What you see and how you perceive your environment can determine your level of productivity. While your mood is important to get the job done, it’s not only limited to your work productivity but also your home architecture because you need a place to unwind and recharge after a busy day at work. 

It is important to understand the effects of interior design on mental health because mental health is not only about illness or disorder, it is associated with overall psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

What is the relationship between interior design and mental health? 

You must have been in certain environments where you have overworked yourself before getting in but after you got through the door you felt relieved and you thought to yourself, this is him!

According to the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, there are rules of peaceful living that affect the flow of energy in your body. In recent times, neuroscientists are now collaborating with architects and interior designers to test the influence of design elements on the brain and body and since creative behaviors such as critical thinking, problem solving and emotional intelligence are foundational skills that are needed in work environment in order to grow as a team, we can therefore conclude that an understanding of how we build our environment can directly support cognitive development.

It is therefore safe to conclude that interior design can either affect our mood negatively or positively. 

What is interior design? Interior design is a critical component of creating environments that promote mental health and well-being. Interior design encompasses various elements such as space, color, lighting, furniture, texture, pattern, and line which contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality.

How does interior design influence mental health?

1. Light boosts your mood: Have you ever wondered why you feel so excited at the sight of light? or why do you feel bored and tired when there is no light? The availability of light can either increase or reduce your productivity.  Also, an adequate amount of light improves mood and energy while poor lighting contributes to depression.  
2. An expansion of the home and workspace excites the spirit: An expanded workplace serves as a catalyst for enthusiasm, creativity, and progress. It also represents an opportunity to create more space and enhances functionality in the home. 
3. Plants and flowers: Nature has been known to be a mood lifter and one of the ways we can incorporate this into our interior designs is through the use of plants and flowers in enhancing the aesthetic and overall atmosphere of a space. The presence of plants in the workplace has been linked to increased productivity and creativity. Also, some plants can act as natural noise barriers in open spaces which can be beneficial in commercial environments and apartments where noise reduction is essential.
4. Color: Color is one of the primary components of your experience on earth. Each color brings a level of emotional power when they are used and it is important to know the right color to combine when designing space. Warm colors like yellow, orange, and red promote feelings of happiness, energy, and optimism, while cool colors like blue and green can induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. Also, colors help to promote creativity when properly used, an example is the color purple and violet which encourages innovative thinking and stimulates imagination. Hence, an understanding of the psychology of color will be a valuable tool in designing spaces that promote mental well-being and a positive environment.
5. Art: Art can either create a positive or negative emotion in you depending on the kind. Since our brains are wired differently and have the capacity to respond to art and decorative elements, you should work with what you are comfortable with. According to professor Semir Zeki, a neurobiologist in the university college London, viewing art gives the same pleasure as falling in love. 

How do you know if your workspace and home is helping to improve your mood?

Evaluation is important when deciding if you are in the right work or home environment for your mental health. Here are some questions to ask yourself to evaluate your environment;

• How do I feel when I enter the room? Do I feel cheerful? relaxed? happy? comfortable? Or do I feel sad? frustrated? stifled?
• Do I love to spend time there? Is it my favorite place to be in?
• Can I actually unwind here after a long day?
• Do I love to have my loved ones here? 
• Do I feel safe here? 
• Do I feel comfortable here?
• Is it easy for me to fall asleep here?
• Is it easy for me to think and process things here?

Here are some steps to help you improve your interior design and your mental health;

• Decluttering: Decluttering your space offers numerous benefits like reducing stress, increased productivity, enhancing mental clarity and creativity. Also, a decluttered space allows for easier cleaning which can also contribute to a healthier environment .
• Redesign your space: Exploring a fresh layout for your home or office is rather commendable. You also invest in quality furniture that can contain the majority of your possession without taking up space. Example of that is a wardrobe that can house your dresses with other compartments for your shoes, bags, and other accessories. Redesigning your space could also mean rearranging your work or home environment to create a more efficient and visually appealing layout to maintain a tidy and organized environment. 
• Light: Whether it is natural or artificial, invest in it. Keep your window blinds raised all through the day and also invest in quality curtains to make way for sunshine to get into the room. Also, there are artificial light that are not expensive and can be budget friendly you can invest in to brighten the room.
• Art and color: When you invest in quality art that speaks to you and also improves your mood, you will find it easier to work and relax in your space. Different colors affect our moods differently. Research colors and moods, and pick colors that improve your mood and make you feel good.

The connection between mental health and interior design is undeniable. In simple terms, good things make you feel good, so the more you have good things around you, the better you’ll feel. 

Also keep in mind that it doesn’t need to be expensive to be beneficial. You can invest in inexpensive accessories that will add flavor to your office and home. You may not even need to make any purchases to improve your interior design. It may be as simple as moving things around, and taking some things away. Take a look at your surroundings, and think about what you can do to improve it and improve your mental health. The main goal is to be happy and comfortable so do it to your taste and within your budget. 

The look and feel of your immediate environment is important and can greatly influence your mental health. So,  by carefully considering the use of color, lighting, plants, art, and decor pieces, your space can be transformed into an environment that promotes positive emotions and reduces stress.

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