Many people have no idea how interior design affects our mental health, but psychologists and interior designers say that good design is good for our overall health. Clutter is bad for our mental health, especially if we feel alone and a bit depressed. Minimalism does not mean that you have to live with an emptiness in your home – it means avoiding bright, loud prints and sticking to a limited color scheme.
In fact, interior designers have studied how design affects people’s mental health. They ask their clients about the design of a room and whether it reduces their level of stress. The result? The design helps people feel good and boosts their mood. No doubt, interior design is not a miracle cure for mental health, but it does promote happiness and wellness. So, if you are experiencing any mental health issues, interior design can help you make your home a more positive place.
One recent study looked into how interior design affects the way we feel. Participants in the study were shown images of existing indoor environments and asked to rate them using a joystick to indicate whether they wanted to enter or exit the space. They found that participants were more likely to describe curvilinear interiors as beautiful than rectilinear ones, and that curvy interiors activated an area of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with feelings of pleasantness and positive valency.
Currently, scientists and interior designers are collaborating to better understand how the design of an environment affects the way people feel. Neuroscientists are using psychological and objective physiological measures to determine how interior design affects the brain. The results of the research can help designers develop better strategies for creating living spaces that promote good mental health. The study is currently in its early stages, but if it becomes widely adopted, it will benefit us all.
A cluttered house is not relaxing for anyone. The eye is too distracted with too many things to focus on. The brain needs a clear path to process all the information that’s present. This cluttered look is also an indication of disorganization. Likewise, people who live in cities often have a problem with lack of greenery. To remedy this problem, they should add greenery to the house in the form of plants, flowers, and foliage.
Natural light is a proven way to promote mental health. Research has shown that sunlight helps alleviate depression. Windows and outdoor space provide natural light, and people with access to sunlight tend to be happier than those who don’t. Lack of sunlight, meanwhile, can lead to anxiety and depression. Sunlight is also important for productivity and mood. A study in 2002 found that people with access to natural light were more motivated and had better mental health than their peers without it.
