After R U OK? Day this month, we started thinking about the ways design can influence your mood, and how a few simple ideas can help to enhance your general mood and wellbeing.
Colour
Our brains are programmed to respond to colour, which is why certain colours make you feel a certain way.
Light and bright colours have a more positive impact on your mood than dark and heavy ones. Generally if you’re working with mid to dark tones, they are more mood enhancing if they have a warm, rather than cool base.
Elements
The four elements of fire, earth, water and air play a strong role in changing our mood.
Fire: A cosy fireplace or soft candlelight encourage warmth and romance
Earth: Flowers or green plants can instantly lift a room with a pop of colour and a soft fragrance.
Water: The gentle trickle of a water feature can promote relaxation and help restore calm.
Air: There’s nothing more refreshing than opening the window to let in the fresh air.
Lighting
Poor lighting can make your makeup, clothes & furnishings look bad, but can also negatively impact your mood. Natural lighting is always best, but when that’s not an option, choose artificial lighting that has a ‘natural’ look rather than appearing stark and sterile. A warm white globe will be better than a cool white.
Mood lighting can help elevate or soften your mood, so have a dimmer switch installed with your lighting so you can control the brightness. Or, for a more simple approach, try turning on a lamp or light a few candles; they have the added bonus of a delicious scent.
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation whose vision is a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide. Accordingly, their mission is to encourage and equip everyone to regularly and meaningfully ask “are you ok?” Visit their website for more information on where to find help and how to get involved.
If you need a little guidance in creating an uplifting décor for your home, feel free to call Jenny on 0416 190 792 or email [email protected].
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