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Interior design tips to make you feel happier

Lifestyle
4 years ago
3 minutes

To feel happier in your own home you can declutter, add some plants or simply buy that new sofa you’ve always wanted — but there are also a few scientifically proven philosophies you can implement to make you feel more joyful.

Via Harper’s Bazaar, Berlin-based interior designer Amy Brandhorst has worked with design psychologist and consultant Eleftheria Karipidi to come up with five ways to improve your mood in your household.  

Blue colours

So much for ‘feeling blue’ meaning you’re suffering from some sort of heartache, because apparently in interior design this colour can have a major positive impact on your wellbeing. 

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Blue is one of the most calming and serene colours, so it aids relaxation and encourages a better night’s sleep. In fact, paint brand giant Sherwin-Williams has named Naval — a rich navy with hints of sapphire — its colour of the year for 2020.  

Blue is scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure, so try painting your bedroom walls, or opt for artwork or cushions that feature blue tones. 

Round shapes 

Just like colours, shapes have a significant impact on the way we feel. Round shapes induce positive emotions such as approachability and friendliness, while spherical objects communicate balance, which can help us feel at ease with our surroundings.

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These shapes also work extremely well with people who suffer from anxiety. So, try introducing some ball-shaped pendant lights, round mirrors, circular coffee tables, or curved-edge retro furniture to soften your living spaces.

Lighting

The importance of a light-filled interior is paramount to how we feel at home. Getting plenty of natural light into the residence is key, and floor-to-ceiling windows are becoming a mainstay in apartment designs.

If you have a low amount of natural light entering your home, try introducing furniture and accessories with reflective surfaces. For example, add a mirror opposite a window, or a mirrored metal table into the living room and see what difference they make. 

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For those long, dark winter evenings, mood lighting is also important. Dim lighting at night can help us relax and enhances our relationships with family members by building intimacy.

Scandinavian design is specifically derived from a region that gets very little natural light for most of the year — so this is a good philosophy to take reference from. The use of light flooring, furniture and lighting are implemented to improve happiness, even during days of little sunlight. 

Multi-sensory approach 

An environment that considers all the senses — visual, scent, touch — makes us feel calmer and more ‘at home’. 

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In general, lavender or vanilla aromas and soft fabrics will make us feel more comforted, but what makes every person ‘feel good’ is a lot less scientific — it’s often down to the individual and their personal experiences.

Keeping this in mind, try not to be swayed by the current trends. Instead, experiment with fabrics and colours to discover what works for you. Place a coloured item in your home and see how you respond to seeing that every day. It’s about customising your home on your own terms and creating something unique for you.

Natural materials 

Materials such as wood, stone, linen, marble, cotton and wool are all scientifically proven to aid personal wellbeing. 

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Nature works as a mental tonic and the concept of Biophilia can make us feel significantly better. By introducing more greenery, wooden floors and furniture, pure woollen blankets, marble-based lamps and cotton cushion covers, you are giving yourself the best possible opportunity to feel happier in your home. 

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