3 Ways to Improve Well-Being with Intentional Design
The home is often a significant reflection of your mind and identity. From your aesthetic preferences to your personality type, every element in your home reflects you. This concept falls under the psychology of space, defined by psychologist Dr. Barbara Colombo as, “the interaction between people and the space they inhabit [and] how the human brain is affected by elements in that space.”
External environments affect us at noticeable levels, with humans thriving off sensory stimulation. Most people know the experience of walking into a room and immediately feeling their mood dampen. This is where the concept of intentional design comes into play. Feelings and energies in our homes are something we can control through the power of design, meaning deliberate choices affect how we feel in a room. We narrowed down three ways to make your space more comfortable and inspiring.
1. Understanding the Effects of Color
Being intentional about the hues you invite into your home is crucial in changing the atmosphere and overall look of your space. This is where the size of a room comes into play. Design psychologist Amber Dunford explains how cool colors in a smaller space “allow us to mentally ‘push back’ a wall or object, since these colors psychologically recede,” making the room appear larger. We recommend our navy Charlotte’s Lace wallpaper created by Brett Design for a cool-toned option. The opposite becomes true for warmer colors in a bigger space “as they mentally advance, making them feel closer to us” and give the room a cozier feel. We recommend our Close Range Mural in Cherry Rust by Jill Malek for a warm option.
2. Understanding Your Vision
A common mistake in interior design, specifically in the home, is not understanding the stylistic goal of the space. This can lead to mismatched elements and pieces that clash. Identifying the feelings you want to evoke can help you avoid this and allow you to create an environment that truly sparks joy. If you are still unsure of your home’s end goal or are not ready for a big commitment, we can recommend our removable wall decals in the Dots design for an easy way to begin planning your vision.
3. Using Natural Elements
Incorporating nature into our personal spaces calms our minds and boosts productivity. This is likely because humans have an innate urge to connect with nature and its therapeutic effects. Subtle additions of botanicals or simply welcoming sunlight into your space can help your mind feel more serene and present. Although the benefits of inviting natural elements into your home are clear, this may not be accessible to everyone. A solution we can recommend is our Verdure mural to easily give your space a hint of tranquil greenery.
Everyone has the right to a home that is a place of rest and refuge from the world. Your emotional safety deserves to be prioritized just as much as your physical safety.