On the surface, home design might seem frivolous. But, it’s more important than most people realize.

Designing a home isn’t just about putting up some artwork or family pictures. It isn’t just about arranging furniture a certain way or going over the walls with neutral-coloured paint.

People are spending more time at home than ever, especially due to the pandemic. So, it should be a space that reflects your interests, offers you relaxation, and allows you to feel most like yourself.

Your surroundings can have a big impact on your mental health. So, designing your home in a fulfilling way can make a big difference in how you feel. If you want your living space to be calm and happy, making a few design changes can often do the trick. Let’s cover a few suggestions that can help you to find that fulfillment in your design choices.

Pursuing Your Interests

When you get home from work after a long day, or it’s the weekend and you want something to do, your home should feel like a sanctuary. Home design isn’t just about looks –  it’s about functionality. If you want to feel fulfilled by your surroundings, include the things you love to do in your design elements.

For example, are you an avid gardener? Design an outdoor space that will allow you to de-stress while surrounded by beautiful flowers, or a garden meant for growing your own vegetables. Some tips to keep in mind to get your whole family involved include:

• Starting small
• Using raised planters
• Keeping the paths to the garden clear
• Making water easy to access

Inside, you can dedicate a room to some of your hobbies, whether you create a home gym, a craft room, or even a cozy reading nook that allows you to “escape” with a good book and a comfortable place to lounge. When you feel like your home is the best place to pursue the things you love, you’ll be happy to spend your time there.

Creating the Right Environment

You might be surprised to know how much interior design and psychology intersect. But, the way your home looks can absolutely affect your mood. That’s why it’s important to create an environment that makes you feel less stressed and improves your overall well-being.

You can start changing your environment by considering the effects of colour psychology.  Each colour can evoke a specific mood. Shades of blue, for example, often promote tranquility and calmness, while reds can evoke passion and power. While painting entire rooms is a great way to establish a new environment, it isn’t always necessary. Try hanging artwork with certain colours, or using different accent pieces to combine multiple colours in one room.

Another important aspect of a room’s environment is the light. When you walk into a space, think about how it makes you feel right away. If a specific room doesn’t necessarily give off “homey” vibes, it could be a lighting issue.

Natural lighting is always the best solution. Utilize windows and choose curtains or shades that let some light through during the day. Using lamps and white LED bulbs can also make a difference in rooms that don’t get much natural light.

Not sure where to get started when it comes to transforming your environment? Take a look at some current design trends. Looking at examples of other homes can help to inspire you. Some of the biggest trends in home design right now include:

• Earth tones
• Mid-century modern accents
• Handless kitchen cabinets
• Art-inspired wallpaper

Minimalism has also become a popular trend over the last few years. It’s a wonderful way to declutter your home and focus on the truly important things. While it’s not for everyone, it can help to reduce a lot of stress and chaos in your life. Contrary to popular belief, it also doesn’t mean you need to get rid of everything you own. Instead, it’s about holding on to what’s meaningful, and storing things properly.

Whether you follow a trend or go your own way, your home environment can set the tone for how you feel from the moment you step in the door. Think about the kind of emotions you want yourself and others to feel when they walk into any given room.

Aligning Different Parts of Your Life

Your home should be a reflection of who you are – every part of you. Now, with so many people working remotely, that also includes who you are as an employee.

Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or work for a bigger company remotely, aligning your work life and home life in a meaningful way can help you to achieve a healthy balance and avoid burning out.

One of the best ways to align those different areas of your life is to have a specific home office. That doesn’t mean you need to take up an entire room. But, using a corner of a room, a large closet, or even under a staircase can give you the “separation” you need to stay focused throughout the day without feeling like your work life is invading your personal space.

It’s also important to integrate the things that are important to you into your home life and design. For example, many people are starting to live more sustainable lifestyles in hopes of a healthier future for the planet. If sustainability is important to you, consider using all-natural materials in your home projects. Or, bring more nature into your home by including house plants in each room. The pandemic has caused an influx of “plant parents,” and for plenty of good reasons! Indoor plants can:

• Reduce stress
• Improve air quality
• Boost mood
• Improve creativity and focus

Consider the things that mean the most to you – not just likes and dislikes, but integral parts of who you are. When you’re trying to design your home in a fulfilling way, a combination of the things discussed in this article can bring what’s in your heart to life.

About the author:

Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes about a variety of topics, and spends most of her free time in her garden. 

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Submitted Exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Frankie Wallace © 2021 crystalwind.ca

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