Decorating your home is a personal journey that can have a lasting impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Home décor creates an atmosphere and feeling of comfort, which encourages relaxation, contentment, and even creativity. The colors, textures, scents, and designs of the items in your living space all influence how you feel when you enter the room.
If you choose items that make you feel positive and inspired, it can result in a boost of energy or motivation when needed. The connection between home décor and your mental well-being cannot be understated–with the right pieces you can ensure a warm, inviting atmosphere that will help keep your mind and spirit healthy.
The key is to choose. When you make thoughtful decisions about what will and won’t work in your personal space, you create a place that speaks to you and about you. Here are some choices to consider.
Selecting a Color Palette
Choosing the right colors for your home is key to making it look and feel the way you want. Consider the overall mood you want to evoke in each room, as well as existing furniture and decorations that will be incorporated into the space. In addition to the visual appeal of different colors, they also have psychological effects on our moods and emotions.
Bright, vibrant colors can provide a cheerful atmosphere, great for when you want to spend more of your energy thinking positive. Neutral or pastel tones create a more relaxed environment, perfect for people who need more true down time. Cool tones such as blues, greens and purples are calming, while warmer shades like yellows and oranges create a more energized atmosphere. Darker hues evoke feelings of sophistication, while softer pastels promote relaxation. Finding the right color palette for your home is a huge factor in helping to set the desired mood in each room.
Furniture
Select furniture that is both comfortable and stylish. Opt for multi-functional pieces that will maximize space and provide storage solutions. The right furniture can instantly transform a room, giving it an alluring atmosphere, one that impresses or one that comforts.
Different styles of furniture and configurations can completely alter the mood of a space. A modern sectional paired with mid-century chairs creates an eclectic mix that will be sure to make a memorable impression on guests and can foster creativity. On the other hand, classic lines and traditional pieces bring a timeless elegance to a room and create a feeling of confidence.
Whatever your style or preference, be sure to choose furniture that will make any space feel inviting. There is no point in having uncomfortable furniture. You do not want discomfort in your future, so you definitely don’t want to decorate with it.
Lighting
Bringing in different types of lighting is an important factor to consider when creating a home space. Different lighting styles can have a big impact on how you feel in a space.
Natural light creates bright, cheerful vibes. Natural light is important for brain health and a stable mood. If you need more of that, do everything you can to add and enhance the natural light in your living space. Remove anything blocking the light from coming in. Hang mirrors and other light reflective objects across from where the light comes in, to bounce and amplify it.
Dimmer lighting with candles or string lights can make for an intimate atmosphere, which is useful for people who want to take more time to connect with others. Soft, warm bulbs create a cozy vibe that invites people to stay and relax.
Very bright lighting can make a space feel harsh or clinical, but are also just the ticket for a workspace that requires seeing your project clearly and in detail. Especially in the bedroom, you want to find the right balance of light and darkness, so your sleep rhythms stay constant. When in doubt, choose high quality adjustable lighting that will work for every situation.
Accessorize Strategically
Hang artwork that speaks to you, and makes a statement about your personal taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles, or select pieces that have an eclectic feel. Do choose artworks that are aspirational, depicting how you want to feel.
Whether in the living room or bedroom, throw pillows, rugs, decorative knick knacks, throws, and other decorations are an easy way to add color and texture to any space. Think about more than color. Consider the texture, size, and general impact the item has. Does it jar you? Does it make you feel safe? Does it make you think?
Opt for arresting designs and interesting patterns for a modern touch when you want to be more inspired. Choose clean lines when you want to be inspired to be more organized. Infuse a room with plants when you need more balance.
Think about what you want for your future and decorate accordingly!