Utilising the power of positive design

By strategically designing our spaces to create a positive atmosphere, we can harness the power of interior design to bring a sense of peace, balance and harmony to our daily lives.

Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt relaxed, or conversely, felt tense and uncomfortable? That's because your subconscious is picking up cues from the interior of your space. The spaces around us really do have a powerful impact not only on our mood and the atmosphere they exude, but also on our productivity and overall wellbeing.

Let's explore how conscious decisions around interior design can affect our lives mentally and emotionally.

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How Interiors influence Your Subconscious Mind

Design has long been a powerful force in shaping how people think and feel. We often take it for granted but it can have immense power on our emotional state. By combining interior design and neuroscience, we can better understand how different design elements evoke certain subconscious feelings and emotions. Designers are able to use this information to create an atmosphere that resonates with us on a deeper level, making us feel comfortable while still being productive or enjoying ourselves in any given space.

The combination of design and neuroscience helps us understand how the shapes, textures, colours and other visual elements used in interior design influence our moods, perceptions and behaviour. For example, a round table may evoke feelings of warmth and closeness in a room while sharp edges might incite feelings of stress. Round shapes are often used in family restaurants and communal spaces to promote a sense of togetherness. Clean straight lines on the other hand, are often used in corporate offices to promote feelings of efficiency and productivity. Textures are another powerful tool for interior design that can influence how a person feels in the space. Rough textures such as wood can be used to create a sense of rustic comfort, while smooth textures like glass and metal might evoke feelings of sophistication or modernity. Research has also demonstrated that certain design elements can affect how we process information, for example, curved lines evoke recognition in the brain while straight ones are typically linked to comprehension or understanding.

In a similar fashion, symmetrical designs create feelings of order, calm and stability while asymmetrical designs create feelings of tension and excitement. Balanced spaces tend to evoke feelings of relaxation and composure, while unbalanced spaces can make people feel disoriented or unsettled. Visual weight is also an important consideration, as it affects how the eyes move through a space. Spaces with heavier visual weight may be more calming and inviting, while lighter visual weight may be more energising.

Designers also pay attention to other details such as lighting, acoustics and even smell in order to create a specific environment that appeals to our senses in a subconscious way. These elements all contribute to how we interact with the space, whether it is a home, office or public space. A well-designed space can promote feelings of comfort, ease, and productivity, while a poorly designed one can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Interior designers often incorporate psychological research and principles to create spaces that foster positive emotional responses and promote better mental health and a happier lifestyle.

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How Interior Design Affects Your Home's Atmosphere

From the colours on the walls to the furniture placement, everything in a space has an impact on our mood and mental state. The psychology behind interior design is known as environmental psychology, and it explores how our physical environment affects our behaviour and emotions. Design neuroscience has opened new doors for creating environments that are geared towards specific activities and states of mind. For example, designing a space with calming colours and soothing music can create an atmosphere for relaxation and meditation. On the other hand, a stimulating space filled with bright colours, vibrant soundscapes and engaging visuals could be used to spark creativity or focus attention on certain tasks. A well-thought-out interior design can create a warm and inviting environment that promotes relaxation and calmness. Conversely, a poorly executed interior can leave a space feeling cluttered, chaotic, and uninspired. At the end of the day, our homes are supposed to be peaceful sanctuaries where we can relax and recharge. But sometimes, negative energy can seep in and put a damper on our mood. That is why it is important to create good energy in our homes. One simple way to do this is by decluttering and organising the space. A clean and well-organised home can help clear your mind and create a peaceful atmosphere.

One of the essential aspects of interior design is colour. Choosing the right colour scheme can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, bright colours like yellow can help boost your mood, while muted tones like grey can evoke feelings of sadness. Cool colours such as blue and green can create a calming and tranquil atmosphere, while warm colours such as yellow and orange can enhance energy levels and stimulate mental activity. Understanding the psychological effects of colour can help us create a space that not only looks beautiful but also promotes positive feelings and behaviours.

Furthermore, the perception of space is crucial in interior design because it defines how a room feels and functions. The way we perceive space is highly dependent on certain factors, such as the lighting, colour scheme, furniture placement and even the height of the ceiling. Ultimately, paying attention to the finer details of interior design can transform your space into a haven of comfort, relaxation, and inspiration.

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Ways to Bring Nature Into Your Home

Bringing nature into your home can have a multitude of benefits beyond just adding aesthetic appeal. It can improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and even boost productivity. There are several ways to incorporate natural elements into your living space regardless of the size or layout of your home. Consider adding potted plants or hanging greenery to liven up your space. You can also incorporate natural materials like wood or stone into your furniture or decor. You could consider displaying natural or textured artwork or photographs of landscapes can also add an organic touch to your space. By bringing pieces of the outdoors inside, you can create a relaxing and rejuvenating environment that will benefit both your physical and mental wellbeing.

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Feng Shui and the effect on your mood

Feng Shui, a philosophical approach to interior design that originated from ancient China, emphasises the importance of creating a harmonious environment that promotes positive energy and wellbeing. It focuses on arranging furniture and décor in a way that promotes balance, flow, and tranquility. Implementing Feng Shui principles can lead to a more calming and soothing atmosphere, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and ultimately positively impacting your mood.

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The positive effects of a well-designed home extend beyond just the aesthetic appeal; research suggests that it can have a significant impact on your psychological health. When you surround yourself with a calming ambiance, it can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote better sleep quality. By designing your home with relaxation in mind, you can enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

By taking the time to carefully consider our interior design choices, we can make a big impact on our own wellbeing and transform the way we experience our surroundings.

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You Might Also Be Interested In:

>> EMOTIONAL DESIGN

>> MOOD BOOSTING COLOURS

>> The Art of FENG SHUI

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Drift & Co