Let's face it, we're all spending more time in our homes than ever before (thanks, COVID) and whether you're itching for things to get back to normal or a you're a proud homebody (like me), you have undoubtedly come to realize how much your home's design impacts your general well-being.
We all have first-hand experience in understanding the impact of good design. Almost everyone is familiar with the feeling of walking into a messy, ill-appointed room and being overcome with stress or anxiety (kids' playrooms are a good example). Similarly, I know I'm not the only one who gladly shells out a little extra dough on a fancier hotel when booking vacations -- being in a clean, beautiful space is a part of the relaxing vacation experience I seek. While we have anecdotally understood the value of good design for a while, I'm excited to see that these theories are finally being studied in academic and real-life settings.
The study of Neuroaesthetics is a relatively new field that looks at the neurological response we have to art, design and beauty. This field of experimental science aims to combine neuro-psychological research with aesthetics by investigating the "perception, production, and response to art, as well as interactions with objects and scenes that evoke an intense feeling, often of pleasure" (wikipedia). In other words, those good feelings you get when you walk into an art museum (or let's be honest, a freshly cleaned living room)... they've been proven. We now know that we receive shot of serotonin when we enter a well-designed space filled with beautiful objects, and alternatively receive a shot of cortisol (the stress hormone) when entering a room that is unattractive, unorganized and poorly designed. To put it simply, surrounding yourself with aesthetically pleasing things truly does improve your health and well-being. Well, what do you know.
The truth is, interior designers have been in the business of health and wellness since the beginning. I know that my work goes far beyond filling spaces with furniture and decor. The real work presents itself in achieving that shot of serotonin that is delivered when a space is balanced, beautiful and fluid. Thoughtful incorporations of color and texture, or even something as simple as remaining mindful about organization, are the kinds of details that elevate our homes from spaces that contribute to our stressful lives, to spaces in which we thrive mentally and emotionally.
If you're on a health and wellness journey, you've undoubtedly considered the impacts of what you're putting in your body... but have you considered what you're putting your body in? When designing a calm a and serene bedroom, there are a few no-fail things to include:
Some kind of plants or greenery
A mostly neutral color palette, with a few pops of color in shades of muted blue, green, or burgundy
Natural elements like wood, rattan, linen, and stone
Decor that is thoughtful, but bordering on minimal (steer clear of clutter!)
Layered textures (linen sheets are our FAVE. I've linked my favorites below)
Check out my Pinterest board below, where I've pinned some of my favorite calming and serotonin-boosting designs:
And to add a little bit of of this look to your home, here are some of my favorite products from around the web. Stay zen, friends!
*Affiliate Link Disclaimer*
Here's the deal: when I post links to products, they are usually affiliate links. This means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase something through one of my links. Every product I share is something I love and, in many cases, something I've bought for either myself or for clients. It's one the ways we keep HHS running, and why I'm so grateful you choose to read my blog! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for shopping with me and leave me a comment below to let me know if you're enjoying your purchases!