The world today is a busy, noisy and stressful place. Mental fatigue and anxiety have become commonplace and people are searching for ways to feel better. As an interior designer, I have seen firsthand the profound effect of good design on my client’s lives. Living in a home that nurtures the mind and body makes life better. Emerging research in neuroscience confirms that the design of our spaces greatly affects behaviour. While a beautiful and well functioning space isn’t going to solve every issue, it is one more way to enhance wellbeing.
Understanding that our physical surroundings affect behaviour is the first step towards creating a comforting and nurturing home.
Our brains are hardwired to respond to our surroundings. It’s what has kept us alive for thousands of years. Unfortunately, because we live in a consumer driven society, good design has been linked to spending money to keep up with the latest style trends. This is NOT good design. When we are looking to create spaces that subconsciously improve our lives, we need to look at various design elements that will enhance our mental and physical states.
Design Elements that Enhance Wellbeing
Nature
It’s long been known that spending time outdoors is beneficial to health and wellbeing. Incorporating houseplants and water elements inside the home can increase happiness. The very latest research shows that just looking at pictures of nature or seeing the colour green also releases feel good chemicals and mimics the soothing effect of nature.
Adding greenery in a home is an easy way to reap health benefits without much effort. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology states that plants relieve physiological stress. I added this beautiful Boston Fern next to my client’s favourite reading chair so after a long day she reaps the soothing health benefits provided by nature.
Natural Light and Lighting
Exposure to natural light regulates circadian rhythms. Give considerable attention to natural light and position furniture to make the most of available daylight. Organize artificial light in various zones with dimmers in order to simulate the progression of natural light.
The light in this formal dining room is incredible and the window looks out on a beautiful garden. This little reading space was created to take advantage of the light and provide a bit of a private get away. When this chair was reupholstered, I made it dining height so it can be used at the head of the table.
Colour
Having the right colours and textures in our space is vital for health and happiness. Colour evokes strong emotions, as well as eliciting physiological reactions. It’s important to paint and decorate for the desired ambience of each space.
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As much as I love colour, there are times when a more soothing palette is called for. For some clients, they feel more relaxed and able to wind down in a bedroom that is built around neutrals. This neutral bedroom has plenty of texture to keep it interesting. |
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Texture & Materials
Textures have the ability to trigger emotional responses and release dopamine and serotonin. Knowing this, it’s important to select materials that create a the right sensory experience for the space. Soft and soothing textures induce a sense of calm while intricate patterns and rough textures activate the brain’s reward system.
Textures are important for the way our brain functions. Whether it’s textures in our environment or textures on images, our brain can convey the sense of a tactile experience which can create a mood or feeling.
Space & Layout
When I’m working with clients the most important question I ask them is ‘does your space work for you?’ Every few years it’s a good idea to analyze the way you live and asses the use of space. The arrangement of furniture needs to be able to provide spaces for social interaction as well as quiet relaxation. It’s about using the space you have to create a healthy and rich life.
Storytelling
Every home needs to to honest and authentic – unique to those who live there and the way they live. Personalization adds authenticity to a space and makes the design resonate on a deeper level. Family heirlooms, travel souvenirs and handmade items powerfully connect us to our spaces and evoke feelings of connection and belonging.
Through the years this dining room has hosted many family occasions and is very dear to my clients. When it was time for a refresh, we kept all the cherished family heirlooms while adding some new textiles. To honour my clients, we had a monogram designed and appliquéd on the back of their chairs.
Joy in the Mundane
Sometimes it seems like life is just one mundane task after another – and often it is. By incorporating small aesthetic touches to the environment, everyday chores can become more enjoyable. Pretty up a laundry space with wallpaper. Don’t have a laundry space? Light a lavender candle when folding clothes. There’s always a way to find the beauty in everyday chores.
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Whenever you can, bring in a little bit of beauty into the everyday. One of my favourite poems, ‘Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive,’ by William Martin, explains it beautifully. |
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A beautiful home is more than just a pretty place, it’s an important part of overall wellbeing.
By understanding how the built environment affects behaviour we can design spaces that enhance mental and physical wellbeing. Taking the time to create intentional spaces is vital to overall health and happiness. Thoughtful design is about more than aesthetics and following the trends – it’s about creating environments that nurture the body and spirit. With some thought and intention, every home and be transformed into a sanctuary that provides comfort from the outside world.
