If you’re a fan of interior design and decorating, you have likely put a lot of thought and effort into creating a home that is unique to you and gives you a sense of relaxation. But have you ever considered how interior design can have a direct influence on your mental health? Our brains work in mysterious ways, and our immediate surroundings can severely impact our mood and mindset. With this in mind, let’s look a little deeper into how the right choices of interior design can boost your mental health and allow you to feel much more positive and uplifted:
The element of space
All of us love our personal space, and while we can’t control much of what’s going on in the outside world, we can adapt our immediate surroundings, such as our home, to give us a safe space to unwind and relax. In addition, the style of interior décor doesn’t necessarily need to model a show home; research has found how space is used links to mental health.
Feeling trapped in by too much furniture and clutter can cause a negative state of mind, leading to the inability to concentrate or sudden feelings of depression. Therefore, it would be wise to eliminate furniture that makes the space feel chaotic and instead discover space-saving methods. For example, vertical radiators are becoming a trendy option instead of the traditional horizontal versions. They save an impressive amount of wall space that you could instead use to accommodate key furniture pieces.
Colour and light
Did you know that colour schemes in your home can have significant impacts on our mood? Studies have proven that tones such as red and orange are ‘stimulating,’ while pastel tones are far more ‘calming.’ Dependant on the room you wish to decorate, different hues achieve various moods. For example, stimulating colours would be ideal for a home office where you need to be switched on and creative, while calming hues would be best for a lounge or bedroom, where you saunter off to relax.
Low ceilings and unreasonably poky rooms can cause claustrophobia, stress, and depression. In addition, they don’t allow for a great deal of natural light to come through, which results in the space feeling dark and uninviting. To combat the issue, you could use artificial lighting in lamps and wall lights to achieve a cosy feel.
Plants
Indoor plants are one of the best décor choices you can make when it comes to boosting your mental health. It allows us to feel more connected to the outdoors while giving off oxygen that has been proven to improve breathing. In addition, keeping in touch with nature gives off a calming effect that will help you forget your worries from time to time. Some of the best plants for the home include the likes of the aloe plant, citrus plants, and rosemary – all of which provide their own benefits to improve your mental health in different ways.
