Home For the Holidays: Finding Well Being Through The Psychology of Design

Holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, and it can be stressful. We often feel overwhelmed with financial pressures, family dynamics, expectations from family, friends, work colleges, or neighbors, and the general hustle and bustle of the holidays. Reducing stress starts within the home. Having a thoughtful interior design that works around your daily habits and needs, can reduce stress greatly. For example, a custom kitchen, designed around the way you cook and clean, can reduce the amount of time spent in the kitchen, and increase the time spent around your loved ones. This can look like: double ovens, a built in spice rack, a pot filler above the stove, a cutting board that pulls out near the garbage for easy scrap disposal, a double island, a large walk-in pantry, under cabinet lightning, an extra large fridge and freezer set, etc. The possibilities are endless and not limited to just the kitchen. Well designed spaces enables you to think less about your homes, and more about what truly matters. In this blog post we will break down the science behind how interior design impacts your well-being and how you can reduce stress this holiday season.

The Science of Well-Being

A well-designed interior can create a sense of comfort, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. There are many ways to create an inviting, cozy space fit for hosting holiday parties and family gatherings.

Color Psychology

Color is a powerful element in interior design that can influence mood and emotions. Scientific studies have found that exposure to certain colors can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and overall stress levels. Different colors have been shown to have specific psychological effects:

• Blue can promote relaxation and calmness.

• Yellow can increase energy and positivity.

• Green can create a sense of balance and tranquility.

• Red can stimulate excitement and appetite.

Finding colors that resonate with you in different spaces around your home are important. For example, if you want a peaceful living room, you may lean towards blue’s. But if you want to promote in energy and alertness in your home office, you may lean towards yellows or reds. Depending on your design goals, these colors can be shown on your wall for a bigger impact, or within furniture, wall art, or decorations for a more subtle touch.

Natural Light 

Access to natural light is essential for our circadian rhythms and overall well-being. Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate sleep patterns and mood. Many of us get the winter blues here in Utah, but an interior spaces that maximize natural light can reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve mood and productivity. When designing your dream home, it’s important to look at the number of windows in your design and ensure there are enough within the spaces that are important to you. If traditional windows don’t make sense in your design, you can opt for other options such as skylights.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into interior spaces, such as plants, natural materials, and nature-inspired patterns. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance mental well-being.. Built in bookshelves, fireplace mantles, and entry tables are a few great places to put smaller potted plants. Large indoor trees or large potted plants are also a great way of bringing natural elements indoor. Interior vines, moss walls, bud vases, and terrariums are a more unique way of adding biophilic design to your space.

Ergonomics 

Ergonomics focuses on designing spaces and furniture to support the physical and psychological well-being of the occupants. Well-designed ergonomic furniture and layouts can reduce physical discomfort and stress, contributing to a more positive mental state. Our professional interior designers can help you layout existing or new furniture within your home. We recognize that your home won’t always look like a model home, so we will help you pick out multi-functional pieces that work for your lifestyle.

Noise Levels and Acoustics

The noise levels in your home play a crucial role in our mental health. Excessive noise, such as from traffic or loud neighbors, can lead to stress and reduced cognitive function. Interior design solutions, such as sound-absorbing materials and strategic layout planning, can mitigate noise and create a quieter, more peaceful environment. If noise is any concern to you in the build stages of your custom home, we can have sound dampening insulation put into your walls. Double pane windows are also a great way of reducing noise from the outside. If noise from the inside of the home is a concern, we can add sound dampening panels to your drywall after the home is built. This could be a great option for music rooms, home offices, fitness rooms, home movie theaters, etc.

Clutter and Organization 

Clutter in the home can lead to feelings of anxiety. A clutter-free and well-organized interior can reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Studies have shown that an organized environment is associated with better concentration and productivity. Bluerock will help you design your home around your needs. If storage is a priority, we can add built-in-bookshelves, under the stair storage, hidden rooms, extra tall cabinets in mudrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens, custom closets, and more! Multi-functional furniture is also a great way to keep clutter out of site. This can be ottomans or dinning nook benches with storage, Murphy beds, foldable desks, etc. Depending on your needs, there are many solutions to keep your home organized and easy to manage.

Aromatherapy and Sensory Design 

Certain scents and aromas, such as lavender for relaxation or citrus for energy, can affect mood and well-being. Sensory design incorporates scents, textures, and other sensory elements to create a positive and enjoyable environment. Traditional candles and wall plugs work well, but less traditional methods such as HVAC scenting systems can be a great option to keep your house smelling fresh all the time. If you are looking for a more organic way, opt for live plants and flowers.

Psychological Safety 

A sense of psychological safety in a living space is crucial for mental health. Design choices should promote feelings of security and comfort to help reduce anxiety and stress while promoting positive mental health.

In summary, interior design has a profound impact on mood and mental health, and it should be thoughtfully considered to create spaces that enhance well-being. By applying the principles of psychology and integrating scientific findings, interior designers can help individuals experience a positive and supportive living environment that contributes to their mental health and overall quality of life. With Bluerock on your side, you can achieve your design goals and build your perfect dream home.

Merry Christmas!