A clear mind starts with a clear space. Did you ever feel like you couldn’t get any work done in a room full of clutter? And did you notice how after cleaning and organizing a space to your own taste, your mood suddenly lifted?
This feeling we almost all share comes stems from our childhood, when building forts or collecting plushies was a way to claim our space and make it into the safe haven it should be.
As an adult, it is now your entire home that is your private space, your refuge to rest and recharge. According to studies, Canadians spend in average up to 90% of their time indoors, you can then imagine how important it is to invest in your interior and decor, for your general wellbeing but also for your mental health.
The impact of interior design on mental health
The concept of colorimetry and the psychology of colors
Colorimetry is the science of the measurement of colors and how the absorb light, so choosing the correct color in a room is essential. Different colors make us feel different emotions, and the psychology behind colorimetry has been studied and incorporated into marketing for decades now. Did you notice how the most famous fastfood chains all used red and yellow, as it’s been proven that this association of colors make your more hungry? Everyday, your choices are subconsciously influenced by colors marketers decide to put in front of your eyes. Understanding this simple science and incorporating in your home is the secret to reprogramming and influencing how you feel daily.
The importance of good lighting
It is a known fact that in the winter, when you get less sunlight, a very unwelcomed friend invites itself in your life: seasonal depression. Lack of sunlight have been linked with sadness and anxiety. On the other hand, direct sunlight is an instant mood lifter, so it makes a lot of sense to think of having most of it inside your space, as it energizes and motivates you.
Art and plants to lift your mood
Outdated art or dying plants are instant downers, they just make you feel bad. Surrounding yourself with live plants on the opposite, improves the air quality, and stabilizes oxygen and humidity levels witht their filtering properties, making you more relaxed and centered. Flowers also have a calming effect and are just a sight to sore eyes. They have been proven to increase positive feelings and reduce anxiety and risks of depression symptoms, making you overall feel happier.
It is also known that creativity invites creativity, and decorating your spaces with beautiful art that you enjoy will motivate and inspire you in your daily life.
Easy ways to feel good in your own space
Get rid of clutter and move things around
Clutter is the enemy of serenity and relaxation. The first step you can take to feel good in your own space is decluttering: sort out what is new and old, keep what you regularly use and give away or sell what doesn’t serve you or bring you joy anymore. Throw away what is broken and make space for a fresh energy! If you feel like you’ve got all that you need and are happy with what you possess already, you can also move things around and rearrange furniture in the different rooms of your home.
Pick colors and lighting that make you feel good
Another step to take is assessing and evaluating the colorimetry of your living spaces. What emotion are you feeling when entering your room or your living room? Does your kitchen make your want to spend time in it to cook yourself and your family some hearty meals?
Now that we know that every color has an influence on our mood, let’s take a closer look on what emotion each of them conveys. Let’s divide them into 3 warmth categories:
Neutral colors
Black: Although often linked to death and unhapiness, black is also the color of sophistication, intellectualism and seriousness. One thing for sure is that it’s not a cheerful color, so it’s better used as an accent color, to bring balance and harmony in a room.
White: This color immediatly evokes feelings of purity, cleanliness and innocence. It immediatly brightens a room and make it seem bigger. However, be mindful that too much white can feel too sterile and impersonal.
Brown: One of the colors of nature. It evokes reliability and strength and makes a room feel dependable, secure and safe.
Warm colors
Red: This color is linked to passion, power but also aggression, anger and control. It is invigorating, but can bring a feeling of anxiety if incorporated too much. A more toned down version, like terracotta, is a good option to bring in more calm.
Orange: Ofte associated with energy, competition and innovation, it is an instantaneous mood lifter! A touch of orange can make a space feel much more cozy and snug.
Yellow: Even though it is warm, it is associated with relaxation, as well as happiness and creativity. It is a light intensifier and will catch light and lighten up any room!
Cold colors
Blue: It definitely brings a feeling of freshness, calmness and serenity. It is even more flattering used with whites, however be mindful to not overdo use it in spaces where you eat, at it is the least appetizing color.
Purple: This color is very unique and one of a kind, that makes you feel luxurious, special and privileged. Its paler declinations, such as lavender, have a subtle feminine, comforting and soft sides to them. It will emphasize your individuality and creativity.
Green: Another color of nature, green is soothing and calming. It brings in balance and harmony, and represents growth and renewal. Bright greens can give a boost of energy to a room, whereas darker greens (khaki or sage) would make it more relaxing.
Remember to always balance them out and let the light come in your space to bring out their best qualities. If you’re not blessed with great sunlight exposition, you can always indulge in artificial light that can reproduce the effect of direct sunlight.
Invite nature in your home
Bringing in natural elements such as wood, metal, stone, water or fire is an easy way to bring calm to any space. You can achieve this by incorporating plants (big or small), lighting up candles or adding a small water or smoke fountain to immediatly liven up a room. Collecting rocks and sticks on your next walk or hike is also a super easy way to invite nature in your home. You can totally go small and slowly, and let your creativity do the work. By inviting nature in, you are also stimulating all your senses, making you more grounded and present. And let’s not forget your sense of touch, by adding soft and comforting textures, natural fibers, and warm textiles such as our lovely blankets made from alpaca wool.
A cosy home can also be a cosy van!
Ultimately, your space is your own to fabricate and shape to your liking, and hopefully those proven tips to enhance your quality of living will help you better your daily life. If the psychology of interior design picked your interest, we invite you to take a look into life principles and lifestyles that focuses on interior harmony, such as Feng Shui or even Hygge (check out our last blog article about it here). Happy decorating!