( OH YEAH ! )
INNER HEALTH : INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR ENHANCED LIVING
Kerena Berry from Designbx shares these interior design tips to help create an optimum living environment .
hether we use our knowledge to
W make positive or negative change ,
it ’ s certainly the new age of enlightenment .
Half a century ago , you could have been told cigarettes were harmless , depression was a myth and the obscene amount of pollution we produced wouldn ’ t affect the environment . With the exception of those who choose to live in denial , we ’ ve certainly increased our awareness .
But what about the more immediate environment ? And if home is where the heart is , can you confidently say that your heart is healthy ? Considering it ’ s a key contributor to the wellbeing of our families , surely it should have the benefit of the holistic approach we apply to our body . Can we truly be 100 per cent physically and mentally fit if we don ' t have a healthy home ?
From colours and shapes to music and textures , your interiors are constantly affecting the health and mood of your family . Rather than focusing on obvious aesthetic considerations that usually only have visual appeal , every sense needs to be addressed when you choose fittings , furniture and decorations .
TOUCH
This sense is a huge contributor to comfort . While it may not have the aesthetic pop of sight and sound , it ’ s the sense that must be respected if we ’ re to feel at ease . Scratchy , abrasive , stifling or rigid items are a roadblock for all others senses . When you physically touch an item in your home , does it soothe or aggravate you ? Imagine the touch of a cool tile on a hot day or the plush pile of a rug between your toes as you jump out of bed . Hardy wooden kitchen bench tops feel organic and durable while sleek marble bathroom counters are super hygienic , easy to clean and look luxe .
Remember also , the elements that determine temperature : a sea breeze , fans , heated floors or toilet seats , and electric blankets .
Woolly blankets are a kid ’ s favourite while soft and hygienic bamboo sheets are rising in popularity . As for velvet sofas , once you sink into their soft , snuggly warmth , it may be difficult stay awake during your next movie marathon .
SIGHT
We process an incredible amount of data with our eyes , and a large portion of the 300,400 nerve impulses we fire per second are triggered by our sense of sight . Colours , hues , and brightness are processed as fast as one thousandth of a second .
In our homes , we not only need to stimulate and comfort our families with visual elements but also need to provide light conducive to the processing power of what is arguably the hardest working of the senses . The light itself can become a feature , such as natural sunshine in a bedroom as we wake , as opposed to electronic light – all those gadgets designed to grab our attention – that are unhealthy distractions in a room designed for rest .
Psychologists have long maintained that each colour in the spectrum has positive and adverse effects , depending on an environment ’ s purpose . Colours can motivate , comfort and inspire while various finishes like wallpaper , gloss wall paint and satin flooring can alter and enhance the perception of each colour .
Shapes tap into your individual personality and should fit your style and functional needs . Are you a geometric or sinuous shape person ?
Ensure your eyes can breathe by creating a space that is calm to the eye . Bolder choices must be considered carefully because each member of your family will perceive vision differently ; so negative space , or the ‘ less is more ’ approach , often works for most .
SOUND
Hearing is another underrated sense when people consider interiors . Often the only time hearing is carefully considered is when we ’ re trying to keep the rest of the world out ( construction noise is the curse of the DIY generation ) but the right sounds can be as calming as gentle colours or luxurious textures .
26 OH ! MAGAZINE ( NOVEMBER 2016 )