A home is more than where you lay your head. Although it may not be evident outright, the environment you spend most of your time in actually has a significant effect on your mood and mindset over time, and making small changes to your space or interior design can bring a fresh perspective or outlook, as well as added comfort and well-being.
We are subconsciously influenced by our environments all day long, but your home is invariably much more important not only because of the extended time you spend there, but because it is a space that is supposed to be unequivocally yours, or a sanctuary of sorts. There are a number of ways that changes in your living space design can influence your mindset more positively.
Light is one of the most important components to have in your home, both physiologically and emotionally, so ensuring that there are adequate amounts of it within your space should be a priority. If you’re considering renting a basement apartment with no windows, you might want to reconsider. Sunlight is a biological need, and on days when you stay home, a space with no light just isn’t healthy for you, mentally or physically. Be sure to open up all curtains and drapery to let maximum light into your home, and feel the effects of increased Vitamin D.
Light is also an easy way to influence your mood – after all, they don’t call it ‘mood lighting’ just for fun. On nights when the sun has already set, look to mood lighting to create a more comforting environment. Things like salt lamps are known to create a more soothing hue that is easy on the eyes and makes it easy to relax and unwind in. There are also other alternatives to this, like the more sophisticated table lamp or the more playful string lights. Luckily, there are a variety of choices available in the world of interior design to help you find what is most suitable for your lifestyle.
Your living space also extends beyond sight; smell can yield great effects with new additions to your home. Many look to aromatherapy as a means for relaxation or rejuvenation, and no matter what you prefer, there is always a benefit to enjoying the pleasant aroma that fills your home. Oil diffusers are rising in popularity because of their soothing abilities, and provide a pleasurable aesthetic in addition. As smell is one of our strongest, most memory-evoking senses, you can create a sense of comfort through oils that resonate with you. Sensory elements like smell can release endorphins in the brain, leading you to feel more at ease. The same can be said for candles, which are often used to create a softened and relaxed environment through warmth, scent, and appearance.
Don’t forget that everything in the home should provide comfort, and tie back into the mindset that your home should be a space for decompression, self-reflection, and happiness. The interior design choices you make can lend themselves to comfort or discontent, where harsh, sharp lines and hard materials like metals can make a space feel cold and uncomfortable. Instead, opt for smooth, curved lines in your furniture to give the appearance of openness and invitation, as well as plush fabrics and materials for sitting or lounging. If you do not have the means to invest in new furniture, you can still incorporate elements that invoke the feeling of comfort, like rugs, throw blankets, or new pillows.
Your color palette itself will subconsciously evoke emotion, so it’s important that the colors you choose represent the mood you want to create in your space. Simple things like brightening your space from dark neutrals to more vivid or lustrous shades can help lighten what feels like a heavy room. Even if you aren’t a fan of bright yellows or teal blues, you can still seek to brighten your space up by way of neutrals like whites or soft greys. If you prefer to create a moody space through the use of darker colors like forest green or navy blue, you can curate a room that envelops and comforts through smarter use of these shades. Think about what the color scheme makes you feel, and determine if it suits the purpose of the room.
Most importantly, your home environment should act as a means of self expression, where you can truly feel at ease and fulfilled. Although this might seem obvious, don’t forget to incorporate pieces that you really enjoy or provide meaning into your interior design. A space that veers on the empty side with lackluster character will feel cold and bland. Ensure that your space serves as a way to express your interests, personality, and style, and you’ll feel at ease in a way you never have before.
