Making the right home design choices can help you feel perfectly at peace in your everyday environment. And with many Americans spending more time at home than ever before, this can have a huge impact on your mood and well-being.
In fact, mental health experts and interior designers agree that some key mistakes people make can negatively affect your state of mind. Read on to discover seven home design choices that could harm your mood and how to remedy them.
1. Insufficient natural light
Having regular access to natural light helps define your circadian rhythm, which in turn can impact your mood, sleep patterns and overall health, according to studies. If your home lacks sources of natural light, you're likely to experience a drop in happiness and energy levels. “Insufficient natural light in a space can have a negative impact on your mood,” explains Kentucky-based psychologist Nick Bach. “Dimly lit rooms can make you tired and lethargic, and even lead to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's important to maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light-colored window coverings.” However, even those of us without floor-to-ceiling windows can benefit from a little help from appropriate decorative lighting. “Too much light can be harsh and overwhelming, while too little light can cause feelings of depression. To find the right balance, you need to experiment with different types of bulbs and fixtures to find what works best for you,” explains Ryan Hetrick, CEO of Epiphany Wellness.
2. Excessive clutter
When your home is a mess, it can have a profound effect on your mood, say mental health experts. However, many reject the idea that to be happy, you have to get rid of all your stuff. The key, they say, is for everything to have a purpose and a place. By designing your home with adequate storage space, you can ensure that this is possible. “Clutter makes your home chaotic and stressful, turning it into a visually and emotionally unappealing, mentally uncomfortable and physically awkward environment that can ruin your mood in seconds,” explains Veronica Hlivnenko, a psychologist and holistic health counselor who works with InPulse. “Since many people are bothered by clutter, mess can prompt the body to produce cortisol, the stress hormone, and cause anxiety and irritability. A cluttered environment is disorienting, reduces your concentration and productivity, causes procrastination and increases fatigue.”
3. Colors and patterns
The colors and patterns of your walls and furniture can greatly influence your mood. “Research has shown that bright colors can bring energy to a space, while muted tones convey rest. Choosing the right balance between bright and soothing colors can help improve mental well-being by creating an atmosphere that promotes relaxation or motivation,” explains Ryan Hetrick. Interior designer Molly Cody agrees that a balanced color palette is key. “I'm a big advocate of moody interiors, but in some dimly lit spaces, it's important to note how you feel when you enter the space,” she says. “For example, a client recently replaced her light sofas with a dark leather one and was feeling uncomfortable in her space. We realized she needed a better balance of light and dark, so we updated her curtains and added a lighter carpet, which changed the whole mood of the room.”
4. Uncomfortable furniture
Furniture should serve a dual purpose: it should be both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. “Uncomfortable furniture can cause physical and mental discomfort,” explains Veronica Hlivnenko. She notes that inappropriate furniture can make your space feel unwelcoming, unfriendly, unresponsive to your needs and unconducive to your desired lifestyle. Jacky Chou, director and CEO of architecture and decorating website Archutere, agrees that comfort is key: “If your furniture is too hard, soft, big, small, high or low for you and your body type, you may feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable. So try to choose furniture that matches your size, shape and preferences. You can also add cushions, throws or blankets to make your furniture more comfortable and welcoming.
5. Poorly arranged furniture
The way you arrange your furniture is just as crucial to your mood as choosing the right pieces. “Poorly arranged furniture can disrupt the flow and functionality of a room. They can make the space cramped and uncomfortable,” explains Nick Bach. “Making sure furniture is placed in a way that allows easy movement and creates a balanced, harmonious layout can greatly improve your mood.” Molly Cody notes that this usually happens when people live in a space for an extended period of time. “We tend to move objects around and stop considering how we naturally move around the room, creating a restless feeling that starts to feel cramped and less breathable,” she says.
6. Lack of personalization
Your home should be a reflection of you. If it doesn't, the sterility of your everyday environment can damage your mood and mental health. “A home that lacks personal touches and reflects your individuality can make you feel disconnected and uninspired,” explains Nick Bach. “Surrounding yourself with meaningful objects… can create a sense of belonging and happiness.
Summary
My name is Maggie and I'm a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on counterpoint.info and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it's about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.
