Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt calm? Well, according to science, it may all be in your head…literally. The way we design and decorate our living spaces can actually have a powerful impact on our mental health. Believe it or not, you have the power to create spaces that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. To experience it for yourself, here’s how you can improve your mental health through interior design.

The Science Behind Interior Design and Mental Health

Interior decorating isn’t just about making a space look nice. It can make a space feel nice, too. In fact, there’s an actual psychology behind it.

How we perceive color, nature, organization, light, space, and visual appeal has a big impact on our mental and emotional health. And because these elements are a big part of the design process, they play just as big a part in shaping your mood and overall well-being. Take a look at how they can positively impact the mind:

Color

Color can have a big impact on the mind. According to color psychology, cool colors like blue, green, and light purple tend to promote calm, which can help to keep anxiety down. On the other hand, warmer colors like red or orange can thought to promote energy and excitement.

Nature

Decorating with natural elements like plants, wood, and stone can help relax the mind, thus, reducing stress.

Organization

A cluttered, disorganized home isn’t good for the mind because it can raise your stress levels. But a neat and tidy home with adequate storage can keep you feeling cool, calm, and collected.

Lighting

Natural daylight is known to improve your mood, vitality, and sleep quality. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, try installing skylights or hanging sheer curtains to make your space feel big and vibrant.

Layout

Open, spacious layouts that are kept neat and tidy can boost your mood, especially when you compare them to the more cramped, cluttered spaces. Creating a sense of openness can elevate your emotional state.

4 Interior Styles That Boost Mental Health

If you want to improve your mental health at home, you can. Here are the popular interior styles that contribute to better mental health.

Minimalism

Minimalist design is all about simplicity, hence the name. Featuring clean lines, a neutral color palette, and no clutter, this interior style is best for keeping a clear mind.

According to research, a cluttered space can negatively impact your mental health. So if you want to declutter your mind, decorate your space using a ‘less is more’ approach.

Biophilic Design

Interior styles that bring nature into the home like biophilic design can help calm your mind. Nature is a great stress reducer, and just decorating with a couple of plants and other natural items can improve your overall well-being.

Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian design is a popular design style that focuses on functionality, simplicity, and natural materials. And fortunately, any style that emphasizes clean lines and natural elements like that can create a tranquil ambiance, giving you peace of mind.

To add to the calm vibe, be sure to decorate with light wood tones, neutral colors, and plenty of natural light to achieve a peaceful look and feel.

Bohemian Chic

A bohemian chic design style is a good choice if you want to feel comfy and cozy. It plays with a mix of colors, patterns, and materials inspired by cultures from all over the world. Because of that, a bohemian design promotes a kind of layered, cozy feel that can add a lot of homeyness to a space.