All living things are influenced by the environment that they are in. For us, humans, the most immediate environment that probably has the most significant impact on our lives is our home.
Not only does our personal space tells a story about our personality and offer clues to our social standing, but it also has a role in our psychology and emotions.
How Color Choice Affects Mood
Of all the interior design elements, however, the one that offers the most immediate influence has got to be color.
In fact, there is an entire realm of academic studies surrounding the psychology of colors.
These findings have been used in marketing for decades. Have you ever wondered why numerous companies share the same color in their logos? Nike, Adidas, and Apple, for instance, have black ones as black displays confidence, dominance, and perfectionーvalues that these three brands prioritize.
There’s no reason why we can’t use colors to our advantage in interior design as well. Here are a few colors to help you get started:
- Warm colors ranging from yellows to red inspire passion, energy, and creativity. They are too stimulating and overwhelming for bedrooms, though, and other spaces dedicated to relaxation.
- Cooler colors of blues and greens are preferable for these spaces instead since these hues emit calm and refreshing emotions.
- Finally, achromatic colors assert productivity, mental clarity, and perfection and are thus recommended for spaces where you’ll do a lot of work and thinking.
Feng Shui to Give Your Home Good Energy
Another factor that sadly gets overlooked often in interior design is feng shui. In a nutshell, it pertains to the flow of energy in a space.
With this in mind, try to make entryways open, bright, and inviting. This includes windows that are said to symbolize the presence of the home’s owners.
The main elements in space must also be given commanding positions. There are three in particular that we suggest focusing on your bed (that represents you), your desk (that represents your career), and your stove (that represents wealth).
They should be placed in a position that always gives you the advantage of knowing what is happening in the entire enclosed space at all times. This means that you are positioning yourself where you’ll gain full control and access to positive energy and opportunities.
Accessories Make Your Home a Happy Place
To quote organization guru, Marie Kondo, you should allow yourself to be surrounded by things that “spark joy”.
This includes your choice of home accessories and other decorative elements in your home. Don’t just choose pieces that are trendy. Instead, focus on those that add happiness to your life.
Be Picky About Wall Art
Surround yourself with wall art that emits positive energy and messages. This can range from quotes in gorgeous and intricate calligraphy to delicate and antique textiles that display idyllic landscapes.
Plants
Plants also lend their positive life energy that can immediately perk up any space. Just make sure that you position them in places where they’ll receive the lighting that they need to thrive.
Remember that each plant holds meaning as well. Air plants, for instance, signify freedom and creativity while cacti symbolize endurance.
Plants with strong scents are even more potent since the manifestation of their smell serves as a constant reminder of their positive presence wherever you are at home.
Light Ignites Emotions
Speaking of lighting, did you know that it plays a role in our psychology as well? In fact, one study points out that warm lighting “creates a sense of comfort and relaxation”, while cold and brighter lighting “improves alertness…(and) reduces fatigue”.
This knowledge can be applied in two ways. You can either be more mindful of your choice of bulbs to use in existing light fixtures. Or better yet, opt for fixtures that allow light temperature and tone to be adjusted.
How Shapes, Textures, and Materials Impact Mood
While we will always prefer fresh over faux, we still can’t dismiss the fact that even purely artificial and decorative pieces can still influence one’s mood.
Shapes, textures, and materials that lend a natural and organic feel to your space can induce feelings of warmth and relaxation as well as decrease anxiety.
These include materials such as wicker and wood, and woven textures and patterns.
Meanwhile, shapes with rounded angles will have a more liberating effect, but corners and harsh lines will give a more restricting vibe.
Furniture
Finally, furniture pieces also evoke certain energies and emotions.
Handcrafted pieces, for instance, usually exude more positive vibes due to the excellent craftsmanship and love that went into their creative process.
The same can be said for pieces that you have assembled yourself, especially if the task paved the way to become a bonding activity for the family.
Unique conversation pieces can also move emotions since they spark interest, display the personality of their owners, and evoke joy and pride.
So do antique or older pieces that hold sentimental value.
We only recommend holding on to furniture that captures good memories, though, as painful ones (especially those that surround someone’s death) can affect the overall energy of one’s home.
Sum Up
The world works through the relationships of varying degrees of energy, and just like the poles of a magnet, there are positive and negative ones. The key to a happier home thus relies on how one attracts more positive energies than negative ones.
This can be done through different steps such as your choice of interior colors, shapes, textures, and materials.
Lighting plays an important role as well by adding through one’s preference in light temperature and tone.
Furniture, home accessories, and other decorative elements must also be patiently curated. Try to surround yourself only with objects that evoke joy and positive memories.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the flow of energy in your home. There are steps that you can do on your own, though, but it is always ideal to seek the services of a feng shui expert. This practice is both art and science that requires a certain level of experience and knowledge, after all.
