Elevate your wellness quotient with your home’s design

Adds Kirti Dodeja, founding designer and interior architect of her eponymous design studio, “Lighting can make or break a space as the perception of other elements in the room are greatly dependent on the temperature and intensity of the light chosen. The understanding of light fixtures and CRI (colour rendering index) is a crucial aspect to consider. While in India, people generally like brightly lit white spaces, try layering your space with accent lights of daylight temperature (around 3000k) and comfortable intensity,” she suggests.

Repurpose, Refresh, Reuse

Instead of discarding things that are old, giving them a makeover for a fresh new look can do wonders for your mental health. “As someone who has conducted numerous furniture painting workshops, I’ve seen firsthand how repurposing furniture and engaging in DIY projects can uplift one’s wellness quotient,” shares Aashna Monga, a furniture makeover artist. “I’ve seen the magic that happens when homeowners breathe new life into their old furniture. This process not only makes your home more personalised and meaningful but also supports sustainability, which contributes to a greater sense of purpose. This ‘creative mindfulness’ reduces stress,” she adds.

Monga suggests painting as one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform old furniture, in addition to being incredibly therapeutic. But she recommends choosing paints with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to minimise harmful emissions.

A Sensorial Oasis

Your home is your safe space where you want to feel the most comfortable, and creating a relaxed environment involves catering to all five senses. Having a cluttered space not just looks visually unappealing, but also creates a stress-inducing atmosphere. Decluttering can help soothe your senses and add a calming aesthetic to your room. Dodeja advises homeowners to focus on aspects like wall colour and furnishings to bring out your space. “Identify a base colour and build on it by choosing furniture that complements it. Soft furnishings such as curtains, rugs and bedcovers add a lot of depth and character. Pick art that speaks to you instead of a random framed print. I recommend family pictures or picturesque landscapes you’ve clicked on a trip,” she says.

To further enhance your ambience, Dodeja suggests adding scented candles, natural textures, ample sunlight and greens along with good music to create a sensorial delight at home.