In the BTR sector and rental homes, a well-designed interior should inspire comfort and positivity, but more so, it should be a tonic for the mind, as well as the eye. While interior designs may differ between people, it cannot be ignored that there are common themes that link interior design and mental health, suggesting that our interior design has a strong relationship with our psychology. But what are the themes associated with mental health well-being, and what constitutes a well-designed interior?
We have identified 3 core themes of interior design that we believe have the greatest impacts on your mental welfare. These are:
1. Colour Theory
2. Lighting
3. Space Planning
The use of colour has always been an essential component of any interior and a vital skill to be mastered for the budding designer. But to build a truly great interior we must not only be familiar with how colours work together, but also know how colours can facilitate our moods, and evoke our emotions.
Blue Hues
The use of blues can greatly reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Darker shades can keep us calm and help organise the mind, while lighter variants often invoke feelings of freedom and expression.
The Brown & Green Team
Earthy colours such as greens and browns can generate a sense of comfort and stability in a room. These warm, rich colours help us feel more in touch with the great outdoors, providing a measure of tranquillity to any room.
The Yellow Fellows
Lighten up! Yellows can uplift us in our darker moments, offering warm bright, cheerful tones to motivate and enthuse us. Yellows are often called the happy colour and can instil confidence, creativity and joy.
In the Pink
Other than a sign of good health, pink is the colour of hope, optimism, and replenishment. Many underestimate pink, but the subtlety and soothing nature of the colour helps alleviate feelings of anger, resentment, and stress, encouraging peaceful days and restful nights.
When we consider how mental health can be affected by interior design, we cannot ignore the positive effects that light can offer. Consistent and frequent exposure to sunlight has significant positive effects on our mental welfare, including helping to improve our general motivation and elevate our mood. Higher exposure to natural light is also linked with higher quality sleep and helps us feel more alert during the day.
If you’re not convinced there are many more examples of the health benefits of natural light, such as:
A good interior design will therefore incorporate significant access to natural light, as this will not only improve mood, but facilitate a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s be honest, we all know how it feels to walk into a dreary, cramped office, or dread coming back to a cluttered home. It can defeat us before we even begin our days. Therefore, it is important that every interior makes the best use of the space around it to help prevent clutter, promote organisation and positively influence mental health.
Keep it Clean
A clean, well-organised, and well-maintained space has numerous psychological benefits, such as improved general mood, reduced stress, and improved levels of focus.
Less is More
Often the environment around us can reflect our inner peace. A cluttered, interior can mean a cluttered mind, so to help us clear our head we need to clear our space, removing any unnecessary furniture or other items that may restrict the space around us. Minimising our surroundings promotes a calm mind, reducing our stress and anxiety levels.
Curvature Aesthetics
Furniture and environments that are curved are proven to be more aesthetically pleasing on the eye, reducing stress, improving feelings of comfort, and helping us relax.
A Natural Touch
Adding a few small decorations such as plants, or paintings of landscapes can have a calming effect on any space. These are associated with improved mood and healthier state of mind.
Transform your BTR developments and rental homes with a focus on well-being and mental health to capture the attention of residents keen on the topic. View our BTR packages or visit our Interior Design page to learn about our services.
