How Our Space Impacts
Our Well Being
DESIGN
MAY '25
Due to the nature of the fast paced society we live in- creating spaces that promote relaxation is essential. This blog dives deep into how scientifically- color, touch, shape, lighting, and sound- all affect our mental and emotional states. Understanding these factors more in depth can help us design environments that enhance our lives.
Colors communicate emotions and influence our mood in profound ways:
Low-saturated colors, like light sage green, are known to promote relaxation, while bright, high-saturated colors, such as neon green, energize us.
Warm colors (red, yellow) stimulate and energize, whereas cool colors (blue, green) have a calming effect. As Nexen Properties notes, "Colors speak a silent language we all understand." Warm hues can inspire conversation and comfort, while cool tones enhance concentration and calm.
Low-saturated colors, like light sage green, are known to promote relaxation, while bright, high-saturated colors, such as neon green, energize us.
Warm colors (red, yellow) stimulate and energize, whereas cool colors (blue, green) have a calming effect. As Nexen Properties notes, "Colors speak a silent language we all understand." Warm hues can inspire conversation and comfort, while cool tones enhance concentration and calm.
The tactile and visual experience of fabrics and wall coverings in a space can greatly affect our comfort and productivity:
Organic, rounded shapes promote relaxation, making them ideal for spaces meant for unwinding.
Larger-scale patterns work well in lively areas like dining rooms, while subtle patterns and textured fabrics suit calming spaces like bedrooms. (Opt for using larger scale patterns in accent decor rather than on larger surfaces).
Personally we try to limit patterns and bold colors. Utilizing three patterns or less per room (and choosing to instead play with different textures) and balancing every bold color with a few neutrals is what we have found to work best.
Organic, rounded shapes promote relaxation, making them ideal for spaces meant for unwinding.
Larger-scale patterns work well in lively areas like dining rooms, while subtle patterns and textured fabrics suit calming spaces like bedrooms. (Opt for using larger scale patterns in accent decor rather than on larger surfaces).
Personally we try to limit patterns and bold colors. Utilizing three patterns or less per room (and choosing to instead play with different textures) and balancing every bold color with a few neutrals is what we have found to work best.
Color
Patterns and Textures
How you set up your space has a lot to do with if you regularly expect company, how you use the space and general spatial normalities people tend to have. Research suggests keeping your home sectioned off into zones works well. You will also want to make the space easy to move through, tidy and welcoming.
Your area should also not feel too heavy or too light- focus on creating balance in the vertical space and from the center to edges of the room. Leave space around objects, avoid grouping in more than threes and find balance between heavy and light furnishings.
Lighting
Lighting can significantly alter our mood and energy levels. For instance using warm light helps create a relaxed atmosphere and boost creativity. While white light enhances analytical thinking and energy levels (making it suitable for work environments.)
Use warm grounding light in creative spaces and areas for relaxation.
Implement brighter white lighting in workspaces to enhance focus and productivity. (However- avoid going too bright as it may make the environment feel too sterile. I recommend utilizing waking colors that mimic natural light patterns- that you can have fade in and out in correspondence with your work)
Avoid having blue or bright white lights on in the evening to promote melatonin production.
Way finding
and Balance
By thoughtfully integrating color, touch, shape, lighting, and sound into our environments, we can create spaces that not only look good but also feel good. Whether you’re designing a home, office, or social space, understanding these elements can lead to enhanced well-being and productivity. Let’s embrace the silent language of our surroundings and craft our environment to support us.
Sound is another crucial element for mental restoration. Research indicates that gentle nature sounds, like rustling leaves or a burbling brook, can be cognitively restorative. These sounds help reduce stress and replenish mental energy, especially after intensive focus.
Incorporate nature sounds through speakers or sound machines in workspaces or relaxation areas.Consider soft background music in social settings to enhance conversation and comfort. Playing music that you are familiarized with also helps you stay on task more.
Avoid having too silent of a space- open a window and let your home breathe if you find background noise too much.
Incorporate nature sounds through speakers or sound machines in workspaces or relaxation areas.Consider soft background music in social settings to enhance conversation and comfort. Playing music that you are familiarized with also helps you stay on task more.
Avoid having too silent of a space- open a window and let your home breathe if you find background noise too much.
Soundscapes
Blog written by Lieske
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