Interior design is far more than just achieving a Pinterest-worthy home! At its core, interior design is about building a personal sanctuary – it’s a space that nurtures emotional and mental well-being and creates a sense of belonging. Everything from the colors on our walls and the furniture we choose, to even the amount of light in a room, influences how we feel when we walk through the door. For instance, a small room painted in grey can feel cold and isolating, but if the same room is painted a warm yellow color, it will feel cheerful and energizing. Interior design doesn’t just change a room– it changes how you feel in it, which impacts your mental health.
How Interior Design Influences Mental Health
While interior design has a significant impact on mental health, it is not a “cure” for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Online therapy has become very popular option because of its convenience and discretion. While the thought of free online therapy is tempting, it’s important to find out more about a platform before you start using it. For example, 7 Cups has several features that are available for free, while others require paid membership. The downside is that they have minimal vetting and training for their volunteer listeners. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you should compare affordable or free online therapy platforms that have been vetted by independent experts to choose one that fits your preferences and your budget. Combine therapy with interior design changes to boost your overall mental health. Here are a few ways in which interior design can influence your mental health:
1. Increase Natural Light to Brighten Your Mood
Natural light doesn’t just brighten a room – it brightens your mood. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body produces Vitamin D. This vitamin helps regulate serotonin (your happy hormone) and melatonin (your sleep hormone), which play key roles in maintaining good mental health. Bright spaces also feel larger and more open, which helps reduce anxiety and mental fatigue. Use light-filtering curtains in your home to ensure your privacy while still keeping your room bright and airy.
2. Choose Colors that Lower Stress
Colors have a powerful impact on mood and mental health. Studies on the effect of room color on stress found that the color red was associated with higher stress compared to rooms painted green. This does not mean that you need to paint your entire home green! Use colors according to the purpose of the room – for instance, a soft yellow is likely to make us feel optimistic and energetic, which makes it ideal for the kitchen, while cool tones of blue tend to make us feel calm and balanced, which makes it perfect for work areas. Muted green is an excellent choice for your bedroom since it fosters a sense of tranquility, which not only reduces stress but also helps to improve sleep quality.
3. Create an indoor garden to encourage Mindfulness
Today’s fast-paced world makes it difficult for us to stay grounded and mindful. We get so caught up in juggling all our responsibilities that all we can do is focus on our daily “to do” lists. This often leads us to feel like we have very little control over our own lives, which in turn, leads to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction that obviously impact our mental health. Taking care of indoor plants encourages you to slow down and be more mindful. A study on the impact of caring for indoor plants found that this not only helped to reduce stress but also lowered blood pressure levels. You can use fragrant plants or herbs in your indoor garden, as scent helps to regulate emotions.
While interior design will help to improve your mental health, it is also important that you take additional steps, such as regular decluttering and displaying personalized items such as family photos and souvenirs. Decluttering will help to lower stress, while personalized items bring happiness and joy. These small changes can go a long way in improving your mental health.
