Here Are Common Ways Home Decor
Can Improve Your Wellbeing

By Mikkie Mills

When we decorate our living spaces, it reflects our personality and gives us a chance to express ourselves creatively. Some people love modern decor, whereas others enjoy decorating using victorian mirrors and other antique items. In addition, the decor you choose for your home, apartment, or office can also affect your mood and mental state. Here are just a few ways you can improve your overall wellbeing to become happier and healthier.

Color Your Mood

By now, it's common knowledge that color affects us in ways we might not even realize and professionals use this to their benefit by selecting the color of their attire. While choosing the right color suit can make others more receptive to your business proposal, the color of your office, or your home, can also have an impact. For instance, shades of yellow promote energy and creativity, so this may be the best choice for your office. Bathrooms and bedrooms should be green, which promotes rejuvenation. For living spaces, it's wise to select bold, bright colors, because hues, such as turquoise or tangerine, can chase away lethargy and fatigue.

You Can Never Have Too Many Plants

Using real plants as decor can require developing something of a green thumb, but the effort will be worth it. In addition to providing a pleasing atmosphere and a naturally sweet scent (depending on the plant), plants can improve breathing. As they draw in carbon monoxide and release oxygen, you'll find that it becomes easier to breathe. Your blood will develop a higher oxygen count, helping you to feel more energetic and ambitious.

Pay Attention to Shapes

Whether you believe it or not, the shapes of your furnishings and decor do send a message. Sharp, hard-edged shapes create dangers and suggest an unyielding personality. These shapes can also create tension and discomfort on a subconscious level. While your home automation devices may only come in hard, sharp shapes, your decor can be chosen more carefully. Select round, or curved shapes to create a welcoming atmosphere in your living spaces. Save the sharp objects for your office, where you want to present that level of emotional detachment.

Natural Light Brightens the Mind

Sunlight is good for the skin to a certain degree, because it infuses the body with vitamin D. Additionally, sunlight in the home makes rooms seem bigger and elevates the mood. For all of these reasons, expanding the exposure to sunlight can make your living space a happier place and help you feel more energized. Even if your home is lacking in the way of windows, there are ways to maximize sunlight without committing to costly renovations. Bring mirrors into the home and place them strategically, where they can catch and reflect the sunlight. In addition to bringing more light into the room, this will also make the rooms seem bigger.

Don't Forget About Your Nose

Mood-elevating decor isn't just about appearances. The scent in the room can also impact your mindset and improve your sense of wellbeing. Overall, pleasing scents, delivered by either scented candles, incense, or oil diffusers, help us feel more relaxed, secure, and comfortable. Some scents can trigger specific feelings, or states of mind.

• Lavender promotes sleep
• Cinnamon makes you more alert
• Citrus boosts energy
• Pine helps reduce stress
• Jasmine can help reduce the symptoms of depression

Maximize the Space in Your Living Space

Finally, it might be a good idea to rearrange your furnishings, if your living space feels crowded. Your furniture should be set up in a way that maximizes the open space of the room. A room that feels, or looks, small and crowded can negatively impact your state of mind. Similarly, don't let clutter, such as clothes and papers, pile up. The mere presence of a clutter can affect you without your ever realizing it. If you feel edgy, irritable, or depressed, a cluttered living space may be the reason.

By giving more thought to how you decorate your home, you can change your wellbeing and improve your outlook on life. Best of all, you can make these changes without spending much money at all. As your state of mind reaches a better balance, you may also become more productive at work, more dedicated to your physical health, and more interested in creating social bonds.

About Mikkie Mills: “I’m a Chicago native who loves to share her expertise about personal development and growth. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing the little ones around or rock climbing at the local climbing gym.” More articles by Mikkie.