Healthy Living at Home - 7 Interior Design Tips
In a world where we seek perfection, let your home serve its purpose. We are so embedded on having our homes look like magazine covers but we forget that we live out truest selves in this space. Here are 7 research based tips on how to create a home that promotes overall wellness.
1 . Designates Spaces
There is a significant value in creating a space that belongs to you. We personally identify ourselves with our homes by creating an environment that provides both privacy and security. According to Graham et al. (2015) a space can influence activity (pg.347) so own a designated space allows you to take time for yourself to read, meditate, write or enjoy that cup of coffee. Start by having a corner, a section or a chair where you can think clearly and express yourself freely. Personalize your space with everything that promotes the activity you aspire to do but make sure it stays true to its purpose. Make it known that this is your sanctuary and others can do the same.
Do you have a space in your home that you can call your own?
2. Colors that promote positive emotions
We all have different relationships with color based on culture, memories or personal preference. Do you know colors can trigger different emotions? Red and yellow are activating colors and green and blue are cool colors ( Kaya and Epps ,2004). Once we understand our relationship with color then we shall choose the one that fits our personality best. Neutrals are safe, which can be the reason for its popularity. You want your home to feel personal, so choose the color that you connect with most! Always keep in mind that there are different shades to every color, the options are endless!
What color do you connect with most?
3. Lighting at home
It's important to understand the significant value lighting has on our mental health and overall performance. According to Weeks (2019) natural lighting is associated with better performance and mood. (pg. 2) Lighting can affect the amount of melatonin that is released which can impact our sleep. (Osibona et al. (2021) Lighting comes in different temperatures, cooler or high lighting can be activating and increase productivity. Low or warmer lighting can create a more relaxed atmosphere.
(Tomassoni, et al., 2015)
Every room should be lit accordingly, what is your lighting preference?
4. Textures that provide comfort
One way that we find comfort is through our senses and according to Schreuder et. al. (2016) "vision can influence what we hear, touch, and smell, and vice versa."(pg.6) Images that represent waves and nature allows us to feel at ease. (Weeks, 2019) Our body has a strong memory of what makes us feel comfort and discomfort and it can be utilized as a tool when adding décor elements to our design. Let this guide you when choosing furniture, wallpaper and textured art work. Through physical touch you are capable of sending signals to your brain that can help reduce stress levels and promote a more positive experience. Schreuder et. al. (2016)
What décor items provides you with comfort and ease?
5. Organization and Function
A room that is functional serves a purpose. An organized space can improve stress, anxiety and blood pressure. It accommodates social gatherings and promotes tranquility. (Weeks, pg 4). We all desire a home that is functional and inviting. A place where we can build memories and feel safe to do so.
How do you feel about an organized room and do you feel that it serves it purpose?
6. Benefits of Plants and Nature
Plants and greenery have been associated with wellness and promotes positivity. According to Ulrich and Parsons (1992) "it can improve human performance and cognitive functioning" (pg. 98). The scenic view of nature alone can elicit a positive response because of it's ability to help you feel at ease. Plants are not only healthy for the environment but they are beautiful and come in different varieties. For more information on the benefits of plants and why it’s important to incorporate this in your design, please visit this link for more information.
Do you have any greenery at home, did you know that an artificial plant can also have the same positive affect?
7. Personalization
Our desire to express our truest selves start at home. We surround ourselves with art, family photos and memorabilia that we connect with. These personal items help distinguish who we are from the moment you walk in those doors. According to Graham et al. (2015) personal items reminds one of their personal connections to others and promotes well-being. (pg. 347) Our homes allows us to identify with our current stage of life, whether married, new parent, college student or single. Graham et al. (2015) They are a reflection of who we are and what we love.
For the PDF Version of this reseach, please click here
References
Graham L.T, Gosling S.D, Travis CK. The psychology of home environments: a call for research on residential space. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2015 May;10(3):346-56. doi: 10.1177/1745691615576761.
Kaya, N., & Epps, H. H. (2004). Relationship between color and emotion: A study of college students. College Student Journal, 38(3), 396–405.
Osibona, O.; Solomon, B.D.; Fecht, D. Lighting in the Home and
Health: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020609
Rocky Mountain Forest Products. (2019, December 27). Aesthetics and interior design: Effects on overall Mental Health. Rocky Mountain Forest Products. Retrieved December 20, 2021, from https://www.rmfp.com/blog/2018/06/19/aesthetics-interior-design-denver-effects-on-mental-health/
Schreuder, E., Erp, J.V., Toet, A., & Kallen, V. L. (2016). Emotional Responses to Multisensory Environmental Stimuli: A Conceptual Framework and Literature Review. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244016630591
Toet, A., Henselmans, M., Lucassen, M. P., & Gevers, T. (2011). Emotional Effects of Dynamic Textures. I-Perception, 969–991. https://doi.org/10.1068/i0477
Tomassoni, R., Galetta, G., & Treglia, E. (2015). Psychology of Light: How Light Influences the Health and Psyche. Psychology, 6, 1216-1222. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/psych.2015.610119
Ulrich RS, Parsons R. Influences of Passive Experiences with Plants on Individual Well-Being and Health. In: Relf Diane., editor. The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-Being and Social Development. Portland: Timber Press; 1992. pp. 93–105
