Mental health is often not given much thought, but it should be. The way our environment looks can profoundly affect our mental state and well-being. This is especially true for those who have a mental illness.
Many strategies can be used as a tool to help improve mental health. Some of these mental health strategies are medication, therapy, and self-care. However, one mental health strategy is often overlooked in interior design.
Interior design can be used as a mental health strategy in many ways. It can help create a calming and relaxing space or be used for stimulation and motivation. Let's look into details about how interior design affects mental health.
Natural light
One of the most important natural elements in a room is light. How much natural light comes into a space can profoundly affect one's mood and overall mental health. According to environmental psychology, natural light exposure is linked to increased serotonin levels, often called the "happy chemical." Serotonin levels are known to affect mood, and natural light can help to improve mental health by increasing serotonin levels.
Mental health professionals often recommend that patients with depression or anxiety get more natural light exposure. This can be done by spending time outside in natural sunlight or ensuring plenty of natural light comes into the home.
One way to do this is to keep window treatments open during the day to allow natural light to enter the space. Another way to bring more natural light into an area is to use lighter colors for walls and furnishings, as light colors reflect more light than dark colors.
Lighting
Light also influences mood. Dim lighting may help in certain areas. It is suitable for boosting conversation as well as romantic feelings. It makes it difficult to have bright lights in restaurants in the city. It helps you feel at ease.
Lighting incoming and exiting areas can improve productivity and increase efficiency. Hence, we can say that artificial light plays a vital role in providing mood-lifting benefits.
Usually, natural light is preferred over artificial lighting. High-quality lighting in a room should also be a necessity. No reading room should have too many eyes straining or the bedroom too bright for relaxing. Different lighting is available in each room depending on the mood desired to be set.
Environmental psychology studies how different elements in our environment affect our psychological state and behavior. This includes natural elements like lighting, temperature, sound, and artificial elements like furniture, color schemes, and layouts.
Mental health professionals can use this knowledge to create spaces that are more conducive to healing and relaxation.
For example, natural light has been shown to boost mood and increase productivity, often used in office spaces and healthcare facilities. Conversely, dim lighting can help promote conversation and intimacy, often used in restaurants and bars. The proper lighting can make a big difference in the feel of a space, so it is essential to consider it when designing any environment.
Limit blue light around the house
One way to reduce tension and promote calm in your home is to limit the blue light you're exposed to. Blue light comes from screens on phones, computers, and TVs and can be harsh and disruptive.
Some ways to limit blue light exposure around the house include:
Using night shift or f.lux on your devices.
Turning off screens an hour before bedtime.
Investing in blue-light-blocking glasses.
Hanging curtains or blinds in front of windows to reduce natural blue light exposure during the day.
Use a red or orange light bulb in your bedroom lamp for nighttime reading.
Limiting blue light exposure will help you sleep better, feel less anxious, and promote a calming atmosphere in your home.
Allow more sunlight inflow!
A typical living room is not just a space for entertaining guests or watching TV. It can also be used to improve your mood and overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that bright interiors can provide positive feelings and mood-lifting benefits.
The key is to understand what you're looking to achieve in this situation. For example, suppose you're looking for a cozy relaxation area where you can enjoy some quiet time or relax on Netflix. In that case, a darker place could be perfect for this scenario.
However, if you're hoping to create a more energizing space, allow more sunlight to inflow! This will help brighten up the room and provide you with its benefits.
Incorporate Segmented Feel Zones
When planning your house plans, ensure you include segmented and distinct spaces that you create for your emotions. This might be an impression of creativity that can be integrated into designing an environment for a creative lifestyle.
The feeling of escape is possible by creating a small darker corner that feels intimate. Or one of the ideas is creating a place for self-care - that means you want a space for the gym, reading, writing, or meditation in your journal. The choice is endless - the possibilities vary by your mood and what benefits you have.
Wood flooring interior designers
Selecting materials for your flooring is an important design decision—not only does it play a significant role in dictating the overall aesthetic of your space, but it can also affect the way you feel on a day-to-day basis. Suppose you’re looking to create a mentally healthy space. In that case, it’s essential to choose materials that will promote relaxation and positive emotions.
One of the best materials for promoting mental health is natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials have a calming effect on the mind and can help to create an overall feeling of relaxation. Suppose you’re looking for something a little more unique. In that case, several artificial materials can positively affect your mental health.
Balance and consistency
An essential thing in feng shui is to create a sense of balance and consistency within your home. This can be achieved by ensuring that the furniture and objects in your home are symmetrical and evenly distributed. You should also avoid having too much clutter in your home, as this can block energy flow and create an imbalance.
Ensure that you have a good mix of light and dark colors in your home, as this will make sense of harmony.
