Interior design can positively affect our physical and mental wellbeing. Believe it or not, the colors and textures we surround ourselves with can directly influence how we feel. In this article, we’ll discuss how interior design affects mental health – and why it’s so important to consider this when designing your home.
Thinking of a career in professional home design? Discover why it’s one of the best career options out there!
What Is The Psychology Behind Interior Design?
Interior design is the process of making a space both functional and appealing to look at. It can be used in both residential and commercial spaces. Interior design includes things like picking colors and deciding where to put furniture. What many people don’t realize is that interior design also has a big impact on our mental and physical health.
The Psychology Of Interior Design and Subconscious Mind
The bottom line is that interior design can have a big impact on our mental and physical health. So, if you’re looking to improve your health, it might be time to take a closer look at your home design!
So, what does this all mean for interior design? Well, it means that we can use color, scent, and other stimuli to create specific moods in our homes. For example, if we want to create a feeling of relaxation, we might use blue tones and add some plants to the room. Alternatively, if we want to create a feeling of energy and excitement, we might use red tones and add some stimulating artwork to the room.
For example, the color red has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure. This is because red is often associated with danger or warning signs. Similarly, the color blue has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind. This is because blue is often associated with water or the sky – two things that are known for their calming effects.
Have you ever noticed how certain colors or smells can trigger certain memories or emotions? This is because our brains are hardwired to respond to certain stimuli in specific ways.
How Does Interior Design Affect Mood?
After all, our homes are where we spend most of our time. So, it’s important that they’re a place we can relax and feel comfortable in.
Interior design is all about creating a space that reflects the owner’s personality and style. But it goes beyond just making things look pretty. Good interior design should also take into account how the space will be used, and how it will make the occupants feel.
How Interior Design Affects an Individual’s Brain
Interior design can affect how we think.
For example, studies have shown that different colors and textures can help us focus better. Blue is a color that is thought to make people feel calm. Green is a color that has been shown to help people concentrate better. Soft textures, like velvet or wool, are often seen as more calming than hard surfaces, like glass or metal.
Color Psychology 101: How Different Colors Impact Your Mood
We all have colors we like. But did you know that the colors around us can affect our mood?
It’s called color psychology, and it’s a very real thing. So much so, that interior designers use it when they design spaces professionally.
For example, gold is often associated with happiness and prosperity. White is associated with purity and innocence. Warm colors like red and orange are thought to stimulate the mind, while cool colors like blue and green are more calming.
You also have to think about the colors you use in your home. The right color can have a bad effect if it’s used in the wrong place. For example, using too much red in a bedroom might make it hard to sleep because that color is stimulating. But using red in the kitchen might help you eat more!
Keep in mind that everyone reacts to colors differently. So, it’s important to use colors that you like when choosing paint colors or fabrics for your home.
PRO TIP: Learn all about color psychology and become a certified International Color Consulting Professional (ICCP) in as little as 12 weeks by taking QC Design School‘s online Color Consultant Course today!
How Does Interior Design Affect Human Behavior?
Interior design can have both positive and negative effects on human behavior. For example, good lighting and proper ventilation are important for a healthy indoor environment. However, bad lighting or poor acoustics can lead to problems like headaches, eye strain, or anxiety.
In general, interior design should aim to create a space that is comfortable and inviting. However, there are some situations where designers need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of occupants. For example, hospitals and schools need to be designed in such a way that they minimize the spread of infection, while prisons need to be designed so that violence is discouraged.
The placement of furniture in a room can also affect how people feel. Good placement can encourage positive social interactions, while bad placement can lead to feelings of isolation.
In terms of color psychology, it is worth noting that different colors can have an impact on human behavior. For example, red is often thought to increase heart rate and stimulate the senses, while blue is associated with feelings of calmness.
How would this typically translate in human behavior?
Well, a study conducted by the University of Texas found that people who were exposed to red performed worse on tests that required attention and focus. On the other hand, those who were exposed to blue tended to perform better on tasks that required creative thinking.
How Interior Design Affects Mental Health
Say you are struggling with anxiety and/or depression. Why would the way your home is set up improve your mood and make you feel better?
