A home should be a refuge, a place to relax and recharge. But for many of us, it’s also a source of stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, nearly half of Americans say their job is very or extremely stressful, and one in four say their home is not a relaxing retreat.
Poorly designed homes can exacerbate stress and anxiety, while well-designed ones can promote relaxation and well-being. If you’re looking to create a healthy home environment, here are some design tips to keep in mind.
1. Incorporate nature into your design.
Biophilic design—which seeks to connect people with nature—is based on the premise that we are hardwired to respond positively to nature. Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements into our built environment can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and promote healing. To bring the outdoors in, try adding plants to your home, using natural materials like bamboo or stone, and incorporating features like waterfalls or ponds into your space.
One popular way to bring in the outdoors is by adding a porch or deck. A porch provides a space to relax outside and enjoy the fresh air, while a deck allows you to enjoy nature right outside your door.
2. Use color wisely.
Color has a profound effect on our mood and emotions. Bright colors can be energizing, while softer shades can be calming. When choosing paint colors for your home, consider how each hue will make you feel. For example, if you want to create a relaxed atmosphere in your bedroom, stick with cool colors like blue or green. If you’re looking to boost your energy levels in the kitchen, try painting it yellow or orange.
In 2022, we can expect to see a lot of cool blues, delicate greens and grounded earth tones in home design. These colors have been shown to have a calming effect and promote relaxation and well-being. So if you’re looking to create a healthy home environment, consider using these colors in your design.
3. Let in plenty of natural light.
Natural light has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. It helps improve our mood, increases our vitamin D levels, and boosts our alertness and productivity. When designing your home, make sure to include plenty of windows to let in as much natural light as possible. If you live in a dark or shaded area, consider installing skylights or solar tubes to brighten up your space.
Studies have shown that natural light has a profound impact on our mental health. It helps improve our mood, increases our vitamin D levels, and boosts our alertness and productivity, as well help people with depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. So if you’re looking to create a healthy home environment, make sure to let in plenty of natural light.
When designing your home, make sure to include plenty of windows to let in as much natural light as possible. If you live in a dark or shaded area, consider installing skylights or solar tubes to brighten up your space.
4. Incorporate healthy materials into your design.
The materials you use in your home can either contribute to or detract from your health. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by certain building materials and furnishings and can cause respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. T
To create a healthy home environment, choose materials that are low in VOCs or free of them altogether. Some of the most common offenders are carpeting, drywall joint compound, painted surfaces, particleboard furniture, and pressed wood products like plywood and fiberboard. When shopping for furniture and finishes for your home, look for products that are labeled “low VOC” or “VOC-free.”
You also need to make sure that you regularly clean these surfaces. Dust, dirt, and other allergens can build up on these surfaces and cause respiratory problems. So make sure to dust and vacuum regularly to keep your home clean and healthy. Periodically book carpet cleaning professionals to do a deep-clean.
5. Make sure there’s ample ventilation.
Proper ventilation is crucial for removing VOCs from the air and preventing mold growth—both of which can cause health problems like allergies, asthma, headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, fatigue, memory problems, skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. To ensure proper ventilation in your home, make sure there are enough windows and doors to provide adequate airflow.
You should also avoid using air fresheners, candles , incense sticks , cleaning products, pesticides,and other chemicals that can pollute indoor air. If you must use them, be sure to open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
Designing a healthy home doesn’t have to be difficult—just keep these tips in mind next time you’re considering a change to your space! By incorporating nature into your design scheme, using color wisely, letting in plenty of natural light, incorporating healthy materials into your design, and ensuring there’s ample ventilation,, you can create a haven that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and boosts your overall health.,
