Interiors for Mental Well-being

 

Interior Spaces & Us

For most of us, we spend a large portion of our waking hours in interior spaces. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. We wake up greeted by the sight of our bedrooms, spend 8 to 10 hours in the office (or home office), have our meals in food courts, restaurants or cafes, and return back home to unwind at the end of the day. 


With each moment spent indoors, many seemingly subtle yet significant sensory interactions are occurring between our surroundings and us. Imagine stepping into a dental clinic with striking white floor tiles, cold hard metal chairs and painfully outdated wall art. The wait for your dental appointment would presumably be a little uneasy and for some, pretty nerve-wracking. Compare this experience with entering your favourite bookstore with warm wooden flooring, soft cosy reading chairs, and a myriad of colourful books displayed on tall shelves.

 
 
 
 

When we think about the spatial design process, we often reflect on aesthetics (how good it looks) and functionality (how we interact physically with the spatial features). However, somewhere in-between lies the psychology of interior design, an integral part of designing spaces for our mental well-being. 


Psychology of Colour in Spaces

 
 
 
 

Colours have the ability to evoke certain emotional responses in people. For example, the colour blue calls to mind feelings of calmness as it associates with clear blue skies and tranquil pools of water. Studies suggest that workspaces which incorporate blue-ish themes can increase productivity. It induces a sense of clarity, prompting thought and contemplation.

However, blue is also one of the least appetising colours, as it is rarely found naturally in food. Conversely, the colours red and yellow are a combination that would certainly make one hungry! It is no wonder that this colour combination is often found in an array of brand logos and packaging design for fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King. 

It is also important to note that our perceptions of colour can be deeply personal and subjective. Varying experiences aid in developing and reinforcing the connections we draw from certain colours.

Colours can also be utilised to create an illusion of spatial vastness. Darker tones generally make spaces appear smaller whereas lighter tones produce a sense of spatial expansion. Generous use of dark colours can be dominating, so consider limiting them to spaces that are not occupied for long periods of the day. However, it could be helpful for some to utilise darker tones in areas such as the bedroom to create the mood for restful sleep. 

Let the Sun in 

 
 

Black & white film photo of light penetrating sheer curtains

 
 

I recalled having a really down period and often spent most of my days in bed with the curtains drawn. My sleep cycle was totally out of whack, swinging from sleeping a lot to developing insomnia. It was tough to get myself out of the gloom, and my mother decided to walk in every morning at about 9 am to draw the curtains aside and sun me like a withering plant. Whilst I do not remember feeling instantaneously better, it certainly helped me to get a better sense of time and beats cocooning in a dark room for sure. 

 
 
 
 

Natural lighting helps our body to function properly and improves our overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight while we're awake helps to regulate our inner body clock for better sleep quality at night, which is essential for our mental health. Many studies have also shown that natural lighting helps to decrease symptoms of depression and elevate our moods in general. 

Consider installing sheer curtains to let the light in while still maintaining some privacy. Mirrors are also a good way to bounce off natural light around the space. Furthermore, if there are external limitations to bringing in sufficient natural light, the interior planning for artificial lighting becomes all the more important to ensure that the space is well lit. 

Organisation 

Research has shown that clutter has a direct link with increased levels of stress hormone cortisol. Having an untidy home makes it difficult to switch off and unwind for the day. Planning for storage solutions is important in ensuring that our everyday possessions have their allocated spaces, both during and outside of use. 

It is also helpful to organise and segregate different areas of our houses according to their dedicated functions. For example, keeping the bedroom as an area for rest enables us to get into the headspace. Similarly, having our study or work spaces differentiated from the resting areas aids in improving productivity. 

Incorporate Elements of Nature

As urban dwellers, we spend plenty of time indoors and away from nature that we as humans innately crave to connect with. By incorporating elements of nature in interior design, we are able to bring this visual connection into our daily spaces. The resulting benefits include reduced stress level and improvement in cognitive function.

 
 

Photo of Scandi-Boho Project featuring houseplants as decor

 
 

Having some houseplants as decor is an easy way to liven the atmospheres of our homes. In addition to promoting relaxation, the greenery also acts as a natural air purifier. (Click here to read more about benefits of having plants in your space)

If you are not blessed with green fingers, there are other ways in which interior design can help to create an indirect connection with nature. By using natural materials such as wood, an earthy-toned colour palette, and textures that mimic said materials (stone, wood grains), a subconscious connection with nature can be formed. 

 
 

Photo of wooden features in 102 Bishan Project

 
 

Conversations about mental wellness in Singapore are gaining traction. Mental health advocacy communities like ThisConnect.today commit to facilitating the discussion of such topics by using art to invite members of the general public on a journey of exploring and forming deeper connections with themselves. 

At BuildBuilt, we believe that we have a role to play in this conversation, by promoting and including elements in our interior design that show great care and consideration for the mental well-being of its users.

 
 
Claire SeowInteriors, interior design, mental well-being, renovation