When we decorate a space we make it our own. Different colours can affect our mood. Light can make a room feel bigger and having less clutter can have a calming effect. Making small changes can have a big impact in the spaces we live in.
Light
Homes can be lighted in two ways: with natural light (such as sunlight), and with artificial light (such as candles or electrical light). With natural light, placing a mirror near a window can make the room brighter and feel more open. Studies have shown that brighter rooms make people feel warmer. Levels of serotonin (a happy hormone) drop when there is less sunlight. Allowing more natural light into the home can make us happier.
Bright light from bulbs and other electrical lights can make us more focused. Bright light stimulates your brain and helps you to concentrate. Therefore, working in bright light can improve productivity.
Colour
Different types of colour have different effects. Light paint colours can make a room look bigger and brighter. Light colours can be off-white and light gray. ‘Warm’ colours- such as orange, yellow, and red- can make you feel warm or comfortable. ‘Cool’ colours- such as purple, blue, and green- can make you feel calm. Using these different colours in your home can help you feel better. For example, warm colours in the kitchen can make you feel warm. Cool colours in the living room or study spaces can make you feel calm.
Clutter
Clutter is a collection of items lying about untidily. Having clutter in your home can provide distractions. These distractions make it harder for us to focus. Removing clutter can improve productivity.
Clutter can also make us feel anxious and stressed. Removing clutter is therefore also important for our mental health. Not only does a less cluttered home feel bigger, it is also good for our minds.
In one study, having a tidy house was linked to good physical health. People with tidier houses were more active and were physically more able. This is because when we feel better mentally we reflect it physically.
Conclusion
Home decor can be a small but important way we can make ourselves feel better. Improving the amount of light we let in into our homes can make us happier. Choosing the colour we use in rooms can influence how we feel. Decluttering our spaces of living can have a positive impact on how we live. Home decor does not have to be expensive. Little changes go a long way!