Himani NandwanaPsychology is an imminent part of interior design. Any space that we occupy has a great impact on our mood, behavior, and well-being. Environmental psychology suggests that every element of a space that we inhabit affects our cognition, whether it’s the wall color, furniture layout, acoustics, or lighting in the room.
According to an article in Psychology Tomorrow Magazine by Chloe Taylor, even though the concept has been present for thousands of years, as seen in Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, research on this topic has gained considerable traction in the last decade.
As a result, designers and architects are now focusing on promoting spaces catering to the occupants’ social and psychological needs. Let’s take a look at how interior design drives different emotions of a space.
How Interior Design Affects our Mood
Happy
- Exposure to natural light increases serotonin levels in the brain, boosting your mood. The rooms with large windows offering a beautiful view are much more likely to keep you in a pleasant mood than closed and dark spaces. You can use artificial lighting to brighten the space if there isn’t enough open space.
- Create a happy space by understanding the psychology behind colors. The living room and kitchen are usually the spots for gatherings and conversations. The warm hues of yellow, orange, lavender, and blue in these spaces can help uplift your mood.
- A pleasant fragrance will effectively ensure a good mood in any part of the house. Use scented candles, diffusers, and vases with flowers to brighten up your day and bring a smile to your loved one’s faces.
Comfortable
- People love a cozy spot in their house where they can relax and unwind after a long day. And the easiest way to do that is by using soft, upholstered furnishings. Furnish the room with a plush seating arrangement. Add accent pillows and rugs to complete the decor.
- Keep the space clutter-free by keeping the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. Make the layout easy so you have quick access to your belongings in any part of the house. Avoid any obstacles between rooms to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Always keep a table lamp on the nightstand. It will make you feel safe, and you’ll be able to enjoy some book reading before dozing off.
Energetic
- Place planters and succulents at appropriate spots to ensure a pure and positive vibe. The rooms will look full of life and will have a favorable impact on your mood.
- To ensure the right kind of energy in the house, it’s important to choose your lights wisely. Adequate home lighting can greatly impact the mood of a room. For example, you might prefer warmer light during relaxation, while blue lighting will work great in areas requiring focus.
- Combine art with decor. Display your favorite works of art and photographs of your loved ones to reflect your personality. This way, you will be able to bond well with guests and acquaintances.
Focused
- For areas like the study room and workspace, keep the wall color in pastel hues of green, yellow, and blue, or try a combination of White and Cream. These colors will keep your mind calm and let you concentrate for a long time.
- Avoid any kind of distractions by adopting minimal modern decor. Keep the furnishings limited. Don’t place any oversized pieces of furniture or highly decorative accessories anywhere in the room.
- Showcase the prized possessions that give you a sense of achievement. You can also use frames with inspirational quotes or any of your role models who motivate you to do your best.
- Furnish the workspace with a sturdy desk that has ample storage space and pair it with a suitable chair. You can also add an etagere or storage unit to keep your collection of books and other important items.
Conclusion
Now that you know how decor affects your moods and feelings, you might get a clearer idea of what your home should look like. It is advisable to incorporate these practices at an early stage of interior design.
As per Dr. Sergio Altomonte, Architect and Associate Professor at Nottingham University, “Buildings and urban spaces should be designed first and foremost around their occupants. The importance of architecture as a trigger to physical, physiological and psychological wellbeing is nowadays becoming a topic of significant relevance.”
If you wish to get your home designed by experts, check out our end-to-end interior design services. Our team of experienced architects and designers will transform your space with on-trend furnishings that suit your style.
Himani Nandwana
Rajshree Jena