One reason is that having a tidy, well-organized home can help reduce stress levels. A study conducted by UCLA found that people who live in cluttered homes are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
In addition, the colors you use in your home can also affect your mental health. As mentioned earlier, certain colors can have a calming effect, while others can be stimulating.
For example, blue is often thought to be a calming color, while yellow is associated with happiness. Green is also thought to be relaxing, while white can create a feeling of spaciousness.
Feng Shui Design
Furthermore, Feng Shui design says that the way you place things in your house – like furniture and decorations – can also affect your mood and well-being. For example, if you put a plant in your bathroom, it might help you relax.
But there are some Feng Shui principles that you should avoid because they bring bad luck. For example, don’t put a bed under a window because the energy will escape out of the window. And definitely don’t put sharp objects in the bedroom, otherwise, they might increase arguments.
Interested in becoming a master of Feng Shui design? Enroll in QC’s self-paced, online Feng Shui Design certification course! In turn, you can become an Advanced Feng Shui Design Professional (AFDP) in as little as 3 short months!
Choosing The Right Decor For Your Home
When it comes to choosing the right decor for your home, it is important to consider both your personal taste and the impact that certain colors and designs may have on your mood.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, it may be beneficial to use calming colors like blue or green in your home. As we touched on above, Feng Shui design principles can also be helpful in creating a space that promotes relaxation and positive energy.
In general, it is important to avoid cluttered spaces and sharp objects. After all, these can increase stress levels and lead to negative feelings. Instead, choose decor that creates a feeling of spaciousness and peace.
15 Tips For Using Interior Design To Improve Mental Health
There are certain design elements that, when used correctly, can help improve mental health. Let’s take a closer look at them…
Tip #1: Functionality
One of the most important things to consider when designing your home is functionality. After all, if a space is not functional, it can lead to feelings of frustration and even claustrophobia.
When considering functionality, it’s important to think about how you will use each room in your house. For example, the kitchen should be designed in a way that makes cooking and entertaining easy. Meanwhile, the bedroom should be a calm and relaxing space where you can wind down at the end of the day.
Tip #2: Decluttering
As we mentioned earlier, cluttered spaces can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Therefore, it is important to declutter your home on a regular basis.
One way to do this is to get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. Another way to declutter is to organize your belongings in a way that makes them easy to find and use.
For example, you might want to invest in some attractive storage containers for your kitchen so that everything has a place. You might also want to declutter your closet by getting rid of clothes that you no longer wear.
Have a knack for organizing your space? Make a career out of it! Check out QC’s Professional Organizing Course to see how you can become a certified Advanced International Organizing Professional (AIOP)!
Tip #3: Spaciousness
As we mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to improve your mental health is to create a feeling of spaciousness in your home. This can be done in a number of ways.
For example, you might want to use light and airy colors when painting your walls. You might also want to invest in some large pieces of furniture that make a space feel more open.
Another way to create a feeling of spaciousness is to use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and make a space appear larger than it actually is. Therefore, they are an excellent way to create the illusion of more space.
Studies have also shown that high ceilings can have a positive effect on mental health. So if you’re considering a renovation, you might want to think about increasing the ceiling height in your home.
Tip #4: Natural Light
Natural light is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health. After all, studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can help boost your mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that your home has plenty of windows and that each room is well-lit. If you’re not able to get a lot of natural light in your home, you might want to consider using artificial lighting.
For example, you might want to invest in some full-spectrum light bulbs for your home. These bulbs emit light that is similar to sunlight and can help improve your mood.
Tip #5: Use Calming Colors
As we mentioned, the colors you use in your home can have a big impact on your mood. If you want to create a feeling of calmness, it is best to stick with cool colors like blue and green.
These colors have a soothing effect that can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. On top of that, they can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Other colors you can turn to for a calming affect include lavender, pale pink, and light brown.
If you’re not sure what colors to use in your home, you might want to consider hiring a professional home designer or color consultant. They will be able to help you choose the best colors for your space based on your needs and preferences.
