Episode 3: Environment Matters: Psychology of Interior Design (Part 2)

This 2 part episode is create a background understanding of interior design principles that will help in understanding everything else to come.
Today Sarah shares 8 interior design tips that will instantly brighten both your physical and our mental space; these design concepts are scientifically proven to elevate any interior space and transform any sized house into a happy home.

Show Notes:

his week I'm sharing professional interior design techniques that apply these psychological concepts.
These 8 design concepts are scientifically proven to elevate any interior space and transform any sized house into a happy home.

COLOR

Design psychology says: colors have a major impact on our mood/feelings.
Color psychology is the study of how different colors affect human mood and behavior. It explores how colors can influence emotional responses.
Ex: Red and Oranges tend to bring feelings of energy while cool tones like blue and purple create mellow vibes.
Ex: Blue is known to be very calming and has even been shown to decrease heart and blood pressure.
We can use color to make a space feel more expansive or contained (how it reflects light)
First step in design process- determine the desired function and feel of each room (like we do together in Design Project Jumpstart:) so you can use appropriate colors to achieve the desired effect.

2. KEEP IT CLEAN

Design psychology says: clutter = stress
Mess and Clutter has been shown to increase cortisol (stress hormone) and can reinforce fatigue and depression.
Visual noise = mental noise which results in anxiety and stress
Aim to store as much as possible out of sight. Consider cabinets, dressers, trucks, boxes, storage, drawers.
Be mindful with exposed storage such as bookshelves. Be intentional with what you display and how it's placed.
Ex dishes stacked neatly vs haphazardly piled in the sink
Clean = improved light

Dust can reduce reflectiveness, impacting light- dirty windows will allow less light in.

3. SPACE IT OUT

Design psychology says: humans respond positively to open space.
Brain space is equated to the physical space it’s in. More space= more room to think and mentally explore.
Furniture should always be arranged with consideration to flow and how people will move through the space.
Typically avoid blocking windows, door, room openings
Aim to balance small and large pieces of furniture.
Bonus interior design tip: an area rug almost always benefits a space (even if it's carpeted) because it connects furniture pieces and grounds the space as a whole.

Especially helpful in open floor plans defines different

4. NATURAL LIGHT

Design psychology says: insufficient natural light results has various negative health impacts.
Study after study shows low daylight diet is detrimental to mental health.
Studies note in the absence of adequate natural light specific diminishment of visual acuity, vitality, happiness, social and cognitive development, and academic performance.
As much as possible! (But still think about any potential issues as the sun moves through the day. Will a window be blinding?
Lose the heavy drapes/shades. Opt for something that filters light to allow some light through or layered options. (Ex: hotels-usually have a light filtering covering independently of black out curtains)
Consider the "why" of the window covering: does it serve a function (like offering privacy) or contribute to the overall design of the room (like curtains)? If not consider if it's really needed at all.
More recent studies even link lack of sunlight to higher blood pressure.

5. BRING NATURE IN

Design psychology says: increased exposure to the natural world results in a ton of various mental health
There is TONS of scientific evidence showing various benefits of exposure to organic nature. Most notably as a stress reducer
Evolutionary theory that our prehistoric selfs roaming the desert would equate lush green spaces = survival (food, water)
Fractal Theory: Nature is often fractal - a shape that repeats at different scales. Because shapes are similar doesn’t take as much mental energy to visualize them - less thinking= relaxed less stressed.
Example of Ulrich's study with the hospital patients (in last weeks episode)
Plants (even faux plants have the same affect)
Windows , furniture placed to look out windows
Art, decor

6. ROUND IT OUT

Design psychology says: curved objects make us happy and less fearful.
evolutionary theory : in prehistoric times angled things tended to be dangerous ( like animal teeth, jagged rocks, etc) while rounded shapes new baby, foliage signaled safety.
Consider where can you incorporate curved over straight?
Architectural examples: arched door ways, fireplaces or in furniture and decorative items.
Decorative examples: lamps/light fixtures, round wall mirror, circular throw pillows, a round coffee table, ottoman, or pouf.
Architecture is generally right angles so nice break to our eyes to flow -

7. MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL

Design psychology says: studies and neuroimaging show that humans go into a more positive state of mind when inside a beautiful space instead of one that is ugly or mediocre.
Exemplifies Maslow’s room study discussed in last weeks episode
Beauty is personal - go through your home and note what feels beautiful in each space and what doesn’t.
Take time to add or integrate design elements and decor that bring beauty to each space
beautiful space = evokes positive feelings

8. MAKE IT ALL ABOUT YOU!

Design psychology says: each of use responds to design cues differently
I believe a space should be designed specifically to each client's unique preferences, goals, and lifestyle.
Interior design is highly personal. A design plan that works in one person's home doesn't mean it will work in another
A good designer won't fixate just on a "design style" - they'll take time to help you understand your own mix of styles and help you infuse that into the space successfully.
Understanding how you use your space will guide the design AND the budget prioritization. Typically we spend most in the spaces you use the most but the starting state of the space is a factor amongst other things.
OUTRO
hope this has given you some context and ideas to make your house a happier home.
If you’d like to chat about working together I’d love to connect. There is a link to schedule a chat with me as well as my email and socials all in the show notes.

SOURCES: