INTERIOR DESIGN
How a Strategic Interior Design Affects Well-Being
WORDS: Stella Green Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied
Our well-being depends not only on our daily routines, our relationships, and the content we consume. The environment we live in is often an overlooked contributing factor to health and well-being. Yet, residential spaces can influence our state of mind with their light, colours, ergonomics, scents, and more.
You can leverage your surroundings to boost your wellness, and this article is all about that! Your home should be your oasis in this hectic world, a place of calm and soothing feelings, allowing you to relax and recharge for all of the daily challenges you deal with.
So, let’s take a closer look at how a strategic interior design affects well-being!
Bring the Outdoors in
Creating a natural environment for us to live in is a great way to promote our well-being. According to the concept of biophilia, it’s our natural drive to seek connections with nature. The so-called biophilic design leverages that link to soothe and inspire us, and even increase our productivity!
You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to appeal to this design. Just incorporate direct or indirect elements of nature like vegetation, natural texture and materials, and earth colours to enhance your space and the wellbeing of those who occupy it.
The Power of Light
Light is one of the most important aspects of wellness-focused design. It can help you make your home feel warm and welcoming, so you and your loved ones enjoy spending your time in it.
In addition to this, sunlight is a known mood lifter, with an abundance of psychological and physiological benefits, so the more light you can get – the better. For starters, replace curtains with sheers to let in more natural light.
When it comes to naturally dark rooms, add mirrors and other reflective surfaces as they amplify the sunlight and provide the illusion of more light.
Prioritize comfort
When discussing interior design focused on promoting health and well-being, comfort is the number one priority. Aesthetic and captivating design are just the add-ons. You’ve heard of the term “ergonomic design”. It sounds fancy, but it comes down to furniture designed to be comfortable physiologically, anatomically, and psychologically.
In addition to your interior design being aesthetically pleasing, it also needs to be comfortable and efficient to boost your well-being. One shouldn’t go without another.
Start with the mattress and the bedding, as they are vital to improving your sleep and helping you recharge and rejuvenate. Next, choose your seating with the same care. You spend countless hours on your sofa, couch, and chairs, so they should be designed to support your function and comfort.
And of course, choose comfortable dining room sets since the dining room is the place for you and your family to eat, socialize, and catch up, and also space where you entertain your guests.
Declutter Your Home
Cluttered spaces have a profound impact on our well-being, even when we don’t recognize it. The entrance with shoes piled up, a dining table overcrowded with various items, and other messy spaces can impact our mood and our sleep.
With so many beautiful home items out there, it can be difficult to keep our homes clutter-free. If you need a bit of push and inspiration on how to maintain an organized and minimalistic space, check out the KonMari method.
At its essence, this approach revolves around sticking to items in your home that bring you joy and organizing your stuff in such a way that any item is easy to find.
Use the Colours Wisely
Colours have the power to alter our mood and evoke certain feelings. For instance, darker hues can bring a refined feel and a sense of intimacy and warmth to your rooms, while passive colours like soothing green and tranquil blues are considered to be calming and improve mental focus.
If your place lacks natural light or your apartment is tiny, opt for lighter colours. They can make your space feel brighter and larger.
Whichever way you decide to go, bear in mind that colours have a massive impact on how we feel and the mood of the room.
Create a Zen Spot
Tending to your health and well-being has never been more important. The global pandemic has put a strain on all of us, and the uncertainty can be draining. If you don’t have the means to redecorate your entire home, dedicating a space for meditation or relaxing time will be enough to get you through the tough times.
Less is more is the creed to go with, so a few thoughtful design details will go a long way. Pick a corner in your house, and add a textured rug, a few cushions, a comfy chair, and voila! Your soothing meditation spot is ready! Stick to soft, pastel hues that promote a sense of tranquillity.
And don’t forget relaxation fundamentals: calming essential oils and a diffuser are a must! Scents are proven to affect our well-being, so make the most of your meditative space. For example, pine scent can decrease anxiety, while vanilla has been shown to boost feelings of joy. And if you are feeling fatigued, citrus scents will up your energy levels.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we’re spending more time in our homes than ever before, so taking the time to enhance our space is vital in combating stress. Your cosy reading nook or your beautiful indoor garden can provide you with much-needed tiny moments of pleasure and help you ease stress and anxiety. And during these trying times, that can be life-saving!