How to Promote Wellness With Home Design

Have you ever considered how your home environment impacts your health? With many of us spending more time at home than ever, it is essential your space remains a peaceful sanctuary free from stress.

Our homes greatly influence our lives, from how well we sleep, to how safe and secure we feel. People spend around two thirds of their time in their home. Research shows that sustainable, well-designed homes lead to better health and wellbeing of occupants.

We have a selection of quick and simple interior design adjustments you could make today to boost your mood and promote wellness in your home.

A recent study by Monash University has highlighted a strong association between the amount of natural light you receive and your mental health. Being exposed to increased natural light helps to stimulate our brain’s production of the ‘feel-good’ chemical Serotonin, which is vital for stabilising our mood. There are many ways to enhance the amount of natural light in your home; Strategically placed mirrors and off-white paint shades will help to reflect existing light. Even a simple adjustment, such as making sure your windows are clean, will increase the amount of light you are receiving.

We often use colours to describe how we feel; we say we feel ‘blue’ when we are down and ‘see red’ when angry. So, it’s not surprising that colour psychology states that specific colours trigger different emotional responses. Therefore, choosing the most appropriate colours for each room's use is crucial. For example, using neutral tones such as light grey and muted greens in the bedroom will create a sense of calm and tranquillity, while adding a burst of orange or yellow is said to encourage communication, which would be ideal for a kitchen/diner. 

Research has shown that time spent in green spaces can decrease anxiety and enhance mental wellness. Even the addition of plants in our home can make a notable difference to our well-being. A recent study published in the Urban Forestry & Urban Greening journal reported that from a selection of 4000 people worldwide, 74% of those who had vegetation in their home had greater emotional well-being during the COVID-19 lockdowns than those who did not. Indoor plants, such as the Snake plant, are also incredible for boosting our oxygen levels, while the Aloe Vera plant is not only excellent for absorbing moisture in bathrooms but aloe can even be used as a natural moisturiser.

Clutter can contribute to anxiety, cognitive overload, and a sense of feeling out of control. The KonMari method of de-cluttering, made famous by professional organiser Marie Kondo, is a great technique to use. The process involves going through your home, grouping items into categories, and considering if you will wear, eat, or display them, and if you won’t, discard them. Creating designated spaces for your belongings according to how and when you use them can also be great time savers and contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. For example, if you want to eat more fruit, place it in baskets at the front of the fridge for easy access. If you’re going for a run every morning, position your workout gear and trainers in a convenient spot so that you can head straight out the door.

If you find yourself constantly bumping into furniture or having to negotiate your way around internal doors, this can add unnecessary frustration to your daily life. Reconfiguring your home to have better flow can reduce these stressors and enable you to enjoy your home to the fullest. To prevent trip hazards, keep all pathways clear, and increase circulation space around your furniture by reducing clutter. To avoid bumping into large pieces of furniture, such as the dining table or coffee table, consider investing in round-shaped, extendable, or custom-made tables to prevent unnecessary bruises.

Recent statistics have revealed that around 60% of the UK’s population have left the office to work from home. Therefore, it is now important to set up your home office correctly to prevent posture-related pains and injury. Consider investing in ergonomic equipment, such as an adjustable chair, standing desk, or headphones to make calls. Keeping your home office separate from the rest of the house is vital to achieving a clear transition from work to home life, where possible use another room or consider providing a dedicated area for working which can be partitioned off. Be sure to personalise the space with calm yet motivating colours, ensure the correct lighting to reduce glare and maintain an optimum temperature for comfort and productivity.

The importance of ventilation has been significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from helping to reduce the risk of circulating viruses, ventilation reduces air pollution such as dust, dirt or gases, which have been linked to health issues including poor sleep quality and increased respiratory issues. To improve the air quality of your home, keep your rooms well-aired, use extractor fans to reduce condensation and check air ducts regularly. You can also reduce your risk of dust mites by vacuuming regularly, regularly washing bedding, and using dust-mite proof covers and mattresses where possible.

Inspired by nature, biophilic interior design ideas use natural fabrics, earthy colours, and lots of greenery to help us feel more connected to the outdoors, improving our psychological and physical health and wellness. Biophilic design favours soft curves over harsh lines, natural colours such as blue and light browns and a mix of textures and fabrics to provide an incredible experience for the senses. You could also consider ways to further connect your house to the outdoors, such as choosing flooring that extends through to an alfresco decking area. Water also plays a significant role in biophilic design, from adding soothing water features to your garden to experiencing the therapeutic benefits of a rain shower in your bathroom.

At Berkeley Group, we take pride in designing homes with your wellbeing in mind. We have a healthy homes framework, and we surround our homes with beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor spaces for you to reconnect with nature. We also design our interiors to maximise light and space and create layouts that make everyday life flow more easily. Take a look at our stunning collection of sustainable homes and luxury apartments across London, Birmingham and the South of England to find your own sanctuary.