Our physical spaces can affect how we think and feel, and a range of factors can influence our moods. Subsequently, this affects our stress levels, and can impact our productivity. 

There is no single correct way to create the perfect home – every decision comes down to personal taste, after all. But thoughtful design choices can help foster a calmer and more positive environment. 

With that in mind, these are just seven interior design ideas that could make a real difference to your mood. 

1. Choose natural materials 

Natural materials can contribute to a relaxing domestic space as well as adding timeless panache to your decor. 

Wood textures and natural finishes create feelings of calm, and soften interiors. 

This approach is closely linked to biophilic design, a design philosophy that seeks to strengthen our connection with nature by bringing natural elements indoors. 

2. Use colour to shape your mood 

Colour can have a powerful subconscious influence on your mood. 

Overly bright colour can be overstimulating, while soft blues and greens can promote relaxation. Neutral tones can also create a comforting atmosphere. 

Perhaps that’s why Pantone announced their colour of the year to be Cloud Dancer, a soft and calming off-white. 

3. Design purposeful spaces

Our homes are often no longer only places we live. For many of us, they’re also where we work, too. 

That’s why it’s important to create dedicated zones for different purposes, to create separation between spaces of work and relaxation. 

One way to achieve this is through the use of decorative dividing screens, feature panels or carefully chosen surface materials that subtly separate a space without making the room feel enclosed. Lawcris has a range of dedicated decorative panels and dividing screens to help you create this atmosphere. 

4. Minimise clutter 

A cluttered space can be a huge source of stress, making it harder to concentrate or fully relax. 

But it’s easy for everyday items to accumulate over time. That’s why it’s important to have innovative storage solutions that can keep your possessions contained. 

And a declutter can be enormously therapeutic. Professional organiser, bestselling author, and star of her own Netflix series Marie Kondo popularised the idea of keeping only the items which ‘spark joy’, and her method has encouraged people all over the world to be more intentional about what they keep in their home. 

This principle can encourage you to clear items you don’t use, freeing up both physical and mental space. 

5. Add personal touches

The most comforting home spaces are those in which we see ourselves reflected. 

Displaying meaningful photographs, favourite artwork or treasured keepsakes infuses your home with your memories, and your personal sense of belonging and identity.  

Personalising your home with items that evoke positive memories can help transform it into a place where you genuinely feel at ease.

Improving your mental state can start with your home. You don’t need a complete redesign; instead, simple, thoughtful choices can create a more relaxing environment that supports your lifestyle and your emotional well-being.

Robert Haynes, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.