Generally, when we decide to redecorate, we do it to make ourselves feel better — we want to feel more stylish or more organized, or simply more house-proud. Rarely, however, do we think about decorating to affect how we actually feel on a day-to-day basis, for example, designing a kitchen to get us up and running in the morning, or planning a bedroom to make us feel sleepy. But, it can be done. All you have to do is pick the right colors and the perfect home fragrance and you can change more than a room; you can alter your mood.
Create a Place to Relax
Everyone needs a calming space to retreat to — whether it's a laid-back living room or a secluded study. One of the simplest ways to create a peaceful atmosphere is to use a monochromatic color scheme or a range of tones of the same color. Although you could choose any neutral shade (beiges, tans, soft browns or grays), cooler colors work best, such as greens, blues and blue-greens, which all have a soothing effect on the senses. For rooms where you want to feel calm and at the same time alert (i.e., a home office), consider darker shades, including deep burgundy, a color recognized for its ability to create a studious environment.
When shopping for a home fragrance — room sprays, scented candles, potpourri, etc. — sniff out those that include relaxing ingredients, such as lime (to relieve anxiety), pine (which stimulates deep breathing), cedar (an uplifting aroma), vanilla (to lighten your mood) or orange (to reduce tension).
|
Get Daily Updates
