Elevate your wellness quotient with your home’s design

Let There be Light

“Your home is meant to enhance your mood and make you calmer, happier or livelier, whatever be the mood you are looking to create in your space. Good design can enhance your overall wellbeing in many ways,” believes interior designer Shabnam Gupta, founder of The Orange Lane. According to her, lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing your space and subsequently your mood. “Dimly lit spaces can make the home look dreary, similarly, heavy curtains that block out the light are very depressing. So, open up those windows to let in the natural light. When that’s not possible, table lamps can do the trick. It is a known fact that lighting plays an important role in one’s mental health, and that is the most important aspect to focus on while designing a home,” she says.

Positive Vibes Only

There’s nothing more inviting than a home that is your oasis of tranquility. “A home needs to be a place that is welcoming, warm and full of light. Lots of large windows and warm colours are some of the basic design elements we use to make a home more positive,” shares Amey Dhanukar, principal architect at ARA Designs. When it comes to homes with a smaller square footage, Dhanukar says, “Small spaces can be enhanced through light or neutral-coloured palettes that move through the entire space. The pop of colour can come through rugs, cushions and art that complete a space and make it inviting.”

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.

The Great Outdoors

Having a small garden, terrace or even a balcony attached to your home is definitely an advantage as it lets you stay connected to nature and the open sky, even in a bustling city. “Greenery around us is known to heal us in many ways and is a perfect way to connect us back to our roots and nature, allowing us to be creative and help not just ourselves, but our environment as well. People actually realised the importance of open space during the pandemic, and I have transformed many balconies and terraces to create a peaceful haven in homes,” shares designer Kushagra Tyagi, founder of Puru.

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.