Feeling Blue? These Home Design Tricks Could Help Boost Your Mood

Feeling rather down on this Blue Monday? It’s no surprise that our moods can change during January’s grey, gloomy days – and the prospect of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) might start to become a reality. If you’re searching for ways to beat seasonal depression, these home design hacks could be just the ticket.

These Interior Design Tips Could Help Curb Seasonal Depression

The start of a New Year might bring a burst of motivation, but it also means cold days and dark mornings, leaving many of us with a case of the winter blues. If a tropical getaway isn’t on the cards (and you’ve stockpiled all of the Vitamin D supplements you can find), there are plenty of tips and tricks you can try – and it all starts in your home.

Wondering where to start? Here are some tips from the experts.

Consider Your Light Sources

According to Dr Sham Singh, a holistic mental health psychiatrist, a key way to curb symptoms of seasonal depression is to utilise biophilic design: incorporating natural elements like plants and water features (as well as sunlight, if you can find any) into your home. This can help reduce stress, improve sleep and boost creativity and focus.

While biophilic design emphasises greenery, it’s about far more than just plants: other hallmarks include organic shapes, natural materials and earthy tones, alongside plenty of natural light. Maximise the light in your space by rearranging furniture and replacing heavy curtains with sheer or light-filtering fabrics. Plus, to really bring the outside in, you can always consider installing a fireplace  – guaranteed to banish cold weather blues in favour of cosy evenings curled up on the sofa. 

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Harness The Power Of Scent

Natural scents from plants – as well as aromas like cedarwood and lavender – can instantly bring a feeling of tranquility into your home. Try potted herbs, essential oils and diffusers, all of which not only serve to help you relax, but also bring some much-needed vibrancy into any room (which is particularly handy on gloomy days).

Incorporate Natural Materials

Materials and textures can really tie a space together, and when it comes to biophilic design, natural textures are the way to go. Elements like wood, stone, linen and wool all help to create a grounding, comforting feel; think hardwood furniture, jute rugs, wool throws and stone decor pieces.

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Add Brighter Colours

Thinking about repainting your home? Paint colours can be powerful; in fact, they can affect both sleep and mood.

‘Our surroundings can significantly impact our mood, and a dark-toned colour scheme can have an unpleasant effect,’ confirms Paulina Wojas, Interior Designer at Stunning Chairs. ‘Deep shades such as moody grey and dark blue can contribute to low mood, while red can cause irritability.’

From feature walls to colourful accessories, bringing a bit of colour into your home is likely to lift your spirits. ‘Opt for light blue and white for calmness and serenity, or yellow and purple for happiness and inspiration,’ advises Paulina. (If you’re feeling particularly bold, try diving into the primary play trend.)

Clear The Clutter

While any motivation to declutter your home might have waned within the first week of January, refreshing your space is guaranteed to make you feel calmer and more positive.

‘A cluttered home translates to a cluttered mind; a messy, disorganised house can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and irritated, preventing you from enjoying your time at home.’ Paulina says.  ‘While Seasonal Affective Disorder can cause low energy and lack of motivation, ensuring your home is clutter-free will improve your mood and overall wellbeing. A tidy, organised space allows you to unwind and reduce feelings of stress.’

Mustard Made

Personalise Your Space

Even with a minimalist, mess-free home, everything might be feeling a little drab. ‘During the autumn and winter months, SAD could be making you feel isolated,’ Paulina comments. ‘A lack of personalisation in your home could worsen these feelings – so introducing feel-good, meaningful items will add a personal touch, creating a space that resonates with you.’

Retail therapy isn’t always the answer, of course, but sometimes it’s a good place to start. Whether you hang some new pictures, dust off some family heirlooms, or shop around for some quirky decor, invest in pieces that bring ‘comfort and joy, helping you through this difficult period,’ advises Paulina.