How can interior design change your life?

How can interior design change your life?

If a friend had told me a few years ago that simply changing a few things around in my house could potentially give my life a 180-degree turn, chances are, I would’ve raised an eyebrow (or two). Now that I think back, I wish I had known sooner how your immediate surroundings, especially your home interior, can affect your life in a big way. So today’s topic, as you might have guessed from the title, isn’t about my Boxer Bruno’s latest antic (though, trust me, there's never a dull moment with him!). Neither is it about the best coffee places in Melbourne or why Kendra, my better half, insists I leave the toilet seat down (still figuring out that mystery). Nope. Folks, we're delving into the world of interior design! So sit tight, grab a coffee and let's talk about how clever interior design can help change your life.

Tapping into the Power of Colors

Let’s start out with color psychology. The concept that rooms painted in different hues have the power to evoke certain emotions, behaviors, and moods isn't something new. I've always been a fan of the color blue, and wouldn't you know, it is supposed to impart a sense of tranquility and peace. And let me tell you something fascinating here – it wasn’t until I had our living room painted a soft shade of sky blue that I realized how much more calm and peaceful I felt at home. It's almost as if the color of the walls helps dissolve your stress away. Now, isn’t that some form of magic?

Moreover, colors can lend personality to a room – make it appear warm, cool, vibrant, or sophisticated. If you're like Kendra, who swears by starting her day on a lively note, try incorporating splashes of yellow or red in your kitchen for an instant mood lift. Trust me; it can work wonders on those slow Monday mornings!

The Magic of Space Utilization

Now let's talk about something that's quite close to my heart - space utilization. When we say 'space,' we're not talking about the 'final frontier.' Rather, we're referring to how strategically using the available space in your house can substantially affect your habits and life quality.

Here's an example right from our house. Our living room was initially designed with entertainment in mind, with the giant flat-screen TV being the room's main focus. Over a while, we noticed we were spending too much passive time in front of the telly. So, we decided to change things. We shifted the focus of the room to be more about social interaction by grouping the seats together and placing books and board games strategically. Voila, our living room was now a haven of meaningful interactions and exchanges instead of just mindless television viewing. This shift in our interior layout helped us spend quality time as a family and brought about a marked change in our lifestyle.

The Science of Light

Lighting, my friends, is like the secret sauce to your interior design meal. Few things can change a room's mood and aesthetic like lighting can, and it's about much more than just picking out pretty lamps. You need the right mix of natural and artificial light to really make a space feel inviting and comfortable. And the mood-boosting benefits of natural light are no joke – getting those rays in during the day can help keep seasonal depression at bay!

Then there's the charm of properly placed artificial lights that can make a room feel cozy and welcoming. In our home, we are big fans of dimmable lights. They subtly shift the mood of the room, allowing us to enjoy dinner under soft, warm light or ramp things up a bit when our lively friends come over. It’s such a simple change, yet it adds a dynamic element to the room and can drastically influence how we feel.

The Art of Personal Touches

While discussions about interior design tend to focus on style, color schemes, furniture, and the like, the importance of personal touches can't be overstated. You could have the most wonderfully designed house, but if it doesn't feel like 'you', it'll just be a pretty shell without a soul.

Adding personal touches, whether it be family photos, artwork, or souvenirs collected from your travels, can make a house truly feel like a home. For instance, the corner of our living room holds a shelf displaying miniature buildings and landmarks Kendra and I have collected from our global tours (ah, the joy of travel!). Every time a guest asks about them, it's a wonderful conversation starter and always brings back fond memories.

The Impact of Organization

Last, but certainly not least, we move onto what I believe is the cardinal rule of interior design – organization! I truly believe that having a clutter-free home environment promotes clarity of thought and reduces stress. And it's not just me – numerous studies back this up too. Adding storage solutions and getting creative with space can help keep things tidy and out of sight, thereby creating a peaceful living space.

Let me share a little story here. In the pre-Kendra days, my house, to put it mildly, was a bit of a mess. Clothes strewn haphazardly, books piling up on every available surface, a mountain of unwashed dishes in the sink – you get the picture. Post-Kendra, the chaotic scene transformed into a peaceful haven of organization. And boy, did I notice a shift in my overall mood and productivity. This experience brought home the truth that a well-organized home can truly be a life-changer.

In conclusion, my friends, interior design is more than just making your home pretty. It's about making your home a space that works for you and creates a haven that supports your lifestyle, rather than detracting from it. And who would have thought a few carefully chosen colors, a smart layout, effective lighting, personal touches, and good organization could make such a difference? So, maybe it's time you gave that living room of yours a little love. Or perhaps the kitchen could use a fresh coat of paint? Change things up a bit, and who knows, you might stumble upon a whole new lease of life! And now, if you'll excuse me, Bruno’s looking at me with those puppy dog eyes which means it’s time for our evening walk!