It’s no secret that aesthetics have a psychological impact. In recent years, neuroscientists have studied the effects of interior design on mental health. Their findings linked physical spaces to outcomes related to productivity, mood, sleep quality and memory. When designing a space that promotes well-being and success, considering light, color, placement of furniture and organization is key.
Local interior designer Lily Cannon, the lead designer at Margaret Donaldson Interiors, is well-versed in the connection between aesthetics and wellness. She started out as a psychology major at the University of South Carolina before graduating with a degree in interior design at the Art Institute of Charleston. “Space planning is an important first step, and lighting is an important factor to consider,” Cannon explained.
Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice intended to bring harmony to a person’s space, is one way to approach this planning phase. Denise Leone, local Feng Shui practitioner and space clearing specialist, defines it as a holistic way of approaching interior design. “It is the art of rearranging furniture in a way that affects all aspects of your life in a positive manner,” she said.
Getting rid of clutter before rearranging allows for clarity and energetic space. “Commit to keeping your space organized and remove broken items,” encouraged Leone. “In Feng Shui, the first principle is that Chi — energy — powers all living things. Consider the Chi like a stream of water, a small river, and the clutter and broken items are branches and leaves in the stream. The branches and leaves block the water and prevent it from flowing smoothly. So, if you have clutter in your home, the energy becomes stagnant.” A 2015 study out of the University of Texas Austin confirms the power of organization, finding it to be critical to cultivating a peaceful, soothing home. When spaces are easy to navigate, they foster social interaction and reduce anxiety and overwhelm.
Another way to shift the mood in your home is to get intentional with color. “We see a lot of blues and greens in our Kiawah projects,” shared Cannon. “In the more coastal areas, people want to create a calm and serene effect. I’ve found a lot of people associate pinks and yellows with happiness, the more bold and saturated colors.”
In Feng Shui, certain colors enhance emotions through the five elements. “Using the color red, a fire element, will enhance passion, aggression and eventually anxiety,” explained Leone. “White, a metal element, relates to purity, while blue, a water element, relates to nature and calm, but too much can cause sadness. Brown, a wood element, relates to stability, strength and comfort. Finally, yellow, an earth element, relates to happiness, creativity and fun.”
Once you choose a color scheme, look outdoors for inspiration to create a mood-boosting interior. In fact, studies from Texas A&M suggest that the presence of plants improve concentration and memory retention and reduce stress — not to mention the natural air filtration houseplants provide, ridding the environment of allergens and improving air quality. Allowing as much natural light in as possible also promotes better sleep and increases productivity.
“It’s easy for people to feel unmotivated working from a home office because you want it to be comfortable and fit the aesthetic of your home, and not an office setting,” said Cannon, “so there’s a fine line.” Creating a comfortable home office that also boosts productivity can be a challenge. Leone suggested emphasizing natural light, neutral colors, house plants and organization. “Have your chair back against the wall facing the door, never against a window or facing a window,” she added.
Whether you’re trying to set yourself up for success with an organized office or promote peace in your home with a serene living space, letting your unique personality take the lead is always the right idea. “It’s so important to feel comfortable and confident at home,” concluded Cannon. “It’s truly a reflection of you.”
Visit MargaretDonaldsonInteriors.com to learn more about Lily Cannon and her work in interior design.
Connect with Denise Leone for a free Feng Shui consultation through her website OptimizeSpaceDesignbyDenise.com.
By Heather Rose Artushin