How Interior Design Affects Mental Health

Going back to our last blog where we explored how interior design affects mood, we wanted to delve a little deeper and see how interior design can actually affect mental health too. Mental health is something that is being talked about more and more these days, and many people are looking for alternative ways to improve this. Colours, layout and lighting can all have a huge impact on how relaxed or focused we are. Let’s look at some other ways interior design can affect our mental health.

Tidy home tidy mind

This is a very traditional saying, but something that we often don’t think about. Your home is a true representation of yourself and your style. A messy, cluttered home often reflects a scatty, busy mind. To prevent you feeling stressed and anxious, take the time to tidy your home. Having lots of storage items like our pen pots or toilet roll boxes is a great idea so you can quickly hide some of the messy items from view.

Cleaning itself can have a therapeutic effect on the mind, giving that ultimate energy boost. When you are looking for interior design inspiration, carefully choose pieces that will maximise the space of each room. For example, choose cabinets that are functional but are made from soft wood.

Relaxing artwork

The seaside is renowned for being one of the relaxing places. A combination of the waves lapping up against the rocks, and the fresh sea air; both do wonders when it comes to mental health. Not only do you feel more grounded and in tune with nature, but just being by the sea can help you relax and reach a quiet place in your mind. 

Think about ways in which you can replicate this within your own home. Artwork is a great way to alter the mood of any room, particularly if you combine the serene colours of blue or green. Our beautifully hand crafted anchor wooden tissue box brings a sense of calm and tranquility.

Colour schemes

Whilst hints of particular colours, such as yellow, are said to bring energy to a room, be careful how colourful you go. Overly vibrant colours are actually capable of adding a heightened sense of anxiety. Choose colours that you personally have a connection with, and that you know help to relax you. Lilac, for example is a great choice as this resembles lavender, which is often used to help with sleep. You could even add a lavender tissue box cover to your bedside table to help you feel more relaxed.

Add some plants

Plants are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, but they are a very natural way to brighten up a room. As they give out oxygen, plants will help improve your breathing, something that people with mental health difficulties often struggle with. Plants are also a reminder of the great outdoors, keeping you in touch with nature. Again, another great way to add some peace and calm to your home.

We hope this has given you some inspiration on how you can brighten up your home in order to help improve your mental health. Remember that less is often more - too much clutter can result in a stressful, unproductive environment. Don’t forget the beauty of natural light too. If your home is particularly dark, it may be an idea to invest in some artificial lights that mimic the great outdoors.