Our homes have a major influence on our mood and outlook. The winter blues can be tough for anyone and as you spend more time at home, little things can make a difference to lift your spirits. Here are some ideas to create a feel-good environment in your personal space.
Bring nature indoors
Incorporating natural elements engages our senses and connects us to the soothing rhythms of the natural world.
- Display fresh flowers and live plants to bring vibrancy and life to a room. Take good care of plants and replace flowers as they fade.
- Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. Place a comfortable chair or sofa by the window to enjoy the outdoors.
- Use essential oil diffusers or reed diffusers with natural scents such as eucalyptus, pine, vanilla or lavender. Avoid synthetic, chemical-laden air fresheners.
- Place a small water feature indoors, such as a tabletop fountain, to create soothing water sounds.
- Display natural objects such as shells, stones, feathers or branches collected from outside to maintain a sense of connection.
- Add a touch of green and wood tones to your interior to create a natural look.
Optimize lighting for a better mood
Lighting has a major influence on our mood and energy levels. Evaluate lighting needs per room.
- Use full-spectrum, daylight, or LED lights to mimic natural light. These reduce eye strain and fatigue.
- Low lighting for flexibility – combine overhead, task and accent lighting as needed. Use dimmers.
- Maximize natural light during the day by opening curtains and blinds. Clean the windows to let in enough light.
- Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to brighten dark corners and ‘bounce’ natural light.
- Prefer floor and table lamps over ceiling lights for a softer, cozier atmosphere at night.
- Use strings of twinkling lights, candles or lanterns to add warmth and playfulness in the dark.
Add a pop of uplifting color
Color has a profound influence on mood. Paint, accessories, textiles and artwork are easy ways to inject feel-good color.
- Go for light, bright wall colors such as light blue, green or yellow to evoke feelings of energy and cheerfulness.
- Use accents in vibrant jewel tones or sunny shades of orange and red for an instant positivity boost.
- Limit black and white, which can feel stark and sterile if used too much. Use sparingly and deliberately as accents.
- Display artwork and photos with bright, cheerful colors and warm tones. Match the frames for a cohesive look.
- Choose patterned rugs, cushions and throws in colors that inspire you. Change them seasonally for freshness.
- Provide fresh flowers in colors that will boost your mood – try yellow, pink and orange. Replace when the flowers begin to fade.
Make small upgrades to your home
Even small upgrades can make your home function better and lift your spirits.
- Fix stuck drawers, squeaky doors and dripping taps – these little annoyances cost energy if left unchecked.
- Upgrade old appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines that are inefficient, unreliable or annoying to use. Avoid excessive repair costs on outdated devices.
- Install handy storage solutions such as racks, bins and shelves to easily access items and keep clutter under control. Hide eye problems that you can’t part with.
- Update the lighting with stylish new fixtures – pendants, sconces, accent lamps – to freshen the look of a room. Clear light switches and perspex light switches are a great way to add some light. The clearly arranged switches and sockets of Corston are a great place to start. Visit their website for more inspiration!
- Replace heavy curtains with airy sheers or blinds to let in natural light and create an open, welcoming atmosphere.
- Update surround sound, TVs or internet/wifi equipment to optimize entertainment and connectivity.
- Replace worn-out mattresses and bedding to ensure a comfortable, relaxing sleeping space.
Curate Soothing Soundscape
The sounds in our environment have a major influence on how we feel. Evaluate the comfort of sounds throughout your home.
- Mask annoying sounds like street traffic with a sound machine or soothing music. Prefer natural sounds such as rain showers or ocean waves.
- Upgrade loud appliances like vacuum cleaners and dishwashers for quieter options. Apply sound-absorbing materials if necessary.
- Minimize television and background music. Silence can be nourishing. When using sound, choose uplifting, cheerful selections.
- Acoustic panels, rugs and curtains absorb echo and ambient noise to create a more soothing auditory space.
- Open windows to let in ambient sounds of nature, such as birdsong, wind and rain. Close windows and doors to minimize unwanted noise.
Show inspiring images and quotes
Surround yourself with images, quotes and messages that uplift you.
- Frame inspiring art prints, family photos, travel memories and crafts to highlight your passions.
- Decorate with cheerful reminders such as ‘Hello Sunshine’ and ‘Home Sweet Home’. Avoid negative sentences.
- Use washi tape, whiteboards or digital frames to display inspirational quotes that resonate with you. Change them regularly.
- Keep vision boards, gratitude journals, or framed goals in view as motivational reminders.
- Apply favorite quotes or mantras to phone lock screens and computer desktops to see them regularly.
- Rotate children’s artwork and favorite photos to keep cherished memories and loved ones close.
With thoughtful adjustments to your living space, you can create an uplifting environment that will support you emotionally and boost your mood every day. A serene, cheerful and comfortable home offers protection and gives you energy to face life’s challenges.
