How good Interior Design can promote mental health
At Fiona Brass Interiors, our motto is to ‘Love how you live’, we truly believe that Interior Design can have a great impact on mental wellbeing in so many ways. Mental health has never been more important than it is now, and we are all looking for new ways to improve how we live and feel.
Aside from being in the workplace, our home is the place in which we spend most of our time. The personal spaces in our home set the stage for many moments in our lives. Our homes are the setting for our social interactions, where we retreat to after a long day and our sanctuary which can reflect our personalities & lives. It’s important to create a home which promotes relaxation and a place to entertain and enjoy. Imagine walking downstairs in the morning or arriving from work and your home instantly lifts your mood. This is what we strive to create for our clients. Listed below are 4 of the main ways in which we use interior design to promote mental wellbeing.
Creating a space that functions exactly how you need
There are many ways in which good interior design can promote mental health which we consider when designing a scheme for all our clients. Firstly, the most important aspect is the function of the room and furniture. We make sure that you have plenty of storage for your needs. Once you are able to declutter, your home will be easier to clean and maintain. We ensure that everything we choose for your home, works well in conjunction with the space and the way you live and make the most of the size and shape or the rooms to make best use of the space for you to enjoy. Interestingly we tend to only notice bad design, not good design. Bad design can weigh you down and be uninspiring, adding to our daily frustrations. This could range from a kitchen drawer that always sticks to having to squeeze around furniture cluttered rooms each day. Good design allows tasks to become effortless without any obstacles and minimal thought. This frees up your energy to focus on the things that really matter.
2. Using lighting to promote productivity & relaxation
Secondly, there is nothing like a well-designed lighting scheme. Your home can completely transform from day to night. A properly designed and installed lighting scheme works for all of your needs. If you have a home office, the correct lighting can promote productivity or if your lounge is your safe space at the end of the day, soft yet effective lighting creates a relaxing environment for you to unwind and reconnect. An interior designer will carefully consider the way you live and how lighting can enhance your experience. This means that you don’t need to worry about learning the technical aspects and do’s and don’t of lighting. We will use our expertise to design a cohesive lighting scheme for your home to help you love how you live.
3. Using colour psychology to create spaces which enhance your mood
Colours also play a large part in the feel of our homes and how we enjoy them. There has been much research into the psychology of colours. For example, red and oranges incite passion and excitement, whereas blues and greens are colours for relaxation and calm. We often opt for greens and blues in many of our clients’ homes and it instantly creates an inviting space to unwind and enjoy. Adding in houseplants and natural materials brings the outdoors in which further creates a calming environment.
4. Incorporating fabrics and textures to enrich the senses
The fabrics and materials we use in interior design play a huge part in our experience of a room. Acoustically, fabrics allow sound-absorption and noise-reduction which can reduce stress levels. We use unique textures which are soft to touch and are enjoyable to be around. There is a world of difference in a sofa made from uncomfortable scratchy fabric and a beautiful soft sofa which you don’t want to leave! We often use matt finishes in our designs as it absorbs light and gives a calm & grounding effect.
The feel and enjoyment of a room is at the forefront of our mind when we undertake any brief from our clients. We use colour, lighting, layouts, textures, and artwork to create motivating, uplifting spaces that will promote efficiency, creativity, and happiness for our clients.
If you are considering using an interior designer in Surrey or would like some advice on how to update your home, contact us below!