We’ve been working on our first home for a few years now, and living amidst the chaos of ongoing renovations is no joke. I never anticipated the challenges, and it significantly affected my day-to-day well-being. However, I didn't fully grasp the extent until we completed a room.

As I opened the front door and walked into my newly finished living room, something extraordinary happened. The contrast in the atmosphere highlighted the stress my environment had caused. It suddenly wasn’t this half done, CHAOTIC space anymore.

This curiosity led me to delve into the fascinating realm of environmental psychology - I didn’t even know that this was a THING! The science behind the impact of our living spaces on our well-being is incredibly fascinating.

Studies show that your environment can affect your well-being and even your productivity - it’s mind blowing just how much a ‘space’ impacts your mood.

95% of your life comes from a subconscious point of view - ie 95% of the time you are driven by YOUR subconscious mind which means that all the things you don’t consciously think about your brain is still digesting - including the spaces around you.

Your brain is always ticking, constantly picking up on your surroundings and driving your thought processes in different directions.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at this!

1. COLOUR

The colours in a room can significantly affect your mood and emotions. For instance, cool tones like blues and greens are often linked to a sense of calmness and relaxation, while warm tones like reds and yellows can evoke energy and excitement.

2. NATURAL LIGHT

Exposure to natural light has been proven to ENHANCES mood and boost productivity. Having sufficient natural light in your living space not only regulates circadian rhythms but also promotes vitamin D production, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

On the flip side, not enough natural light can lead to feelings of lethargy and may even contribute to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - no one needs to be SAD in any way!

3. DISORGANISED

A disorganised and cluttered space can induce stress and anxiety. Maintaining a tidy and organised living space fosters a sense of control and order, positively influencing your mental state.

4. PERSONAL

Surrounding yourself with items that hold personal significance or provide comfort can contribute to a positive mental state. Customising your space creates a sense of belonging and connection, making it a more inviting and comforting environment.

5. THE ELEMENTS

Incorporating elements of nature into interior design (aka your home…) such as plants, natural materials, and views of greenery, has been correlated with reduced stress levels, increased creativity and enhanced cognitive function.

-These are all just some of the things that influence you mood within a space which subsequently influences your overall well-being.

Here are some practical steps that can help you CURATE & cultivate a space SO that it makes you feel inspired and ready to walk this life with a skip in your step:

1: Declutter!

Just get rid of anything and everything that just simply isn’t needed or you just never liked having around.

2: Things you LOVE

Make a decision to only buy things you need and in the styles that inspire you. It doesn’t have to be an all in one situation - it can be one item a month or shopping at your local charity shop. There are so many opportunities for you to make a treasure out of the items you find. 

3: Get Organised

NOW, I know it sounds boring but that’s only a matter of perception. I used to hate it too until I felt the after affects of it all. To help get you started have a look on Pinterest and create a mood board- this always help to get your creative juices flowing. Make sure you use principle 2 in this too - find organisers that make you feel excited about the process and that inspire you to get organised.

4: Functionality is KEY

Make your spaces functional for you goals. If it JUST looks ‘pretty’ - it doesn’t mean it’s going to help you take ACTION. You have to think about your space and what you plan to DO in that room. Your four walls can either propel you into your future or become a barrier for your development in getting there. So keep its function at the top of your priority list.

5: Bring your WALLS to LIFE

Get prints & special photographs on those walls! Your favourite memories, places you want to see or a print that acts as a reminder on what your goals are. Whatever it is make sure that it means something to you & inspires you to keep on going. 

6: Give your room a MOMENT

This is something I LOVE to create. It’s a little space within your home that gives you a COZY feeling inside. An example is a book nook or a little chair in the sun. You could make it a place that is a good space for you to just sit with your thoughts when you need it most or even create a space where you can journal those thoughts and reflect on your day. 

7: Set theTONE

Choose your colour pallet but take into account what you’ve learnt about colours. Ask yourself, “How I want to feel in this space?’ Align your colour choices with the way you want to feel and decide if you want the colours to be in smaller accent pieces like accessories and books or larger items like walls and furniture.

8: INFUSE your style

Create spaces that you can style and inject your creativity into.

Maybe it’s a few shelves on the wall with coffee table books, your favourite print and a chain. Or maybe its on top of your dressing table. No matter where it is it’s important to remember it’s YOUR space, so make it special.

Give yourself something BEAUTIFUL to look at- it’ll do more than just look pretty to your mood.

This changed the way I perceive MY SPACE. It’s become less of a chore and more of an exciting invitation to bring together my ambition and make sure it is reflected in my home. I don’ know about you but I’m choosing to decorate consciously by creating a home that gives me peace, ignites joy and leaves me feeling passionate about the life I am so privileged to live. Just like my living room made me feel that day I walked through my front door. The question is, how are you going to make your space feel?