Have you ever stepped into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm? Or maybe you’ve walked into a space that just didn’t sit right with you, even if you couldn’t quite put your finger on why?
That’s because interior design isn’t just about the look of the place. It has a real impact on how we feel, both mentally and physically.
Colour Your Mood
Colour psychology is incredible, especially when you think about it in your home.
For bedrooms and spaces you want to relax in, soft blues and greens can be used to create a calming effect. Whereas warm tones like terracotta and mustard bring a sense of comfort and cosiness.
But, like everything, too much of an intense colour, like bright red or deep purple, can be overstimulating and lead to restlessness.
At the moment, neutrals with pops of earthy tones are particularly popular as they reflect the move towards biophilic design and nature-inspired interiors.
The Secret to Energy & Relaxation
It shouldn’t be a surprise that lighting can completely transform a space and a mood.
For instance, harsh fluorescent lighting can trigger headaches and stress, while soft, warm lighting promotes relaxation. Of course, natural light is also an instant mood booster.
Daylight is known to increase serotonin levels, improving your mood and energy levels. It’s why large windows, skylights, and well-placed mirrors, which reflect the light, can make such a difference.
For those working from home, task lighting is a must-have. If you find that you strain your eyes a lot and lose focus, it could be that your workspace isn’t well-lit.
Meanwhile, you’ll want dimmable lighting in your living room to help you unwind in a cosy atmosphere on the evening.
Flow Matters with Furnishings
Cluttered or poorly arranged furniture can lead to feelings of stress and discomfort. If you plan your layout just right, you can create a sense of flow, making a space feel open and inviting.
You should try to incorporate some Feng Shui principles too. For instance, ensuring furniture isn’t blocking doorways or pathways can enhance the feeling of harmony in a room.
Open spaces encourage movement, while snug nooks can create a sense of security and comfort. It’s all about balance.
Flooring can also play a key role in guiding movement and creating a sense of direction in your home. Patterns like herringbone or chevron parquet can subtly lead the eye through a space, while continuous flooring materials help maintain flow between rooms.
The Power of Texture & Materials
Texture plays a huge role in how a space makes people feel. Soft, plush materials like velvet or wool evoke warmth and comfort, while sleek, polished surfaces create a more modern, high-energy atmosphere.
Natural materials, like wood, stone, linen, have been shown to promote feelings of calmness. This ties back to biophilic design, a concept that embraces nature within interiors to improve mental wellbeing.
The grain of wood flooring and the smoothness of stone countertops with houseplants all contribute to a sense of grounding and tranquillity.
Declutter for a Clear Mind
A cluttered home can create a cluttered mind. Research has shown that messy, chaotic environments increase stress levels and make it harder to focus.
But people sometimes shy away from the expectations of minimalism. But you don’t have to get rid of everything. Rather, you need to create a space where everything has a place and a purpose.
Storage solutions like hidden cabinets, multifunctional furniture, and open shelving help maintain organisation without compromising style.
Plus, a tidy space makes daily life easier, reducing stress and creating a peaceful home environment that you love.
Bringing Natural Indoors
Biophilic design, which is a trend that connects people with nature, has gained popularity for good reason. Studies show that incorporating greenery into interiors reduces stress, improves air quality, and boosts productivity.
Houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants, and succulents are easy to care for and help purify the air. Meanwhile, incorporating natural elements, such as wooden furniture, stone accents, and water features, creates a tranquil and restorative environment.
Feel Good at Home
Interior design isn’t just about the aesthetic of your home. It directly affects your mood, productivity, and physical health.
Thoughtful choices in colour, lighting, furniture layout, and materials can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also supports mental and physical wellbeing.
Your home should be a place you can relax and recover after a long day at work. It should be a place you can cosy up in and hide away from the world for a bit when you need to.
Whether you make small or large adjustments to your space, every change will have a positive difference in your health.