Totalook: interview with the designer
How does interior design help mental health? How to transform your space and mind
Interior design isn’t just about placing furniture correctly within defined spaces. Choosing the right materials, colors, and furniture has a profound impact on our mental health. According to a study by Medicinal Media, "the three most powerful elements of interior design for mental well-being are natural light, calming colors, and the inclusion of natural elements."
While decorating with taste is important, doing so mindfully with a few simple adjustments can bring significant benefits to our inner balance, turning the home into a refuge of peace and serenity.
In this article, we’ll explore how interior design can improve mood and reduce stress through the principles of color psychology, materials, and the internal layout of lived-in spaces.
Interior Design tips for improving mental well-being
The way we organize our living spaces can have a profound effect on mental well-being. Here are some practical tips to improve your quality of life through interior design.
How to manage lighting
Natural light is the best ally for mental well-being, as it stimulates serotonin production, the hormone of good mood. Therefore, it’s important to maximize the entry of natural light using light and transparent curtains to allow sunlight in, and strategically placing mirrors to reflect and amplify the sun's rays.
When natural light isn’t sufficient, it’s important to choose artificial lighting carefully. Adjustable LED lights allow you to adapt the light intensity according to the different needs of the day. Warm light lamps, in particular, can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in the evening hours. Well-designed lighting can improve mood and productivity while reducing eye strain.
Natural Elements and Minimal Style: the foundations for relaxation
Incorporating natural elements into home decor can greatly reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquility. Plants not only enhance the aesthetics of spaces but also purify the air, fostering a feeling of physical and mental well-being. Materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers can create a welcoming and serene environment, evoking a connection with nature.
To create a sophisticated environment, you can choose the Provenza Unique Travertine collection. Thanks to tiles that evoke the elegance and simplicity of travertine and neutral tones paired with natural textures, they can be used to create harmonious and visually pleasing spaces.
Additionally, a good way to reduce visual and mental overload is to adopt a minimalist style, eliminating the superfluous and keeping only the essential elements.
Space management for a relaxing home
As mentioned earlier, spacious and well-organized areas promote relaxation and reduce stress. That’s why it’s important to avoid overcrowding furniture, keeping the environment tidy by employing multifunctional furniture and smart storage solutions that help maintain order and optimize the available space.
Creating dedicated rest areas shouldn’t be underestimated. Reading corners with a comfortable chair and good lighting, spaces for meditation or yoga, and well-maintained outdoor areas can become true havens of peace within the home. The key is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics, for a space that meets your daily needs and promotes mental well-being.
Choosing the Emilceramica Tele di Marmo Precious collection offers a wide range of shades, including the most neutral ones, ideal for creating relaxing yet sophisticated environments.
How to choose the right colors for your home
Each color has a unique psychological impact, capable of evoking different emotions. For example, red can increase energy levels and stimulate passion, but in excess, it conveys aggression. Blue, on the other hand, is known for its calming and reassuring properties, often associated with serenity and peace, just like green, a relaxing and revitalizing color usually associated with feelings of nature.
Yellow is a sunny color that can lift the mood and stimulate creativity, perfect for spaces like the office or living room, while orange is energetic and welcoming, making it ideal for rooms dedicated to physical activity or creativity. Purple tones, on the other hand, can evoke feelings of luxury and spirituality.
If you love more “pop” tones, like those listed, you can’t miss adding a touch of color to your spaces with the Ergon Abacus collection by Emilgroup, perfect for adding warm and vibrant tones to the kitchen or dining room.
But how to choose the right materials for our rooms?
The wide range of materials available on the market allows us to play with shades and create the ideal atmosphere for each environment, without neglecting our personal taste.
Decorating a home by choosing the right material and the right color tones is important to give spaces a stimulating, welcoming, yet relaxing look. To do this, it’s important to follow our tastes and the style of the house, using more energetic colors mixed with subtle or neutral elements.
An introduction to color psychology
The colors we choose for our living spaces can profoundly influence our mood and mental well-being. Color psychology explores how different shades can evoke specific emotions and states of mind, and how we can use this knowledge to create environments that enhance our quality of life.
How do colors influence emotions?
Each color has a unique psychological impact, capable of evoking different emotions. For example, red can increase energy levels and stimulate passion, but it can also be perceived as aggressive if used in excess. Blue, on the other hand, is known for its calming and reassuring properties, often associated with serenity and peace.
Green, reminiscent of nature, is relaxing and revitalizing, while yellow is a sunny color that can lift the mood and stimulate creativity. Orange is energetic and welcoming, while purple tones can evoke feelings of luxury and spirituality. It’s important to consider these effects when choosing colors for different rooms in the house, to create environments that meet the specific needs of each space.
What color calms anxiety and reduces stress?
When it comes to reducing anxiety and stress, the most effective colors are those that evoke nature and convey tranquility. Shades of blue and green are particularly recommended for this purpose. Blue, in particular, is associated with feelings of calm and security. It’s a color that can lower blood pressure and slow heart rate, making it ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, where relaxation is essential.
Green also has a calming and regenerating effect. It symbolizes growth, harmony, and freshness, and is perfect for spaces like the living room or home office. Using green plants and natural decorations can amplify the relaxing effect of these colors.
The Emilceramica Tele di Marmo Precious collection offers a wide range of shades, including the most relaxing ones, ideal for creating elegant and tranquil environments. These tiles can be used to add anti-stress color touches throughout the house.
Which colors are positive and uplifting? Discover the happiest color
To improve mood and create a positive environment, bright and warm colors are the most effective. Yellow, in particular, is considered the ultimate mood-boosting color. This sunny shade is associated with happiness, hope, and optimism. Using yellow in the kitchen, dining area, or other social spaces can help create a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere.
Orange is another color that can boost mood. It’s energizing and stimulating, perfect for spaces dedicated to physical activity or creativity, such as a home gym or office. Pink can also have a positive effect, as it evokes feelings of love and compassion.
Incorporating these positive colors through accessories, fabrics, accent walls, or decorative elements can transform the energy of a room. Once again, the Provenza Unique Travertine collection can be used to add warm and natural tones that promote a sense of well-being and positivity.
Color psychology is a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being through interior design. Choosing the right colors for each environment can help reduce stress, combat anxiety, and improve mood. Incorporating shades of blue and green for stress-relief, yellow for happiness, and orange for energy can transform your home into a haven of well-being. For more ideas and solutions, visit the Emilgroup website, where you’ll find a wide range of high-quality tiles and coverings.
03 September 2024
Magazine
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