Our home is the most important aspect of who we are. Whether you live alone or with family or friends, the design of your home reflects who you are! Our home design reflects our values, needs, and interests, and it can make us feel good about ourselves, especially when life feels uncertain. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, when our mental and physical health has taken a toll on the majority of us, it is critical to be mindful when designing spaces that promote our mental and physical well-being.
Various factors such as light quality, colours, texture, and overall aesthetics, according to Rachna Agarwal, founder and design ideator of Studio IAAD, play a huge role in bringing that positive energy into the house. Here are five ways to design your home to welcome your mental and physical wellbeing.
A calm design scheme
In our daily lives, most of us are overworked and overstimulated. This has a significant impact on both our mental and physical health. In turn, home is a safe haven where one can choose to relax and unwind naturally. A neutral or muted interior scheme with spaces for pervasive relaxation is ideal for this purpose. Furthermore, every home should have areas that promote the importance of people coming together. This could be your balcony garden or even your family room, where you can connect with loved ones without being distracted by technology.
Bring in natural light
Natural light helps our bodies maintain their natural rhythms, and sunlight during the day is essential. It has antibacterial properties and improves indoor air quality.
Arrange the furniture to allow for more natural light. Place your sofa, chair, or even bed closer to your windows if they have a relaxing and invigorating value. If you work from home, place your desk near a window so you can take brief breaks to enjoy the scenery.
Add a touch of biophilia
Make a connection with nature by incorporating elements such as planters, a small water feature, and so on. Biophilic elements create an engaging and relaxing atmosphere, which improves the overall mood. Indoor plants, a vertical garden, or even micro herbs in the kitchen all contribute to the same effect.
Opt for comfortable, smart furniture
A well-being space should be adaptable and meet the needs of the occupant. Ergonomic furniture combines comfort, functionality, and aesthetics and, depending on the design, can make the most of limited square footage. The idea is to create flexible spaces in which a room can serve multiple functions. For example, the living room can be converted into a study or workspace. Furthermore, comfortable spaces function as energetic hubs for familial bonding, recreation, and well-being.
Declutter and organise
There is a direct link between procrastination and clutter, which affects our mood. Clean-lined, fuss-free spaces, on the other hand, help to soothe the mind, improve daily productivity, and instil a positive mood in the home. So, when designing your home, make sure to prioritise decluttering, organisation, and storage.
Small changes in your home design can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
