Designed to Feel: The Psychology of Space
Have you ever felt calm in one room and anxious in another? That feeling may have more to do with design than you think. Most often, our focus is on how to make a space look good, but it is equally important to ensure that the space feels good. From lighting and furniture placement to scent and sound, every element of our environment affects our emotions, behaviors, and mental state. Thus, thoughtful consideration must be given while making design choices. This is where the psychology of space comes in, offering us an understanding of how different layouts, lightings, among other design aspects can impact our mental well-being by boosting our productivity, mood, etc. Key Elements That Influence Mental Wellbeing : Designs A space is made up of various design elements that come together. As mentioned previously, all design elements have an impact on mental states and thus, it is integral to choose what is most beneficial for us. So, let us dive in and try to understand various design elements and their impact on our mental well-being. Lighting refers to the arrangement of lights utilized in the room. It determines how the space is illuminated. It is important to maximize natural lighting due to its positive effects on human health and well-being. Natural light has proven to regulate our circadian rhythms and also boosts our serotonin level. This, in turn, improves our cognitive functioning and mood. When we bring interior designing into this, we must try to arrange our layout in such a way that natural light can enter and is not blocked. We can also ensure natural lighting through the use of light-colored curtains. Now, apart from this, we must make choices when it comes to artificial lighting as well. Harsh, fluorescent lighting should be avoided as it can lead to headaches and strain to the eyes. Instead, warm lighting is preferred as it mimics natural lighting. The furniture we select and the way we arrange have a significant impact on us psychologically. It impacts the way we interact and navigate a particular space. A clutter-free space has shown to have positive effects on human well-being in the way it ensures clear pathways and prevents feelings of chaos or overwhelm. These uncluttered and open layouts also allow for social interaction whereas closed layouts allow for privacy and solitude. Coming to the selection of furniture, it is important to select ergonomic furniture as it is designed to optimize comfort and well-being by fitting the human body’s natural shape and movements. This helps in reducing strain and promoting better posture. Color also plays a vital role in shaping our space. Different colors have different impacts, shaped by personal, cultural and universal meanings. Cool colors such as blue and green are known to have a calming effect and thus, most often used in bedrooms. On the other hand, warm colors such as yellow and red can have a warm and energizing effect and are thus more suited for spaces such as living rooms. The inclusion of natural elements can benefit well-being by reducing stress and promoting tranquility. It fosters a connection with nature and creates a calming and nurturing environment that promotes creativity and productivity. Incorporating plants in the space also has physical benefits as it helps improve the air quality and also reduces noise from the external environment. Texture also plays an important role in affecting how we feel in a particular space by shaping the sensory experiences associated with the same. Smooth and shiny surfaces such as metal create a sleek and modern look whereas rough surfaces such as brick create a cozy and warm atmosphere. However, when it comes to fabrics, smooth fabrics ensure warmth and comfort. Acoustic and olfactory influences are often overlooked when it comes to designing a space but they play a crucial role in shaping how a space feels. Loud and disruptive noises can often cause headaches and tension. Thus, it is important to not just incorporate elements that reduce these noises but also those that enhance the ambiance. Disruptive noises can be reduced with the help of sound-absorbing furnishings while favorable atmospheres can be created with the help of nature sounds, white background music that can create a peaceful environment. Similarly, scent can also have an impact on the feel of the space by influencing our moods and emotions. Scents can help in providing a calm environment by using scents like lavender while citrus scents can energize the space. Thus, we see how various elements work together to shape not just the appearance of a space, but also its psychological impact. Understanding the psychology of space empowers us to make intentional design choices that support mental wellness. By mindfully curating our environments–both visually and psychologically–we create spaces that don’t just look good, but also help us feel and function our best. At HCD Dream, we strive our best to keep these elements in mind while designing your space so that your space doesn’t just look good but feels good.
