The Psychology of Interior Design – How Design Affects Human Behaviour

Turns out that Interior design is not just having pretty things everywhere! It is an art that has a much bigger role to play in our psyche and lives. Merely having a house does not make it a home, and simply having a workplace is not enough to be your most productive self. As a place where we spend most of our time, a home has to compliment one’s personality to help keep a relaxing, positive, and productive living environment. The same theory goes for your office or studio too.

The art and science of Interior Design focus on building a space that fits the resident’s personality, increases its functionality, and enhances it. Clutter and randomness are scientifically proven to disturb the mind and body. Various aspects of the design have their own role to play in its overall effectiveness.

It should also be known that designing and decorating are two different processes. An interior designer works on the utilization, organization, and coordination of all aspects of the interior of a space, whereas an interior decorator is responsible for placing decorative elements along the said space. A designer should be able to decorate as well.

The elements of light, color, space utilization, and personalization must come together in perfect harmony to convert a house into a home and a boring workplace into an energetic and productive one.

How Interior Design Can Affect Your Mood

Happiness can be induced by painting the space using the right color, having your favorite scented candles lit, playing the kind of music that elevates your spirits often, and placing objects that are sentimentally valuable to you.

Kitchens and office rooms require its user to be energetic and lifted. Shades of blue, red, orange, and yellow can boost creativity and productivity.

A home is responsible to provide you with a feeling of safety and comfort. Just having dark curtains and a small lamp on your bedside table can do better than we assume. The right choice of furniture can also do wonders. Soft, curvy sofas and beds boost comfort, whereas angular and rigid furniture makes you energized. If you have kids that just won’t calm down, having soft furniture could reduce your stress a lot.

A very common factor that many of us overlook is clutter. Having the things that you require near you itself can encourage you to keep grinding. Therefore, it is important that your workspace is arranged in such a way that it does not require you to move around too much to get your hands on what you want at the moment. It saves you both time and energy. A neatly organized workspace is absolutely life-changing.

Lastly, let your space breathe freely and bathe in natural light. Add more windows and ventilation, and healthy LED bulbs. The effects that good lighting, whether natural or artificial, has on our minds include reduction in stress, alleviation of mood, stable sleep patterns, and better circadian rhythm.

Elements of Interior Design and What They Do

1. Space Planning

Having the perfect layout means efficient use of space. Even small areas can feel spacious with the right layout of furniture and décor. It also makes the place look visually pleasing and calming. A room should have a right balance of positive and negative space – that is, it should neither be overcrowded nor too bare, based on the style of interior you choose according to the functionality of the room. Minimal designs and ornate designs do space planning differently.

2. Lighting

Lighting works most effectively with the color palette used in the room. There must be maximum utilization of natural light during the day, but at night, there are a whole lot of options to choose from. Ambient lighting is used in spaces where people spend time together and perform general activities.

Task lighting maximizes visual aid, minimizes strain on the eyes, and is used in offices, study rooms, kitchens, and libraries. Accent lighting does just what it says – it accentuates specific areas and objects. Mood lighting includes color-changing lights, strip lights, and fairy lights. It relieves stress and boosts motivation.

3. Patterns and Geometry

We find patterns and geometry everywhere around us. Angular shapes like rectangles and triangles impart a sense of balance and stability. Rigid-shaped building elements and curves represent continuity, sensuality, and harmony.

Wallpaper and décor with the right patterns and textures make one feel energetic and excited. The interior of a home should be a good mix of both.

4. Colors

Color psychology is no joke. Every space requires its own color palette to help us make the most out of its purpose. The colors suitable for bedrooms are not the ones for offices. Each color turns on different emotions in our brain. This is where color psychology comes into play.

Beiges and creams radiate calmness and peace, greys are balancing, yellows cheer you up, whites are pure and safe, reds elevate hunger and romance, and so on.

On a Final Note

Interior design is often overlooked for budgetary purposes by many people, but it is important to know that what your interior looks and feels like can affect how you feel on a day to day basis. Taking the matter into your own hands and doing it unprofessionally or without basic knowledge on the subject may even adversely affect your physical and mental health.