Have you ever wondered why someone else’s home makes you feel inspired and happier? Have you ever thought that you often feel a certain type of way when you are surrounded by new decor and design? If so, that is due to the psychology of interior design. What we surround ourselves with in everyday life (design included) affects how we feel. By using the psychology of interior design, you can easily become more comfortable in your home. Small changes to colours, layout, and fabrics can easily improve your mood and evoke positive feelings. Here are some things to know about how to change up your interior design to change your mood.
By Team Savant
Image: Jane Duursma
Less Stuff Helps the Brain Relax
We know money can’t buy happiness, yet we still buy into the hype. Every generation of holidays, family events, and Black Fridays in-between hasn’t convinced us that consumption doesn’t work. So, if you find yourself surrounded by so much stuff that never gets used or loved, then you might want to think about decluttering and investing in storage solutions. Being surrounded by fewer things can help the brain relax. Clear your floors, surfaces, and rooms, and see how lighter and more inspired you feel.
Add Touches of Colour
Whether or not you like minimal design, it is important to have some touches of colour. You could add colour to your home to lift your mood or inspire you. Pastel colours, like peach, light pink, or lilac, can also have an uplifting effect on your mood. The brighter and lighter colour, the more happy and optimistic it will make you feel. Another way colours can create happy emotions is by combining multiple primary and secondary colours together for a youthful, colourful effect. No matter your favorite colour, add touches of it somewhere to your walls or surrounding objects. It doesn’t have to be big, it just needs to be visible.
Here’s more on how colours work
Brown: a neutral colour that can feel very grounding in accents as it associated in the mind with wood, organics, and stability.
White: purity, goodness, and cleanliness. Too much white is sometimes associated with sterility, like in a medical setting. White can be elegant and open up space when used in moderation with strategic color-pop accents.
Red: fire, love, and anger — it reminds us of passionate energy. This color can increase metabolism and blood pressure — for better or worse. This powerful color should be used sparingly or for a specific purpose. In Feng Shui, red represents good fortune.
Pink: happiness, love, and peace. It is a great option for lovers of red as a calming alternative. Great for children’s bedrooms.
Blue: confidence, openness, and stability. The most popular colors for living rooms are light blue for calming, but avoid darker blues as they can invoke feelings of sadness.
Soft Furnishings
To feel comfortable and warm in your home, soft furnishings can help satisfy those needs. Pillows, curtains, blankets, and throws are all features that are simple yet effective. Softer furnishings are ideal if you have children too, as they will make them feel comforted and also safe when they are playing.