It’s a sign of genuine progress that mental health is taken so much more seriously today.
Even a decade ago, mental health issues still carried a certain stigma, one that led people to keep their problems bottled up. As a result, these people would live through their trauma and hardships in silence. Fortunately, the shift in attitude towards those struggling with their mental health has sparked great hope for many.
This also led to a surge in tips and advice for supporting mental health. From health newsletters to “me day” plans, people have more resources to cope with their issues safely. A unique trend that has gained traction lately is designing homes with the express purpose of soothing people’s minds.
Home design has always played a role in mental health, whether people realize it or not. Humans just have this instinct to find somewhere to call “home.” The saying goes “Home is where the heart is,” and this is reflected in how people view real estate today—not just as a way to build wealth, but as an investment in spaces that enhance their happiness and overall well-being.
This is similar to the concept of “Feng Shui” among interior designers inspired by Chinese culture. These designers don’t just focus on pure aesthetics but also take into account the effect that living spaces have on those within them.
The American Psychological Association found that clutter is both a symptom and cause of severe stress. Marie Kondo, a critically acclaimed author and professional organizer, exploded in popularity with the quote “This does not spark joy.” The philosophy of an organized home reflecting a happy life is yet another instance of home’s association with your mental health.
Everybody has different interpretations of what makes them feel happy about their home. Although the importance of a “clean” home is emphasized by experts, “clean” can mean vastly different things for every person. While a doctor with disorganized papers may feel progress after sorting them out, artists may benefit from a bit of “controlled chaos” to spark their creativity.
That said, there are some universal tips for making your home feel comfortable and safe.
Your space should feel like “you” and the best way to accomplish that is by using your favorite colors. A splash of beloved hues will make a home feel more personal and thus, safe. As for how to implement that color, this can be accomplished through paint, furniture, and decorations. It ultimately boils down to preference, but the help of an expert interior designer can go a long way.
In addition to colors, pay attention to how those colors complement each other. Take note of color combinations that evoke a specific reaction from you. More importantly, consider if you want to feel that emotion whenever you enter a room. These may seem like small details, but they can ultimately affect your mood.
Every home naturally needs light, but sunlight should be present somewhere in your home. Look for a spot in your house where you feel comfortable letting sunlight warm your face. The importance of actual sunlight, not just a pale imitation of a light bulb, cannot be understated.
Studies have proven that exposure to sunlight makes people less likely to experience poor mental health. On a scientific level, sunlight is good for the human body, especially in the mornings.
While being stylish is always a noble cause, it should never come at the expense of mental health. Everything in a house should be in service of making its occupant happy. Sure, this abstract painting may make a living room look “regal,” but what if something like pictures of loved ones went on the wall instead?
Being comfortable doesn’t mean giving up style, of course. In addition to aesthetics, you should take into account details like the texture and material of furniture. Some expensive sofas may look impressive but feel like sitting on stone. A humble sofa with a simple design and soft pillows does wonders for one’s mental health.
Empty rooms can be incredibly depressing. These are either signs of delayed plans, general apathy, or even feelings of emptiness. That’s why rooms need to have a purpose, whatever that may be. Design each space with intention and try to make each space personalized.
Your room shouldn’t just be the place you sleep. Start working on that mini office setup you’ve put off for so long. Alternatively, make one room the “storage” room as a hub for the random clutter. If nothing else, it keeps the rest of the house clean, though the storage room should be somewhat organized.
Even something like home design can make you feel so much better. While professional help and a web of authentic relationships will do the most for mental health, your home comes at a close third. A beautiful home can also mean a healthy mind, especially if you pursue it with passion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works