They say ‘home isn’t a place it’s a feeling’. But it’s now become so much more than that. In the last six months, our houses have donned many hats – it’s a busy home-based office, a school classroom and a lounge spot – sometimes all at once. Yet somehow, we never tire of our homes, precisely because they’re ours.
1. Maximize Sunlight to Highlight
Have you ever wondered why sunny days make you feel happy? Well, that’s thanks to the brain’s response to sunlight. Sun exposure triggers the hormone serotonin, which improves mood and helps us to focus.
So, brighten your days by making the most of natural light coming through the windows. If you don’t have access to much sunlight, mimic its glow with warm white lighting or double natural light you have with mirrors. Use design tips like placing mirrors opposite a window to brighten your home even more. And opt for limited window dressing like sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes.
2. Plan them up
There is no way around it; your room layout matters. According to Feng Shui, a bad room plan leads to negative energy.
But you don’t need to be an expert on energy to know that the layout of an interior influences how you live in that space. If your house has a practical layout, it will be a pleasure to live in. Whereas a cluttered, unpractical room is frustrating and will likely only annoy you. You can design a happier home simply by perfecting your room plan. For instance, if you want to create an inviting home, set up your furniture so that it favours conversation.
3. The Secret to Relaxing Home Décor: Just Add Plants
It’s proven that plants boost mood, productivity, concentration and creativity. Reduce stress, fatigue, sore throats and colds. Clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity and producing oxygen.
So to bring some outside in and add some fresh plants! Spaces that seemed a little bare or forgotten can be transformed with the simple addition of a lovely pot and lush plant.
4. Create a cosy corner
What’s more personal than your home? A cosy little corner within it, just for you. Sometimes you need more than some tranquil home décor to boost your mood. Dedicate an area in your home for your relaxing escape – it can be a room or a quiet corner. Curling up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate, or a little break to recharge your batteries, be it a cozy reading nook or a minimalist meditation zone.
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5. Give Personality
Give your home personality! Put your stamp on your interior by showing off items you love most. Arrange those treasured mementos, pictures, or quirky collector’s pieces where you can admire them. But keep it neat by showcasing only one or two items at a time and swap them out for a quick room refresh.
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6. Add Visual Structure
Sometimes life is messy and unpredictable. Luckily you can counter stress and uncertainty with structure at home. Design a happier home by making the most of the calming effect of symmetry and vignettes. Arrange décor in groups of three or five, and be playful, it doesn’t have to be perfect! For instance, place two similar shaped objects next to something completely different for aesthetic interest.
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7. Focus on colour
The colour palette is one of the most important design decisions you will need to make when decorating a home. From paint colour to fabrics and finishes, colour can have a large effect on how your home looks and feels.
Some tones can lift our spirits, others can calm us down, and a few could be oppressive. If you want to know which colours will work best for your happy interior, go with what makes you feel good. This tends to be the colours you’re drawn to. Consider your favourite accessories, clothing, and those of the interiors you adore. Put them into your home and note the difference in how you feel.
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