As we spend so much of our time inside – often up to 90% of the day – it’s important for our wellbeing that we design our interior spaces to help us relax and unwind.
But how can we achieve that? How can we design our homes so that we feel energized, positive and enthusiastic about life, but calm and relaxed at the same time?
Rachael Kilby-Tyre, Design Director at My Interior Design School shares some ideas for styling your home to help you achieve a sense of wellbeing:
Sleep well
Studies show that most of us are simply not getting enough sleep, which can increase anxiety and stress levels. The importance of sleep is now deemed so important that the Government plans to give national guidelines on how many hours sleep we should aim for.
Sleep is key to our mental and physical health.
A lack of vital shut-eye can play havoc on our work and social lives, so it’s a good idea to create a relaxing, calm bedroom to achieve that elixir 7 hours a night sleep and ensure a feeling of wellness.
Decluttering and good storage to hide things away will help create a feeling of order and serenity in a bedroom. Make sure too that the temperature of your room suits your needs – with a well-ventilated space in summer and bed throws in the winter to add a sense of cosiness and warmth.
A statement bed and layers of good quality bedding will aid sleep and transform your space into a restful, stylish sanctuary.
Wake up to wellness
After a good night’s sleep, how can you create an interior space to make you feel positive about the day ahead?
Having a soft carpet or rug to sink your toes into when you get up can feel luxurious. Adding a favourite accessory or artwork opposite your bed, so it’s the first thing you see, can be a fabulous way to feel inspired and positive.
Colour calming
The colours we choose to decorate our homes can transform a space. Some colours can energize and others are more calming.
Green, as the colour of nature, gives a relaxing feel in a home. Choose a rich palette of greens and consider some botanical prints and plants to enhance the feel of nature around you.
Or choose a simple, monochromatic colour scheme where you select the shades, tints and tones of just one colour. Go from light to dark to create a relaxing colour palette – choosing warmer hues for north-facing rooms and cooler for south-facing.
Let there be light
Light and wellbeing go hand in hand. Seeing as much daylight as possible is important for feeling positive about the world around you. In interiors, you can achieve a similar effect with lighting.
Plan your lighting scheme to create layers of light. In the dark winter mornings ensure you have good task lighting to start your day. To relax in the evening, create ambient lighting to help you unwind.
Spark joy
Marie Kondo, the famous organising consultant advises us to have something in our home which ‘sparks joy’.
And this can help with our sense of wellbeing too.
Designing your home, with items to reflect your personality and lifestyle will make your space feel personal and bring you a sense of serenity.
Accessories picked up on a fabulous holiday, or artwork to remind you of a special place, photographs of loved ones or items to reflect your interests will all enhance a sense of wellbeing in your home.
A life-affirming space, designed by you will give you a sense of achievement, pride and happiness in your home.
Image credits: My Interior Design School and Unsplash