Lastly, make sure that the shapes and sizes of the furniture and objects in your home are in proportion to each other. Following these tips will create a sense of balance and harmony within your home to promote positive energy flow.
Leave more floorplan free!
Having more floorplan flexibility is the most comfortable way to create the perfect environment. It is common in feng shui because an uncluttered floor plan allows more energy to circulate, causing a positive effect within the home.
The tip here is to use walls instead of removing the furniture from the floor. Alternatively, attach it to the wall if the base is not lit. A floating cabinet can be used instead. Use fences, and you'll find it very useful to remember that smaller interior designs can be more comfortable and help with your mental clarity.
Small interior design can be more comfortable and help with your mental clarity! So next time you're considering a redesign, think about ways to use walls to create more floorplan flexibility. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make!
Color
Different colors can have different effects on our moods. While some warm colors may be associated with happiness and energy, others may be linked to more calming and relaxing feelings. When choosing colors for a room, it is essential to consider the different effects that each color may have.
Red and orange are often used in clearance sales, as these colors are associated with excitement and urgency. Green and blue, on the other hand, maybe more suitable for a spa environment as they can promote feelings of relaxation.
Neutral colors have a wide range of applications and can be used to create many different moods. Brown can be used to enhance any color but can also create a feeling of tranquility when appropriately used.
Consider the different effects of each color before deciding which colors to use in a mental health room. Choose colors that will promote the desired mood and create an environment conducive to healing.
Impact of color scheme on our moods
The colors in our surroundings can have a significant impact on our moods. According to color theories, different colors can create different feelings and emotions. For example, bright colors make us feel more lively and energetic. In contrast, monotonous color schemes (like browns and grays) can make us feel passive and tired.
Sound
The word “sound” is used to describe many things, but it generally refers to noise in your home. Noisy homes can be unpleasant and even stressful places to live. Find yourself regularly cranking up the volume on the TV or music to drown out household sounds. It might be time to consider some soundproofing solutions.
There are several ways to reduce noise in your home, and which one you choose will depend on the source of the noise and the degree to which you want to reduce it.
For example, if your goal is to minimize background noise to concentrate better while working from home, something as simple as adding a rug or two might do the trick.
But suppose you’re looking to eliminate noise from a boisterous room, such as a home theater or music studio. In that case, more drastic measures might be necessary.
In any case, the first step is to identify the noise source. Is it coming from outside? Or is it emanating from inside your home? Once you know where the noise is coming from, you can explore different soundproofing solutions.
If the noise is coming from outside, there are several ways to reduce it. Weatherstripping and sealing gaps around doors and windows can help to keep outdoor sounds from seeping in. Adding heavy curtains or blinds can also help block out unwanted noise.
And if all else fails, you can always invest in a white noise machine or app to help drown out the sound of traffic, barking dogs, or whatever else is making life outside your home less than peaceful.
Furniture
Furniture should be carefully chosen as this reflects your design and your character, heritage, and purpose. The sofa and surrounding furniture arrangement should be comfortable, functional, and relaxing. Curving edges will encourage feelings of calmness and tranquillity. So this must apply to every room which requires relaxation.
Never put a sharp edge in your bed when sleeping. Sharp edges are fine for kitchens and offices but use curving edges wherever you are less energetic. Furniture arrangements are also necessary.
You can use all the furnishings in a room to create a particular mood or design theme. For example, suppose you want to create a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. In that case, you might choose furniture with soft, curved lines and organic materials.
If you want a more energetic and exciting space, you might choose furniture with sharp lines and bright colors.
The important thing is to choose furniture that you love and that reflects your style. With careful furniture placement, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Bedroom Decor
The feng shui system can also create a bedroom that promotes sleep and relaxation.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using feng shui to decorate a bedroom. The bed should be built on solid walls without any mirror or door.
Similarly, if your options exist, it's better to set the room at an entrance to your house or preferably away from the noise from external sources. The energy will move in your room so that relaxation can happen immediately after sitting or lying down on a bed or chair.
There are many other great ideas that feng shui offers to avoid poor sleep. You can create a beautiful bedroom and promote healthy sleep habits by following these tips.
Art and Decorations
Decorating your home with art and other decorative elements can be a great way to make it feel more like your own. It can also be a way to express your personality and taste. But when it comes to choosing the right pieces, it's essential to consider more than just aesthetics.
Studies have shown that particular art and decorations can positively affect your mood and mental well-being. For example, nature scenes have been shown to promote calmness and relaxation. So if you're looking for ways to improve your home's atmosphere, consider adding some pieces that feature natural elements.
Of course, it's also important to choose pieces that you enjoy looking at. After all, your home should reflect your style. So don't be afraid to mix and match until you find a combination that makes you happy.
Natural Elements
When it comes to finding happiness, there are many different things that you can do. One of the best ways to enhance your mood is by adding some plants to your home. But plants are not the only natural element that can help improve your mood and increase positive feelings.
