The connection between home design and emotional stability has been thoroughly explored over the last several decades. Data collected by neuroscientists has shown interior design elements can positively or negatively influence emotion. That means your own space might be a culprit for some of that stress you feel. Spaces for being together, for being apart, for work, and for play are essential to emotional stability, and there are some small things you can do in these areas to help improve your mental health.
7 Easy Interior Design Tips That Help Improve Mental Health
- Declutter
Peruse your possessions and donate or dispose of any items that you don’t use, like, or have room for. Two rules of thumb: if you haven’t used it in over a year, or if it doesn’t bring you joy, then don’t keep it.
Now that your clutter is gone, it’s time to reorganize storage to make it less visible. Put small appliances not frequently used somewhere out of view. Recycle your old newspapers and magazines. Stash makeup brushes, lotions, and shaving supplies. Cleaning your countertops and floors will increase your feelings of control and reduce anxiety.
- Get a new layout
Can you easily enter and exit your rooms? Do you walk around items sprawled willy-nilly on the floor? Does your space elicit calm feelings of serenity? Or messy and overstuffed? The answer may be as simple as moving some furniture around and trying out a new layout. Aim for a sense of spaciousness when rearranging, and you can’t go wrong.
- Bring in the light
Do blinds, shades, or curtains cover your doors and windows? Sunlight is proven to benefit mental health, and light, at large, lifts your mood. Remove and store curtains during the spring and summer, keep blinds raised, and use mirrors to amplify sunlight to provide the illusion of more light.
- Invest in plants and flowers
Flowers and plants provide a wide range of mental and physical health benefits beyond just being a natural air purifier. There are hundreds of different options for live plants for those with or without a green thumb. Greenery pockets in the home will help you breathe easier, both psychologically and physically. Try to avoid artificial substitutes, as they lack the air purifying effects of their living counterparts.
- Bring the elements inside
The elements of nature—wood, stone, water, wind, fire, and metal—are fantastic ways to bring serenity to any space:
- Light candles or incense
- Get a coffee table fountain
- Use river rocks in your plants’ pots
- Shop for pieces that feature wood, metal, wicker, and other natural materials
- Color evaluation
Color theory plays a large role in your interior design’s effect on your mental health. What emotions do the color choices in your home elicit? Do they make you feel calm, relaxed, and happy? Or do they elicit more negative responses like nervousness, anxiety, or sadness? A small color purge or update can do wonders to improve the overall feel of a space.
- Art indulgence
Viewing art has been proven to elicit the same response that love does. This means our mental health is affected by interior design choices like art. What kinds of art speak to you? Art is subjective, unique to your taste. Find what speaks to you, and don’t feel limited by how much wall space you have. A pretty container for your jewelry on your nightstand, an old project hanging on the wall, or bookends crafted by a friend—the possibilities are endless.
We’ve all evolved a sensitivity to environmental cues, which means good interior design is essential for maintaining mental health. You don’t need a professional interior designer to get started making your home a better place, but it does make things easier. Creating the perfect atmosphere can be difficult. Thankfully, Minnesota Home Interiors is available to assist in making the most of your home’s space. Contact us today!
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