Concern about mental health is increasing. According to the Ipsos Institute, five out of ten Brazilians point out that this is the country’s main problem in terms of the population’s well-being. But have you ever imagined that the decoration and mental health may be related?
Therefore, in addition to conventional treatment, such as medications and therapies, the residential environment also contributes to the experience of good sensations and peace. For this reason, we brought 8 decorating ideas to improve your psychological well-being. Continue reading to find out more!
What is the relationship between decoration and mental health?
According to architect Isabella Nalon, the impact of home decoration on mental health is very significant. This is because it acts as a tool that expresses the feelings of its residents, as well as influencing both stress and promoting a welcoming and positive place.
In the integrated social area in the image above, the architect invested in a neutral color palette, handmade items and the presence of nature in the layout and natural plants.
“Legitimately, I believe that interior architecture directly interferes with our sensations and it is very interesting to realize that the house as a whole and the environment we live in is a reflection of how we feel. Within an internal healing process, it is very common for the first steps to be linked to the organization and, often, even to carrying out a reform”comments architect Isabella Nalon.
Therefore, the architect is extremely attentive to issues between decoration and mental health and selects different references to incorporate into your projects.
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How can architecture influence mental health?
Did you know that there is a relationship between decoration and mental health? Yes, the way you design your residence and decorate the spaces in your home reflects on your mental well-being.
Thus, the planning and organization of space, the colors of decoration items and walls, the arrangement of furniture and even lighting have a strong influence on your feelings.. Check out 6 good decoration choices that can help with your mental health.
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1. Organization helps with psychological well-being
Keeping the environment organized and clean is the first step. This is because the clutter of a space disturbs the mind, which triggers many problems. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the place well-planned, especially since the ease of finding what you are looking for is directly related to the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, the organization gives residents the idea that they have control over the environment. According to Isabella Nalon, cleaning and keeping items in their proper place helps in the continued possibility of enjoying the benefits brought by interior architecture.
In this living room of a resident with a large collection of books, the structuring of a large bookshelf made it possible to systematize all the books he collects.
“I always like to point out that the lack of care at home can worsen our mental health. Dirty walls, old fabrics, stained carpets, broken objects and a variety of accumulated items are very bad references.”deliberates the architect.
Therefore, keep your environment functional, so that it does not bring you bad sensations, such as confusion, stress and anxiety.
2. Calm colors
When applied correctly, colors can provide great sensations. Thus, the choice of colors in interior decoration is directly related to the mental health of residents. This is because each color is assigned a large spectrum of sensations within the color wheel.
Therefore, to bring lightness to the decoration and increase psychological well-being, use palettes composed of white, blue, pink and green. The reason for this is that these colors allow the creation of a soft atmosphere. On the other hand, flashy colors such as yellow, orange and red influence the nervous system, causing agitation.
“The psychology of colors describes exactly how each color impacts our organism and behavior, in different ways, in our brain”discoursed Isabella Nalon.
To define the tones, it is essential that we understand the purpose that the client wishes to attribute to the environment.
“With relaxation in mind, the option transitions between neutral colors and monochromatic readings, without excessive mixing”guides the professional.
3. Natural elements in decoration
The theory of biophilia (love of living things) explains that human beings have an innate connection with nature. Therefore, using natural elements in decoration can improve people’s mental health, bringing a feeling of peace and warmth.
Investing in elements from organic materials provides an automatic connection with nature. The use of materials such as wool, cotton, wood, clay, fiber and stone, among others, results in more cozy and conducive environments to achieve good feelings such as happiness, satisfaction and the pleasure of being.
“The craftsmanship that gives shape to decorative objects gives us this ‘what’ of spontaneity and really supports us in this mission”reflects the architect.
4. Lighting impacts mental health
Lighting is another factor that reflects on psychological well-being. An example of this is natural light, known to help regulate the circadian rhythm, affecting sleep and mood. Furthermore, it is a source of vitamin D, essential for humans. In this sense, decoration and mental health are also related.
In addition to abundant natural light, as far as possible, architect Isabella Nalon highlights that a more cozy lighting design also combines the use of pendants, indirect and focal lights.
In this social area created by architect Isabella Nalon, the wide frames of the integrated balcony enliven the well-being conferred by the interior design.
“In this mix, it is essential to make room for the light that enters our homes, as the activation caused by vitamin D interferes with our body’s cycle, improving the cardiac and circulatory system. Not to mention that the openings for the frames help regulate the temperature of the room, as they encourage air circulation.”details Isabella.
5. Furniture can help with comfort
Furthermore, furniture is also a decorative item that can reflect on mental health. In this sense, they both help and hinder. This is because they may not be aligned with the essence of the residential project.
In view of this, it is relevant Select the right models for each environment, considering factors such as ergonomics, material, dimensions and style. Through this information, the architect states that it is possible to designate more assertive and healthy definitions to compose the decoration.
Furthermore, the concept of comfort implies offering a correct posture which, in turn, helps prevent back pain, muscle injuries and more accurate breathing. Regarding aesthetics, she reports that design and size are also responsible for creating pleasant, attractive and pleasurable environments.
Thus, the furniture contributes positively to the decoration and mental health of residents.
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6. Landscaping
Simple factors contribute to psychological well-being. One of them is contact with natural elements, which must be applied according to the limits of the environmental design. Like this, Including plants in the decor purifies the air in the room and can improve your mood.
Furthermore, landscaping beautifies the environment, making it more pleasant to the eyes and mind. So, Isabella Nalon ends by saying that creating spaces for physical activity is another interesting strategy.
“Maintaining a balanced routine, with healthy habits, up-to-date sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise complement the entire structure that we, architecture professionals, seek to deliver to our clients”concludes Isabella.
How to improve mental health at home?
As seen previously, in addition to practicing physical activity, prioritizing a balanced diet, hydrating yourself well and maintaining a good sleep routine, you can also use decorating your home for your mental health. Check out two more tips on how to do this here!
7. Art in decoration reflects the well-being of the mind
Inserting art on the wall that reflects your personality and feelings can bring more comfort to the environment and give you a feeling of belonging to the place. Furthermore, artistic expression can be an excellent way to externalize emotions and establish connections with ourselves.
8. Relaxation spaces
In addition to placing art in the environment, another interesting strategy to improve your mental health at home is create a specific area to relax. This space could be a porch with a comfortable armchair, a quiet corner of the house, or even an area with books and a gentle water fountain.
This way, you can have a place to feel peace, tranquility and comfort.
What factors can contribute to harming mental health?
In general, many elements can harm people’s psychological well-being. Among them, a sedentary lifestyle, the search for perfection that does not exist, lack of sleep and poor diet, among others. Therefore, it is important to seek help from professionals in the field.
Furthermore, being in a troubled environment can also be harmful to mental health. Therefore, a space with polluted decoration, very vibrant colors, few plants and disorganized also contribute to stress.
Decoration and mental health: conclusion
Did you imagine that decoration and mental health were related in this way? Well, now you know how to make your home decor better for your mental health, right? Also, if you want to know more about decoration, be sure to check out our category.
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