Adding water or wood features to your home can also help connect with the natural world, which can be beneficial for mental health. This feeling of familiarity and warmth can help relax the mind and promote positive feelings.
So if you're looking for ways to boost your happiness, consider incorporating some natural elements into your home décor to increase the aesthetic beauty of your home. You might be surprised at how much of a difference they can make.
Distinct Areas
We sometimes have bedrooms that serve primarily as places for reading or painting, the kitchen for games and food, and the lounge for socializing, TVs, or children's play. It may work well, but maybe it's a more appropriate way. Getting in bed will promote more sleep and reduce stress.
If we associate the bedrooms with work, a hobby, or other activity, the room won't associate the bedrooms with sleep. A clear distinction of functions can also simplify their development.
When every area in our homes has a specific purpose, it can help to increase productivity and creativity while also promoting relaxation. In this way, our living space can support us in achieving our goals and living our best life.
Space
It's no secret that mental health is essential to our well-being. What many people don't realize, however, is that the physical space around us can have a significant impact on our mental state.
Studies have shown that creating mentally healthy spaces and surroundings can boost our mood and creativity levels. Conversely, cluttered or cramped spaces can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
If you're feeling bogged down by your surroundings, it may be time to consider making some changes. Sometimes, simply rearranging furniture or getting rid of unnecessary items can help create a sense of openness and calm.
By creating spaces that promote positive mental health, you're taking an essential step toward improving your overall wellbeing.
Clutter
Clutter can harm mental health. A cluttered environment can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. Having a tidy, minimalistic space can help to calm the mind and body.
Minimalism has been shown to improve mental wellbeing. The lack of clear thinking can often be associated with an unorganized mental state. Disorganized homes can cause anxiety and stress. The interior must be tidy to maintain a positive and calm mood.
Some people enjoy having more clutter and disorganized things, but it rarely feels good to have so much stuff. Clutter can be a source of stress and negatively affect mental health. It is essential to declutter regularly to maintain a healthy mental state.
Visual Clutter
It's vital to keep the visual clutter at bay to help create that peaceful and balanced feeling within ourselves. Visual clutter is often associated with stress for many people, but removing this and implementing appropriate organizational strategies is essential.
Interior design elements that influence our mental health
It's no secret that the way our surroundings look can affect our mood. But did you know that interior design choices can also impact our mental health?
Confident design choices can lead to feelings of anxiety, while others can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. So if you're looking to create a space that supports your mental health, it's essential to be aware of how design can impact your emotions.
Interior Design and Psychology
Some interior designers use psychological knowledge to help improve the emotional impact of the room and can provide psychological and physiological benefits. This might involve seating people around tables rather than facing the television to encourage communication.
Although interior design and emotion have gained considerable attention over the past decade, this kind of environmental psychology existed thousands of years ago. The increase in neuroscience has led scientists to conduct numerous research and find excellent results.
It is now understood that our environment can profoundly affect our mood and behavior.
Studies have shown that the layout of a room can influence everything, from how well we concentrate to how cooperative we are. By understanding these psychological principles, interior designers can create more functional and efficient spaces.
Why should we address mental health in interior design?
Mental health is a state of well-being in which individuals realize their abilities, cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community.
There are many reasons why we should address mental health in interior design.
Perhaps the most important reason is that our mental health directly impacts our physical health. For example, chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and a weakened immune system.
Furthermore, research has shown that our environment can influence our mood and behavior. For instance, one study found that people in cluttered, disorganized homes are more likely to be depressed and anxious than clean, organized homes.
Can home design improve mental health?
Mental illness is a significant health issue for the general public and is considered a significant cause of mental disorders. Although establishing the correlation between the home design and emotional stabilization aren't recent studies have substantiated this claim. This link to healthcare is documented.
Creating space to be together or to stay away helps enhance mental health. In business, interior design is often seen as having an emotional influence on a person's life.
Interior design can also lower stress and depression. Many interior design techniques can create a more calming and relaxing environment. For example, using soft colors, adding plants, and using natural light can help improve mental health.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, it may be worth considering how your home design could be impacting your mental health. Talk to a mental health professional or an interior designer to see if there are changes you can make to improve your mental health.
Conclusion
Interior design can have a profound impact on our mental health. By understanding how design can impact our emotions, we can create more functional and efficient spaces that support our mental health. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it may be worth considering how your home design could be impacting your mental health. Talk to a mental health professional or an interior designer to see if there are changes you can make to improve your mental health.
For more information, please visit our website.
www.montagedesignbuild.com.pk or call us at;
Tel. +92 51 8356013
Cell. +92 344 5900422
Cell. +92 346 8505408
Thank you for choosing Montage Designbuild as your best architect in Islamabad!