You know that feeling when you walk into a space and it just feels right? The colours uplift you, the lighting is bright and natural, everything is neatly organised. Your mood improves, you feel motivated to tackle your to-do list. The truth is, your environment has a huge impact on your mood and productivity. The good news is you can harness the power of interior design to boost both.
Hear me out… The colours you choose, the way you arrange your furniture, the amount of clutter or open space - it all influences how you feel in your own home. Making some simple changes to your space can help reduce stress and encourage a positive mindset. The best part is you don't have to overhaul your entire place to make a meaningful impact. With a few tweaks here and there, you can turn your space into a personal retreat that supports your mental and emotional wellbeing.
In this article, we'll explore some easy interior design hacks you can implement to give your mood and productivity a solid boost. A few small shifts in your surroundings could lead to big shifts in how you feel and function each day. Ready to get started? Let's dive in!
Use Color Psychology to Lift Your Mood
When it comes to boosting your mood and productivity, colour psychology is key. The colours you surround yourself with have a huge impact on how you feel and work.
Use uplifting colours like yellow or orange. These bright, warm hues release dopamine in your brain that instantly lifts your mood and energizes you. Having a yellow or orange accent wall in your office or painting your desk chair a bold citrus shade is an easy way to give your productivity and happiness a kickstart each day.
Blue is a soothing and calming colour. Different shades of blue, from periwinkle to navy, lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing stress and anxiety. If you have a high-pressure job or feel overwhelmed easily, incorporating blue hues into your workspace is ideal. Try patterned blue pillows, rugs, or desk accessories. The colour blue also boosts creativity, so it’s perfect for brainstorming or work that requires thinking outside the box.
Avoid dull or dark colours like grey. While sleek and modern, shades of gray tend to be depressing and draining. They zap your energy and motivation, hindering productivity. If you already have a lot of greys in your home office, combat the dullness by adding in pops of bright accent colours like red, yellow or turquoise. Additional task lighting, mirrors, and greenery can also help make a grey space feel more uplifting and inspiring.
Using colour psychology in your interior design is an easy, affordable way to create an environment optimised for mood and productivity. Surround yourself with hues that energise and uplift you, and you’ll feel happier and get more done each and every day.
Optimize Lighting for Increased Focus and Energy
The right lighting can make or break your productivity and mood.
Natural light is best, so open the blinds and let the sunshine in whenever possible. If you don't have windows, invest in full-spectrum light bulbs to mimic natural light. They provide a bright, crisp glow that energizes you. For tasks requiring focus like reading or studying, use targeted lighting. A desk lamp or floor lamp aimed at your work area prevents shadows and eye strain.
At night, avoid harsh overhead lights which can feel institutional. Lamps, string lights and wall sconces create a warm, cozy ambiance. Dimmer switches let you control brightness.
Don't underestimate the power of lighting on your mindset. Bright light during the day boosts alertness and mood, while softer lighting at night helps you unwind for sleep. Adjust lighting in each room based on how you use the space. The optimal level of illumination can help you feel more productive and less stressed. Try varying the intensity and colour temperature of lights throughout your home to support both daytime wakefulness and night-time rest. Your mind and body will thank you.
Declutter Your Space to Clear Your Mind
Decluttering your space can do wonders for your mind and mood. A messy, cluttered area is distracting and stressful. Take some time to clear out the clutter and simplify your surroundings.
Get rid of anything you do not need or use. Go room by room and remove anything that does not spark joy or serve a purpose. Donate or throw away unnecessary knickknacks, old magazines, broken electronics, and other clutter. A clean, minimalist space will make you feel more at ease and able to focus.
Designate zones for different activities. If possible, section off parts of each room for specific functions. Have a desk just for work, an area just for eating, a space just for relaxing, etc. This makes the purpose and mood of each zone very clear, allowing you to be fully present in the current activity. When you leave one zone, you can mentally transition to the next task.
Keep surfaces clear. Aim for bare tabletops, counters, and floors as much as possible. A few decorative items or electronics are fine, but avoid piling up papers, mail, keys and other miscellaneous items. Clear surfaces make a room feel open and spacious, which leads to a clear and open mind.
Add mood lighting. Use dimmable overhead lighting or strategically placed floor and table lamps to brighten your space. Natural light also helps improve mood and focus. Open blinds and curtains during the day or consider using a light therapy lamp. The right lighting can transform the entire feel of your home and boost your productivity.
A tidy, thoughtfully arranged living space will do wonders for your mental wellbeing and daily efficiency. Take a little time each week to maintain an uncluttered, purposeful environment and you’ll feel more focused, motivated and relaxed in no time.
Dear aspiring homemaker; making some small changes to your environment can have a big impact on your wellbeing and motivation. Choose colours and lighting that make you feel good, declutter your space, and bring in some natural elements. Your home or office should be a sanctuary, so take the time to design it in a way that supports your needs. You spend so much of your life indoors, you owe it to yourself to make those surroundings as inspiring and rejuvenating as possible. Put these interior design mood boosters into practice and you'll be feeling happier and getting more done in no time. I have a suggestion… zebra hide rug to pop up your luxe style? Yes please!