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Wellbeing in interiors
Our homes provide the backdrop to our lives, a place where we carry out daily rituals of rest and relaxation. It is also a place where we can truly be ourselves. For many, this year home has also become a place of work. For some the move to remote working has been a welcome change and for others it’s been more of a challenge; whether through lack of human interaction, little work space, or domestic distractions that can prove hard to ignore when spending so much time at home.
We can become dissatisfied with our homes if they are not supporting our needs. Ideally our homes embody who we are, they evolve with us and remind us of our core values. By creating a home that is an authentic reflection of the person that lives there we can create spaces that meet our needs on many levels. There are a few simple ways in which you can improve a home environment that is no longer working for you. These small changes will create a sense of wellbeing and spark creativity.
1. Establish a well-defined home working space. This will reinforce routine and increase productivity. Whether working from home, or enjoying creative pastimes, having a routinely defined space for this activity will in time become a place you subconsciously associate with those surroundings, meaning you only have to enter that space to trigger a ‘work’ mindset.
2. Make the most of natural light. The virtues of natural light are well documented, try placing your desk, or a comfortable chair in which to take a rest, near a window to boost your creativity and energy levels.
3. Engage senses. Materials introduce a tactile element; they can be used to tell a story within a scheme. Including made to measure velvet curtains lends a sumptuous, cocooning feel; while sheer linen curtains remind us of carefree breezy summer days.
4. Add colour. Colour plays a huge role in our perception of a space, adding uplifting stimulating colours such as blue tones can increase productivity, while greens create a sense of balance and harmony. Think about the mood you want to create.
5. Develop your own style. It’s easy to be influenced by the idea of creating a certain look in your home, as we change so do our needs, focus on your own needs and what brings you joy. By doing so you will effortlessly create a home that brings contentment.
6. Declutter. Identify which possessions you really need. The benefits of living with less impacts far and wide. Not only do less possessions lead to less clutter, in turn creating an easy to maintain home, but it makes environmental sense to only buy what you need and to choose natural and sustainable materials with longevity.
7. Surround yourself with happy memories. This year maybe we haven’t been able to get out as much and enjoy travel, this makes happy memories even more poignant. Whether you are drinking from a glass picked up on your last family holiday, or looking at a beautifully framed picture of your children whilst you work, these small connections to our values have a positive impact on our wellbeing.
8. Make yourself comfortable. It’s all well and good having that wire framed chair that looked so good in a gallery but in reality, it won’t be the most sought after seating spot! Thinking about the ergonomics of your furniture can really make a difference to your enjoyment of your home. A sofa that supports you and your family, an adjustable desk chair at just the right height. These pieces enhance our home lives.
