clutter-free environment promotes ease of use, clarity of thought and reduces feelings of anxiety and stress. Implementing storage solutions and adopting minimalist principles can help maintain a tidy space, allowing for better focus and mental relaxation. Even if you can’t apply this to your whole home (kids anyone?!) you can choose a room or two as your clutter free zones.
Create Your Own Relaxation Station
Interior design has the power to transform a space into a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Soft, soothing colours like blues, greens and light neutrals can evoke feelings of serenity, while adding natural elements such as plants or natural light bring a sense of tranquillity indoors. Incorporating comfortable furniture, scented items and plush textiles that appeal to all your senses encourages moments of relaxation and contemplation, essential for mental well-being.
Personalise your space
We all love how rooms on Instagram and Pinterest look, but simply copying a design straight out of a photo may look fabulous, but not make you feel good in your space. While green colour schemes may be relaxing for some, if your favourite colour is purple that may be a better choice for you. Having photos, keepsakes and mementos that tell your history and remind you of key people and happy times in your life are vital for those feel-good hormones.
Let's take Mental Health Awareness Week as a reminder to pay attention to how our environments affect us. By making simple changes to our spaces, like adding balance, decluttering, adding better storage, creating relaxation spots, and prioritizing functionality, we can make a big difference in how we feel every day. So here's to designing spaces that lift our spirits and support our well-being!
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