4 Design Features to Support Mental Health

It’s mid-January, and we’re currently in some of the shortest days of the year. On top of the limited daylight hours, so many people are experiencing stay-at-home quarantines admit the recent post-holiday covid spike. All that being said, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being is more important than ever, and it all starts with your home environment. Tips like organization, decluttering, and keeping a tidy space are essential, but we’re taking it a few steps further. Read on for our favorite mood-boosting design features to support mental health throughout the winter season.

 

All Photography by Madeline Harper

DESIGN FEATURES TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

 

one. consider color

 

Did you know experts believe color has the power to directly impact your mood—both for better and for worse. The problem is that determining the “best” hues isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. While some might find neutral spaces incredibly calming, others are drawn to more vivid tones that energize the senses. Mood-boosting color is very much a matter of personal preference, but here are a few shades we love in both warm and cool tones:

 

 

 

Best Vivid Colors

 

 

More to Read: The Best White Paint Colors for Your Home

 

 

two. include natural elements

 

It’s no secret that plants and botanicals add so much life to a space. They brighten up even the dreariest of winter days and are one of the key design features to support mental health. We recommend including at least one house plant or fresh flower arrangement in your kitchen, main living area, and home office. Start by paying a visit to your local floral shop or order online for the ultimate convenience. Don’t consider yourself much of a green thumb? Dried or high-quality faux botanicals can be an excellent alternative.

 

 

 

 

 

three. reevaluate light sources

 

Natural light is everything when it comes to beating winter blues. If you’re working from home, consider choosing a space with the most windows possible. Natural light will help give you a sense of connection to the outside world and makes all the difference in your daily mood. Another option is purchasing a happy light for your desk. Light therapy lamps are an easy, inexpensive way to prioritize your well-being throughout the workday.

 

More to Read: Work From Home Productivity Hacks

 

 

four. incorporate calming scents

 

Designing with scent plays such an important role in a home’s sensory experience. Whether it’s lighting a favorite candle or enjoying the aroma of a diffuser, scent works to elevate a space and evoke notes of the current season. Go ahead and boost your mood with these classic scents to burn throughout the day.

 

 

 

Tell us: how are you incorporating design features to support mental health this winter season? Stay well, friends!

 

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Looking to elevate your brand and social media strategy? Have a look at these posts:

• The Best Spring Scents for Your Home
• Work From Home Productivity Hacks
• Mushroom Paint Colors We Love
• New Instagram Hacks for Interior Designers
• Shop the Look: Statement Chandeliers

 

IDCO Studio is a full-service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Our recently launched limited-release website templates are the perfect way for interior designers to get a luxury website on a budget. These templates allow designers to maintain control of their content. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.