I’m an interiors expert – here are seven design choices that help avoid stress
WHILE some people decide to decorate their homes in classic and timeless styles, others prefer something a little more eccentric.
But whatever the choices, what many don’t know is that the design of your home can actually have an impact on your mental health.
For example, a cluttered and poorly designed home can amplify stress.
While a well-designed one can help you wind down and relax.
This is why having a place to unwind after a stressful day is absolutely necessary.
Luckily, one expert is on hand to help explain what makes a place well-designed and how it can impact you.
Zara O’Hare, an interior designer for Land of Rugs, has shared seven design tips that will help you better relax in your home.
Add some floral flair
Introducing natural elements into your home, like plants or flowers, is one way to make a space more relaxing.
Not only does it create a more calming environment, but houseplants also act as natural air filters, reducing allergens and improving air quality.
Zara said: “Flowers might seem a bit obvious, but they’re a sure thing.
“They bring life to a space with their colour, interest, and elegance, and simply lift people’s spirits.
“And you don’t have to opt for only flowers that bloom.
“If you’re concerned about upkeep, start with plants that don’t require much attention, such as the ‘English Ivy,’ or the ‘String of Hearts.”
Indulge in your favourite aromas
You might not realise it, but the smells in your home can really affect your stress levels.
One option that is good for a home is scents associated with nature or flowers.
But beyond natural smells, aromas linked to nostalgia can be even more potent in sparking happy memories.
The experts explain: “Roses and lilies are lovely scents, but I also enjoy essential oils like lavender and rosemary.
“Lavender’s my favourite, it really brings a spring feeling to the place.
“Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful for triggering happy memories.
“Identify the aromas that take you back to happy times, like family Christmases or other special moments in your life.
“A whiff of freshly-backed cookies can change my mood in an instant.”
Let the sunlight in
A dark room is more likely to make us feel stressed than a bright, sunny room.
This is because the amount of sunlight we receive impacts our mood and energy levels.
Maximising natural light in your home will improve your sleep patterns, motivation, mood and happiness.
Zara suggests: “Arrange your furniture so it doesn’t block sunlight, but rather amplifies it.
“Keep your windows clean and consider hanging a mirror on the wall opposite of your window to maximise the sunlight in your room.”
Embrace calming colours
When we’re picking what colours to paint different rooms, we don’t always think they can impact our moods and how we feel.
But brighter colours can keep your brain stimulated and leave you more anxious.
Which is why opting for softer colours is a good choice to go for in the rooms where you want to relax.
Experts say: “The colours in your home can have a profound impact on your mental well-being.
“Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are more stimulating and can even increase your anxiety.
“While they might be great for rooms where you want a burst of energy, they might not be the best choice for your relaxation area.
“Shades of blue, green, and lavender, being cool colours, have a calming effect on our nervous system.”
Three bathroom mistakes that leave you with a cramped eyesore
THE bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but stylingr decisions can make a big difference.
Indeed, interiors expert and founder of UK Radiators, Rob Nezard, says he’s seen more than his fair share of blunders.
- Overlooking storage – Rob says underestimating the need for storage is one of the most common mistakes people make as it can make it look “untidy” and “feel cramped”
- Poor lighting choices – Lighting is often an afterthought in bathroom design but it plays a crucial role in creating a functional and inviting space, according to Rob
- Ignoring the Radiator – Rob claims the radiator is an essential element in the bathroom, but is often overlooked in terms of style and placement.
Create a memory corner
Filling your home with memories can make you feel happy and cosy and bring a smile to your face.
Photos, keepsakes, artwork, or even gifts should not be hidden away, experts advise.
Zara says: “Snap plenty of photos on your holidays and pop them in your memory corner.
“Grab some seashells or sand from each beach you visit or a pinecone from a mountain.
Fill a space in your home with these keepsakes, mementoes, and gifts – they’re guaranteed to lift your spirits every time you see them.”
Invest in your sleep
One of the most important things to overall well-being is sleep.
Good sleep strengthens the immune system, boosts motivation, and improves focus.
So investing in things that help you have a good sleep is one way to lower your stress levels.
Experts suggest: “Blackout curtains are ideal for ensuring complete darkness in your bedroom.
“Darkness stimulates our melatonin production, which is a hormone that helps us fall asleep more quickly.
“Organic cotton bedding is a must, as it has hypoallergenic properties which help minimise skin irritation.
“It’s highly breathable and keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
“It also provides natural warmth when the temperature dips.”
Organise everything
As we mentioned before, a cluttered home is a stressful home, so organising your space can do wonders for your mental health.
Tidy spaces are the key to a calm mind.
A well-organised home can improve your mood and spark creativity, while a messy one can leave you feeling stressed and anxious.
Zara says: “Go through your stuff. If you haven’t used something in a while, get rid of it.
“Start by decluttering your kitchen. Almost everyone keeps a couple of items they never use there.”