Homes provide more than just shelter. Our 2020 Happy Homes research found that where will live has a huge impact on our well-being, however, how many of us think about this when we design? Most of the time, we’re focused on getting as much space as possible, following the latest trends, when really we should be asking one basic question: does my home make me feel good?
If you’re looking to increase the feel-good of your property, consider these top tips from our designers…
Get a good night’s sleep
As a nation, we’re not the best at getting shut-eye, and many Britons struggle to get the recommend 7-9 hours of sleep. If you find yourself nursing some tired, black circles then it might be time to rethink your bedroom. After all, it makes sense that where we sleep will affect how we sleep.
There are four things you can focus on to encourage some shut-eye…
Temperature: we sleep better when our bedrooms are cool. Make sure your windows allow for cool air to ventilate around the room before you head to bed. If you sleep in a loft conversion, you can also invest in good blinds that’ll keep the sun’s ray out during the day.
Quiet: it’s hard to sleep when all you can hear is the world outside. When designing your bedroom, make sure you’re investing in high-quality glazing and insulation. Their thickness should help muffle the sounds from outside.
Darkness: in those summer months, the last thing you need to to be woken up at 5am as the sun peaks up. Therefore, do yourself a favour a get yourself some high-quality curtains/blinds, ideally the black-out variety. This should also help keep the sun from turning your space into a sweatbox during the day too.
Fresh air: less a design tip, more just practical advice. Fresh air has been known to boost a good night’s sleep, so don’t be afraid to crack a window open for even just 15 minutes before bedtime. If biting bugs are an issue, you could install nets to stop them from slipping through.
Connect to the great outdoors
Sometimes we’re so focused on creating the perfect home that we forget the world around it. However, our Happy Homes report found that connecting to the outside world can have a big impact on our wellbeing.
What’s more, our research found there’s more than one way to get yourself feeling connected. Such as…
Getting yourself a nice view. Our study found how satisfied we are with views from our windows is a more significant predictor of how happy we are than our satisfaction with sunlight levels in our homes. So, when it comes to designing your new extension or conversion, make sure your glazing does more than just bring in some extra sunlight.
Fake a nice view. If you can’t improve your actual view, then you can still trick your brain into thinking you have one. There’s increasing evidence that having indoor plants and paintings of nature can boost both your productivity and your comfort.
Pay attention to your garden and balcony. Even a small amount of outdoor space can play a big part in our wellbeing, so don’t let yours go to waste. Learn more gardening tips here.
Maximise and mimic natural light
Natural light might not beat the great outdoors, but it still plays an important part in shaping out how much we enjoy our homes. If you’re looking to maximise the amount of natural light in your space, consider these tips…
Strategically placed mirrors can help bounce natural light around your space. Meaning even small windows can do more to light up your home.
Skylights come in all shapes and sizes, so it's possible to find an option to suit your budget. They’re also an amazing way of getting light into even the darkest corners of the house and are amazing for any open-plan layout that’s struggling with dark middle sections.
Alternatively, a cheaper option would be to switch your lights so you’re able to mimic the natural light cycles. Go for glare-free bulbs and dimmer switches but also make sure you’re bringing those light levels down during the evening, so your body knows its time to shut off.
Know your colours
There’s no right way to decorate your home but you should bear in mind that the colour scheme we choose can have an impact on our moods. Here’s a quick colour guide…
Blue is calming but pastels can make your space feel cold. For bedrooms this is great but for living areas, go for warmer shades and pair with rich furnishings.
Yellow is energetic and vibrant. Perfect for an energy boost in the kitchen but not so great for the bedroom.
White schemes give the illusion of more space and help light bounce through the room. However, pure white does get dirty pretty easily which can up your stress levels.
Green is calming as we associate with the great outdoors. For a sense of restoration, consider this colour for your home office or even bathroom to encourage pampering.
Red can feel opulent but it also stimulates rages and can even raise our blood pressure. If you love the colour, we recommend saving it for you special occasion rooms, such as the dining room.
Take time to feel sentimental
One of our top recommendations, when it comes to interior design, is to take your time. Our report found that people feel better in their home when it mirrors their personality and not just the latest trends.
If you’ve yet to nail down your home style, here are a few personalising tips…
Take your time. Don’t force yourself to fill your space with decoration from the start, but commit to finding time to consider things you see in the shops and at antique fairs.
If you like a trend, ask yourself what qualities appeal to you, rather than taking it as a whole. Perhaps you like rustic items, bright colours, big pieces of art.
Invest. We’re all guilty of buying quick and cheap but if you love an item you want it last a lifetime. Therefore, use your time to save up and invest in pieces you’ll be able to enjoy now and in the years to come.
Want to learn more about creating a feel-good home? Don’t forget you can read our Science of a Happy Home report here and even take our special happy home test!
