| | OCTOBER 20269CHRONICLESHOMESCHRONICLESHOMESLarger windows, glass doors, skylights, and window treatments are some ways through which homeowners can make use of maximum natural lighting. Mirrors may be placed appropriately so as to reflect sunlight into areas which would otherwise be darker. Light-coloured walls and ceilings may also assist in dispersing natural lighting in rooms. It is important that furniture does not interfere in any way with windows or areas of natural light. Adjustable curtains or blinds in bedrooms will enable homeowners to benefit from sunlight during the day but regulate lighting while sleeping.Biophilic design: Creating a Connection with NatureThe relationship of humans to nature is another factor to be considered in design for mental well-being. Biophilic design uses elements from nature in the built environment through the use of plant life, natural materials, views of vegetation, water, organic form and nature-inspired materials. Recent studies of residential design have identified biophilic design as an aid to psychological well-being through various means such as connecting with nature, a sense of place and positive activities.Indoors, bringing nature inside may not always demand a lavish garden. Some indoor plants, a balcony that is well-planted with greenery, natural stone flooring, wood furnishings or artwork that is based on nature can help in creating a better connection with nature. For homes where there are balconies or terraces or even courtyards, these areas can be made into a green refuge for the residents. If one has any views outside, one can arrange their furniture in a way so as to view the gardens, trees or any landscape outside.Colour and Materials: Creating a Sense of Comfort and CharacterColour plays an integral part in creating the ambience of a space. Although everyone perceives colours differently due to differences in their personal and cultural experiences, softer and more subdued colours are commonly used to achieve a relaxing effect. Warmer neutral colours, soft green colours, earth colours, and soft blue colours all help to create a calming environment with the inclusion of bolder colours through art, furniture, and accessories.The target should not be to end up with an entirely colourless house. Too many neutral colours can make the place impersonal; however, well-chosen accents can bring life to your home décor. There are materials that you can use to enhance the sensory appeal of your space. Some of the materials include wood, cotton, linen, bamboo, stones, and many others.Decluttering: Creating a Calm and Visually Balanced HomeClutter is a major cause of visual distraction at home. When various items build up on tables, counters, and the floor, it becomes very hard to control such an environment. It does not have to be a very minimalistic environment in order to be well-organised, but just having a place for all the various items that people use.Storage thus becomes a key feature of wellness-centred interior design. Built-in cupboards, hidden storage, multifunctional pieces of furniture, and well-arranged shelves could assist in keeping things visually organised. Doorways may have designated spaces for shoes, bags, and keys, and kitchen areas may employ effective storage solutions in order to avoid cluttering the countertops. The bedrooms should be designed relatively simply so that the room is linked only with sleeping.In recent studies of the psychological needs within the built environment, various features have been considered such as privacy, biophilia, clutter, and temperature of color. The intention is not to clear out one's possessions, but to maintain a state in which the home continues to be controllable and visually pleasant.
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