Does your home ever make you yearn for a change in scenery? While being nice to look at is certainly one of the values of home design, it extends far beyond that. As realised by many during the tumultuous lockdown period, prolonged homestay sessions can be a revelatory experience in identifying both its strengths and weaknesses. Depending on its design, it can have profoundly different effects on your mood and mental outlook.
Air & Light
While designing for beauty and designing for happiness may seem similar, they very much have differing goals, and good homes are able to channel the best of both worlds. You may not even notice the elements that make your home a joy to live in, and conversely, those that bog it down. Light is first and foremost when it comes to a joyful home – natural light especially.
Part those curtains, open the windows, and connect yourself with both natural air and light. As sunlight boosts serotonin, a mood regulator, having an ample arrangement of windows is vital for positive design.
Biophilic Design
In keeping with the trend of outdoor connectivity, incorporating biophilic design sensibilities can be incredibly useful elevating your mood. Natural elements such as greenery, water, and sunlight are cited to have a restorative effect on the mind. These organic contributions are notable for reducing stress by lowering the body’s cortisol levels, often known as the stress hormone.
When homeowners couldn’t bring themselves to nature during Covid, some chose to bring nature to them. Even if many don’t realise, this inclination to maintain contact with nature is taught through your body’s positive associations with it. By surrounding yourself with elements such as potted plants, natural wood, and earthy tones, you can make your home the perfect place for stress release and unwinding. For a truly transformative experience, birdsong, water features, and a garden can maximise natural connectivity.
Spaces of Comfort
One of the best parts of being outdoors is the freedom it provides, especially here in New Zealand; vast stretches of nature, endless oceans, and the raw feeling of limitlessness. While you may not be able to fit the entirety of Milford Sound into your backyard, the concept of openness remains the same. Much of the reasons behind the popularity of open floor plans is the connectivity they provide. Fewer walls mean reduced barriers, easier flow, and more sunlight.
While home layout is important, a personalised interior can be just as helpful. Family photos, cute decorations, and your favourite colours are important for an individualised experience. Everyone’s preferences are different, but expressing a bit of yourself into your home’s look can really make it feel elevating. Even the most expensive, luxurious, and glamorous home can feel ice cold if it doesn’t offer a personal touch.
In creating a home that recursively reinforces positivity, introducing natural elements can do wonders; whether it’s though natural air and light circulation, or a veritable forest of greenery. Plants aren’t just there to look pretty either – they provide a healthy boost to air quality and indoor humidity while also giving you an edge in productivity and creativity. While it may not match the breadth of true New Zealand nature, a few small changes can make a big difference.
Sources:
The Effects of Biophilic Design on People’s Psychological Outcomes: A Review of Literature