Tip #6: Choose The Right Colors
As we touched on earlier, the colors you use in your home can have a big impact on your mood. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, it is important to choose colors that will help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
And as we also discussed earlier, where you place your colors is also vital. For example, you might want to use cool colors in your bedrooms to help you sleep better at night.
On the other hand, you might want to use brighter colors in your living room or kitchen to help boost your energy levels and mood.
Tip #7: Greenery
Another way to improve your mental health is to add some greenery to your home. As you may recall from earlier in this article, plants not only look great – they can also help purify the air and boost your mood.
Over the years, studies have shown that being around plants can help reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, they can also help improve concentration and memory.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, adding some plants to your home is a great place to start.
Tip #8: Natural Elements
In addition to plants, there are other natural elements you can add to your home to improve your mental health. For example, you might want to consider using stone or wood in your design.
These materials can help create a feeling of grounding and calmness. They can also help you feel more connected to nature, which is known to have a positive effect on mental health.
Tip #9: Sound
The sound of running water has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind. It can also help you feel more relaxed and focused.
Another way to incorporate positive sound in your home might be to invest in something that has a water-flowing element to it. One example of this could be a water fountain.
You might also want to invest in some white noise machines or earplugs. These can help to block out unwanted noise and allow you to focus on more positive sounds.
If you want to create a calm and peaceful environment in your home, it is important to make sure that the noise level is low. You might want to consider using sound-absorbing materials in your home, such as carpets or drapes.
Another important element to consider when it comes to your mental health is sound. After all, noise pollution has been linked to a variety of problems, including anxiety and stress.
Tip #10: Balance
It’s also important to create a sense of balance in your home. This means that you should have a good mix of light and dark, positive and negative space, and so on.
Creating a sense of balance in your home can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help promote feelings of well-being and calm.
Here are some easy ways you can create balance in your home today:
- Use symmetry in your design
- Create visual interest with texture and pattern
- Use light and dark colors to create contrast
- Incorporate both hard and soft elements into your design
- Add a mix of different shapes and sizes to your space
Tip #11: Consistency
In the same breath, we also recommend creating a sense of consistency in your home. This means that you should have a consistent color scheme, style, and overall design throughout your space.
Creating a sense of consistency in your home can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help promote feelings of well-being and calm.
Here are some easy ways you can create consistency in your home today:
- Use a limited color palette
- Choose a style and stick to it
- Avoid using too many different patterns and textures
- Create a focal point in each room
- Keep the overall design of your home simple and clean
Tip #12: Personalization
Next, we recommend personalizing your space to make it feel like your own. This can be done in a number of ways, such as adding photos, art, and so on. Personalizing your space can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help promote feelings of well-being and calm.
Need help personalizing your space? Try out these tips:
- Add photos of your family and friends
- Display artwork that you love
- Include personal mementos and keepsakes
- Use colors that reflect your personality
- Choose furniture and decor that you love
When your home is your safe, zen oasis, it does wonders for your mental health!
Tip #13: Avoid Blue Light
Okay, let’s touch now on the subject of blue light. Blue light is a type of light that is emitted from screens, such as TVs, laptops, and phones. Why are we bringing this up?
Because too much blue light can have a negative impact on our mental health. In fact, it has been linked to problems such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. This is because blue light can disrupt our natural sleep cycle.
So, what can you do to reduce the amount of blue light in your home? Try these tips:
- Invest in blue light filter glasses
- Download a blue light filter app for your phone or computer
- Avoid using screens two hours before bedtime
If you must use screens before bed, try using the night shift setting. This will help to reduce the amount of blue light that is emitted – which means less strain on your eyes and less amount of stimulation for your brain.
Tip #14: Rethink The Layout Of Your Home
The layout of your home can have a big impact on your mental health. This is because the way our space is laid out can affect our mood, energy levels, and more.
So, if you’re looking to improve your mental health, it might be time to rethink the layout of your home. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you have enough natural light?
- Is your furniture arranged in a way that promotes relaxation?
- Is your home cluttered or tidy?
- Do you have a dedicated space for work or study?
- Can you easily move around your home, or are there lots of obstacles in the way?
Consider these questions when you’re thinking about the layout of your home. Sometimes, making a few small changes can make a big difference to your mental health!
