Effects of Interior Design on Mental Health

I love interior design and I also love to be happy. I wish everyone could be happy but unfortunately that is not reality. I can't force people to adjust their attitudes or feel differently about certain things but maybe, just maybe through interior design I can help them get some good feels. We spend 90% of our time indoors, even though science says we need to spend more time outdoors we are creatures of shelter, I guess.

Since we do spend so much time inside what can we do to help our mental health and wellness? A lot actually. I've got several insights below on how to create the best possible environment to promote creativity, peace and happiness. You can start leading a happier life today just by following some of the simple ideas below.

Color - Color can generate or enhance certain emotions so deeply that we use those colors in our vocabulary. Have you ever heard anyone say they are feeling blue or that they are green with envy? I will have a future post dedicated solely to color but here are a few things you can consider now.

Vibrant shades like yellow, orange and green encourage socialization and communication. Darker shades like deep purples, blues, greens and reds reflect a gloomy feel, however, when applied in an appropriate place can evoke a sense of comfort. Warmer shades of yellow and orange inspire relaxation and boost creativity. Red, when used sparingly, can raise energy levels but when used as the primary shade for a space can appear as hostile and increase anxiety.

Anti-anxiety Tips: Don't use red as the main color when decorating a space! Use a calming color like green, icy blue, warm shades of orange, yellow or neutral colors like white, gray when used appropriately can evoke a sense of calm.

Light - Lighting can do a lot to boost or dampen a mood. Sunlight is the best source of light so depending on the number and size of windows in a space can either increase happiness or increase sadness and anxiety.

Natural light has been proven to improve human performance so let the light in!

Anti-anxiety Tips: Make sure all rooms are well-lit with plenty of natural sunlight streaming in.

Ceiling height - The height of ceilings has proven to be a factor in our outlook. Lower ceilings give most people a sense of being trapped, a claustrophobic sense, where as higher ceilings give us a sense of freedom. We feel as though there is space to roam, to stretch and relax. We can breath and move freely.

Anti-anxiety Tips: To make lower ceilings feel higher paint them white, remove thick crown molding and go without or use a thinner style, paint the walls a lighter color and either hang drapes from floor to ceiling or go without drapes. You can always use mirrors, recessed lighting and vertical wall displays to add visual height to a space as well.

Plants - Just the site of natural elements reduces stress. If you think about it, many of us love to relax outside, sit on the beach, sit in the sun, walk through a park or admire beautiful gardens, forests, etc. Plants are shown to boost memory, increase calmness and make people feel better. Why do you think people typically send plants and flowers to others. Everyone loves getting plants and flowers so use them in your interior design. I will have a future post just on plants so even those of us that are black thumbs can keep some plants alive in the house!

Anti-Anxiety Tips: Use plants and flowers - even if they are realistic looking artificial ones in your decor.

Shapes & Textures - Natural elements create a sense of comfort and happiness. Think earth, water, wood, metal and fire. Metal elements are linked to a sense of strength and independence and wooden elements promote health and personal growth. I love rustic, natural decor - when you bring nature inside its almost as great as being outside.

Wow, I love this subject but I should wrap this up.  I will be posting several follow-up posts focusing more in-depth on several of these elements of interior design that promote wellness. Please let me know if there is anything specific you want me to write about, too. A few more tips below.

Furniture should be arranged in a way that does not create dead space. You want the room to flow well so that energy can flow freely through it. You also want to focus on balance more than symmetry in a room. A lot of people love matching end tables, table lamps and side chairs because it promotes balance.

Entry ways should be open and inviting, master bedrooms should be romantic and closets should be organized. An organized, clutter-free home is a must to foster good mental health. Our brains have too much to process and we don't like to live in clutter.

Now that you know a lot of what can reduce anxiety in your home, walk around your house. Which rooms make you feel calm and relaxed? Which rooms make you feel anxious, stressed and sad? You now have some of the ideas you need to improve your interior spaces to promote creativity, peace and happiness. If you need help feel free to contact me. I work with clients helping them create spaces that improve mental health and happiness.

Danae Branson is the owner of Danae Branson Design and can be reached for more information at bvstaging@gmail.com or 515.309.2838.