Interior Design Hacks to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Wellbeing at Home

Our homes are our safe havens; the place we go to rest, recuperate and relax at the end of the day. Homes have a fundamental effect on both our physical health and mental well being. Everything from the color of a wall, the art we display and the amount of clutter in a room can influence our wellbeing. Having a place we love to call home can have a deeply healing effect and can significantly reduce the effects of anxiety. Here are some interior design tips that can help you combat anxiety, and improve overall the wellbeing of your home.

Calming color palettes

Color has a powerful psychological effect on us. Certain colors have the power to evoke emotions, stimulate certain feelings or memories, and completely change the way we feel. For example, intense colors such as red can bring forth intense feelings, we often associate passion with certain shades of red, and even anger with this color. 

 It’s all a game of association, we connect greens and blues with nature, for example, therefore these colors, when selected appropriately, can have a calming effect on us. A soft blue wall reminds us of summer days, while a deep green can bring forth memories of forest hikes or jungle adventures. Nature-inspired palettes of pale blue and olive green are often used in our homes, and for good reason. 

 Notably absent colors when it comes to home design? Pigments such as fire-engine red and neon green. Vivid colors are viewed as invigorating at best and anxiety-inducing at worst.

 Living spaces should be painted and decorated with this in mind, avoiding mentally stimulating colors can help to calm the mind and reduce anxious feelings. Using soft, neutral colors, like soft lilac, is a great idea, especially in the bedroom. If you want to maintain a more neutral palette, certain shades of grey can also help us unwind when used in the right way.

Get your lighting right

Bright lights can intensify our feelings, both positive and negative. The lights we have, especially artificial lighting, have a significant impact on both mental and physical health. Blue light, from screens such as the TV and computers, is ok during the middle of the day, but once the sun begins to set, can have a negative effect on our mental and physical wellbeing. Blue light makes us more alert, which is the last thing we need when we get home from a long workday and we are trying to relax. The same can be said from bright, white lights, often seen in newer homes providing LED lighting. You can select clean white lights at 3000 Kelvin which avoid the yellow tint of incandescent lights and still provide a crisp and clean illumination for your home throughout the day.  

 We suggest dimmer switches on most lighting throughout the home. Turning down the light can help us make more rational, calm decisions and aid in the body's relaxation process at the end of the day. Instead of using overhead lighting, choose to place stylish lamps or wall sconces around a room to meet your functionality needs.

It’s also important to ensure our homes get plenty of natural light, especially during the winter months. This helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, which in turn improves sleep quality and boosts our sense of wellbeing, and even according to some, can combat the symptoms of depression. South facing windows provide all day light, but can be intense depending on your location. Clerestory windows that are located high on the walls allow light to penetrate your space without casting extreme shadows and fading your upholstery!

Let nature back in

There is a big reason why we love house plants so much, and that plant-filled spaces are so attractive. Whether we are conscious of it or not, biophilic designs that re-connect us back to nature boost our wellbeing tenfold. 

 One study found that environments devoid of nature had a largely negative effect on a person’s mental and physical health. It also found that house plants had the potential to reduce stress and decrease health ailments such as anxiety. House plants are so important to our indoor environment that NASA produces a study on the top ten plants for your home, along with their air purifying properties.

Focus on your sleep quality

There is nothing worse than sleeping on an uncomfortable bed, especially for prolonged periods of time. Not only does our mattress affect our physical health (hello back ache), but poor sleep has a big impact on our mental wellbeing. Uncomfortable beds, and bedrooms that feel cluttered are stress-inducing and can reduce the amount of deep sleep we get each night.

Ensure your mattress is comfortable; replacing it at least every seven years. Once you’ve got your bed perfected for your needs, you can then focus on the overall room decor.  Walking into a bedroom that feels calming and luxurious will ensure you are teed up for a great night’s sleep. Need some help, give us a call!

Open up your space as much as possible

Nobody wants to feel claustrophobic in their own home. Creating an open and airy space, free of clutter and dust collecting items is recommended for anyone wanting to ease their anxiety. Always ensure there is sufficient space between items of furniture, wall hangings, and any accessories in your home. How can you arrange your possessions to create a pleasant environment? Maybe it’s time to let go of some of those items you’ve been holding on to. If you can’t officially get rid of them, look into storage options.

Adorn your rooms with items that are pleasing to your eye. Get rid of anything that no longer has purpose or stimulates a stressful feeling! Storing and decluttering will naturally subside your stress levels over time.

Surround yourself with uplifting images

Surrounding yourself with photos or pieces of art that make you happy can instantly change your mood. Pictures of landscapes, or loved ones, that bring forth happy memories, can brighten up your day immensely. It’s good to have great imagery in your home.

These simple hacks can help you cleanse your mind, creating more of a positive mindset to counteract those moments of anxiety. Sometimes the simple things have the greatest impact.

If you’d like to know more, simply get in touch!