Stress Busting Decorating Tips

Ok, I know what you are thinking, my decor relates to my mental health? Huh!?!

But it's not as far fetched as you might think.  Multiple studies have found the environment you live/work in directly relates to how you feel. Face it, most of us hate to walk into our house when it is dirty, chaotic or dysfunctional. It raises our stress level and sometimes even creates depression. While cleaning up solves some of the problem, there are other simple steps you can take 

to create a more zen abode.

1. Make sure each room has a focal point.

A focal point insures that a room feels comfortable and relaxing. Not sure if your room has a focal point? Here are a few questions, to help you figure it out.

• Is the furniture lined up along the walls?  If so, it is unlikely there is a focal point. It is hard to have something serve as the anchor for the room if the furniture is not grouped around it. That means some of the furniture needs to be "floating" in the room, without its back against a wall. 

• Is the furniture facing a major design feature? - a fireplace, large windows, TV, Armoire, sofa? First, and foremost the furniture should always be facing a focal point, such as a fireplace. Note the picture above is a definite "DON'T".  If you do not have a clear anchor in the room make one: use a large piece of furniture, TV, or art. If the room cannot be oriented this way, ensure that the sofa takes center stage and use it as the focal point.

• Are there clear pathways? - While you don't want your furniture lined up against the wall, you also want to make sure you have not created an obstacle course. Make clear and logical pathways into your seating areas and through your rooms. Do not block the entry to a seating area with a piece of furniture.

2. Functional equals beautiful 

Funny how a functional room is usually the most inviting.  Include the following tips for a more functional and beautiful space.

• Lighting - Make sure there is adequate lighting next to seating. Meaning a lamp on either side of the sofa and next to chairs. A seating area should have adequate light, no dark corners, when the overhead lights are off. Any work zones like a kitchen or bathroom should have strong overhead and task lighting, such as sconces.

• Proper table placement - A place to set a drink next to each seat. For a sofa this is usually a coffee table, for a chair(s) this is often a side table

• No stray wires - Tidy up wires hanging behind tables or on floors. All those wire create visual clutter, which creates anxiety.

• Clear away the "other" clutter - "Have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" William Morris. That means your mother-in-law's ugly vase goes (at least to the garage)

3. Add plants 

Not as much work as a pet but also proven to make you feel better. If you aren't sure what to buy, head to your local garden center and ask for a couple of 'easy care' plants to start. You may want to check out this article about the value of plants on mental health.

4. Make it personal 

Mass produced items are remarkably soulless. A room straight out of West Elm probably looks great but, is unlikely to nurture your soul. Display collections, children's art, family photos... Just don't go overboard, since clutter generally creates anxiety but make your space YOURS! 

5. Accents from nature 

Just as plants are good for your health, so are other natural trinkets. From birds nests to branches, rocks to turtle shells, simple items found in nature are known to create a sense of calm. When you tire of these items, simply return them to the outdoors.

These suggestions don't cost a lot of money or take a lot of time to do. But little changes can have a huge impact. It is an overwhelming and stressful world we live in. Reducing stress and anxiety where we can, makes all the difference.