OH WOW
I’m an interior designer and there are nine decorating mistakes that could be making you feel depressed
THERE are loads of different things to consider when decorating your home.
But did you know that the interior design style that you love could be making you feel stress and even depressed?
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This interior design expert reckons that the way you decorate your home could be more important than you might think for that very reason.
Vivien, from Canada, explained in a video that some things might look cool and trendy just aren't helping you unwind properly.
Too many straight lines
This can "create an elevated sense of anxiety" according to Vivien.
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Not only that but apparently when we surround ourselves with too many straight lines our brains interpret the patterns as being dangerous, which is the opposite of what you want to feel in your own home.
Instead opt for soft, rounder edges that will help soothe your mind.
This could be as simple as a curved plant pot or as big as a curved sofa.
Don't ignore greenery
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It's no secret that people generally feel better when they're surrounded by plants.
"Plants can also help with loneliness and sadness by providing a sense of purpose," Vivien says.
The pro added that if you're not as green fingered as you'd like to be, keeping fake plants around your home will have the same effect.
Re-think your artwork
"Studies done by neurobiologists UCL discovered that viewing art can give you some of the same feelings as falling in love," Vivien explained.
So it makes sense that having the right art around your home could help lift your mood.
"The art doesn't have to be expensive," she added, explaining that a cheap print will have the same effect as a massively expensive work of art.
Too many mirrors
Mirrors can be great for a space, but when they're over done it can go from making a room look bigger to making you feel overwhelmed.
"If your room is already cluttered, your mirror is going to amplify that clutter even more, and our brains don't like that."
Vivien added that having too many mirrors around can also cause anxiety for some people who simply don't want to look at themselves all day.
Not delcuttering
The pro said: "Keeping your home clutter-free is absolutely crucial for your mental health."
Clutter can impact your sleeping pattern and overall health, so keeping excess stuff at a minimum is vital.
Clear your kitchen counters and drawers that are full of useless junk to help tackle that feeling.
Don't go overboard and get rid of everything though, having nothing on your surfaces can also lead to feelings of tension.
Hit the sweet spot by having a few personal items on display.
Too many cold materials
Vivien said: "Cold materials like glass and metal can damped your mood if they're not warmed up with natural materials like wood."
Incorporating natural materials can help you feel more at ease, so try and spread them over your space.
Not enough sunlight
Bringing more natural light into your home is one of the best ways to boost your mood, according to the interiors lover.
"Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, which is a chemical that helps elevates our moods," Vivien says.
Also consider the temperature of your lighting, opting for warmer tones where possible for a more safe and cosy feeling.
The wrong colours
If you want to create a more soothing feeling, go for greens, blues and purples.
However, the pro notes that for some people blue has been known to "have a downbeat, drowsy effect on some people."
"Steer clear of blue if you find it makes you feel sad rather than soothed," she added.
Red creates a sense of urgency, so isn't suitable if you want to create a relaxing environment.
Furniture layout
Vivien explained: "Spaces that are easy to move through and foster social interaction reduce anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.
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"There's also a theory that creating symmetry can help to boost moods."
Avoid overcrowding areas with too much furniture or disrupting the flow of the room by placing your furniture in an awkward position.
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