Improving Your Mental Health by Addressing These 5 Interior Design Mistakes
These last two decades have truly been a gateway into the era of acceptance and tolerance. People have become more open-minded and as such more attuned with their surroundings. In the world of interior design, one thing has become more and more talked about — the link between your living space and your mental health.
If you are an interior design and decor buff, you are probably well aware of how interior design can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. Needless to say, we are not mental health experts in any way, but we are always eager to give you some good advice on how you can improve your interior, and maybe help elevate your mood while at home.
1. DECLUTTER, ASAP
After years of minimalistic off-white interiors, maximalism is coming back with a vengeance. Trust me when I say, no one is happier with this comeback than me, but even I have to warn — be careful! Excess clutter can make your space stifling and claustrophobic without you even realizing it. That kind of atmosphere can create invisible tension and make your interior feel overwhelming. So take a trash bag and start removing and throwing away all of the things you aren’t likely to use in the foreseeable future.
2. OUT WITH THE DOOM AND GLOOM
This one is really a no-brainer. The more natural light you let into your space, the more uplifting it will feel. If your windows are small you can use large mirrors with natural-wood frames to bounce the light around and make your interior look more open and vibrant. You can also take into account the color of your walls, so when you decide to repaint them use a color with a higher LRV percentage. The higher the Light Reflective Value your wall paint has, the more light it will reflect throughout your space.
3. FAKERY IS CONTAGIOUS
Incorporating natural elements into your interior can help reduce stress levels. So out with the fake and dry, in with the real and green. Any plants, flowers, and water features are welcome. Small self-serving fountains, lush Boston ferns, terrariums with or without inhabitants, seethrough vases with fresh flowers, etc. You can also use this particular segment to help with some other issues. For example, if you get headaches because you often work on your computer, you can buy a Peace Lilly Plant and place it next to your monitor to reduce electromagnetic radiation. If you often get allergies hang a decorative pot of English ivy and enjoy its benefits as it helps remove both mold spores and volatile organic compounds from your space.
4. EMPTY WALLS ARE NEEDY WALLS
These days a large variety of mental health therapies includes creating art on the road to recovery. Having creative expressions that align with your stances and outlooks can significantly reduce both stress and anxiety. Our brains are simply wired to respond to patterns and assign various emotions to artworks and decorative elements. Humans are always drawn to creative beauty, so make sure your walls are sporting some uplifting artwork. Go for colorful glass mosaic which is both natural and vibrant, or for scenic photography of your favorite sites, or for oil painting that takes you to that happy memory you cherish so dearly. Go for art, you won’t be sorry. Solve your empty walls today.
5. FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY IS SO 2015…
…and I’m not talking about JUST the movie. I know most homes share that almost uniform look. Either they are prevalently grey, or earthy, or pastelle, or (GOD forbid!) off-white. Well, newsflash boys, girls, and non-binary pals! Pops of color are necessary! They are a must! Sure, neutrals mimic nature, so they can be very calming and serene. But they can also end up being bland and passive. There is simply something to be said about throwing in an “active” color here and there. So add a sunny yellow pillow here and there, go for a bright floral mosaic backsplash in your kitchen, and add a lime-green fluffy rug to your living room. Choose a more saturated happy color and splash it around!
We all want to live in a safe space that makes us feel content and accepted, but chances are that there are always some things we can fix to help our mental well-being and mood. These are just some of the problems most interiors face and some ways to solve them. Feel free to tell us what helps you feel welcome and happy in your own home and maybe solve someone else’s interior problem while you’re at it.