Tip #15: Shapes And Symbols
Another way that interior design affects mental health is through shapes and symbols. These can have a big impact on our mood and mental state! For example, circular shapes are known to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Triangular shapes, on the other hand, are known to promote feelings of energy and excitement.
So, if you’re looking to create a certain mood in your home, pay attention to the shapes and symbols that you use. You might be surprised at how much of an impact they can have on how you feel!
Interior Design and Physical Health
It’s not just our mental health that interior design can impact – it can also affect our physical health. For example, the right furniture placement can help to reduce back pain, while bad lighting can lead to eye strain. Furthermore, poor acoustics can cause problems like headaches or even anxiety.
There’s also something to be said about the benefits of incorporating greenery/nature into your home. Studies have shown that being around plants can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and even pain. This is because plants help to purify the air and produce negative ions, which have been shown to have a positive effect on our mood and overall health.
Can Design Stimulate The Mind For Learning?
It’s no secret that the way our environment is designed can have a big impact on how we learn. For example, research has shown that classrooms with lots of natural light and fresh air tend to promote better learning and result in higher test scores. Furthermore, classrooms with a variety of colors and textures have also been shown to stimulate the mind and promote better learning.
Now that we’ve looked at how interior design can affect mental health, let’s turn our attention to how it can impact learning.
So, if you’re looking to create a learning environment that is conducive to success, pay attention to the design of the space! Consider things like lighting, color, and texture when you’re planning your layout.
What Is The Best Color For Happiness?
Therefore, if you’re looking to create a happy environment in your home, consider incorporating some yellow into your design!
Believe it or not, the color yellow has been shown to promote feelings of happiness! This is because yellow is known to stimulate the mind and increase our levels of serotonin – a.k.a. the “happy hormone.”
But what about the color yellow?
Warm colors like red and orange are known to promote feelings of excitement and energy. Cool colors like blue and green are known to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. By now, you already know this, since we’ve discussed it a few times in this article.
What Colors Help Calm Anxiety?
If you suffer from anxiety, you might want to consider incorporating some cool colors into your home design. Cool colors like blue and green are known to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Furthermore, they can also help to reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Other recommend colors include:
- Lavender
- Pin
- Yellow
- Peach
- Cream
These colors have all been shown to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. So, if you’re looking to create a more calming environment in your home, consider working with any of these colors.
What Colors Help Calm Anxiety?
The most relaxing color is blue. Blue has been shown to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Furthermore, it can also help to reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Other recommend colors to help you relax in your home include:
- Green
- Pink
- Purple
Why YOU Should Consider a Career in Home Design
As you can see, interior design can have a big impact on our mental and physical health. It can also affect the way we learn and even the way we feel.
If you’re looking for a career that is both creative and rewarding, consider pursuing a career in home design! You’ll get to help people create spaces that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to their health.
What could be more rewarding than that?
About QC Design School
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in home design, QC Design School is the perfect place for you! With an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau, QC offers a variety of self-paced, online certification programs. These programs will teach you everything you need to know about designing beautiful and functional spaces!
Particularly, we offer the following courses:
Because all of QC’s programs are self-paced and done entirely from the comfort of home, you get to decide how soon you want to graduate! Starting from the date you first enroll, you’ll have 2 full years to complete your training. However, you can use as much or as little of that time as needed.
For reference, many of QC’s grads found that by devoting a mere 1-2 hours per week to their studies, they were able to finish their course and earn their internationally-recognized certification in as little as 3 short months!
Check out some of QC’s student and alumnus success stories!
How Interior Design Affects Our Lives: Conclusion
Interior design is more than just picking out pretty things for your home. It’s about creating a space that meets your needs and makes you feel good.
So, if you’re ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a look around your home. Is it a space that promotes relaxation and calm? Or is it a space that makes you feel anxious and stressed?
If it’s the latter, don’t worry! You can always make changes to your design to promote a more positive environment. And, if you’re looking for a career change, consider pursuing a career in home design! You’ll get to help people create spaces that improve their lives in a variety of ways.
What are your thoughts on how interior design affects our mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!