| PLAN THE PERFECT |
CREATE YOUR OWN SANCTUARY WITH HELP FROM OUR EXPERTS
O ur homes are very personal, they are special and unique to us, so when we look at what makes a feelgood space, remember that there’s not a ‘one happy home suits all’ theory. But there are plenty of ways you can boost your home’s mood, as our three experts – a colour and design psychology specialist and two interior stylists, both with a passion for creating mindful homes – share here…
FIND YOUR OWN HAPPY
‘A happy home isn’t necessarily about that clichéd idea of bright colours or bold, playful designs (although it could mean happy to someone),’ says Joanna. ‘For me, it’s about a space that is filled with meaningful pieces that I love, either due to design or sentimental attachment.’ And Pippa adds, ‘It’s about having that home environment set up to suit my family’s needs, with colour and materials that make us feel calm, plus personal things that tell a story.’
‘Likewise, when it comes to colour,’ Karen explains, ‘your version of a happy colour is probably going to be different to mine. Orange is my happy colour – it fills me with joy. Interestingly, too much of it is overwhelming for me, so I go for bunches of orange flowers, which is just the boost I need. When it comes to colour psychology, the colour that relates to happiness is yellow. Yellow delivers a cheery “hello!” even on the greyest of days. It’s like taking the sunshine with you. With spring upon us, there’s nothing cheerier than a bunch of yellow daffodils.’
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GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SENSES
‘When we think about décor and interior design, we tend to think about trends rather than our senses,’ says Pippa. ‘Yet sight, sound, touch, taste and smell all need to be considered. Sensory interior design is a mindful approach that focuses on individuals’ wellbeing. It’s a decorating and styling strategy that ensures all interior spaces activate the human senses. It’s about pausing to reflect and ensuring that your home is working for you and not against you.
‘A simple scent, for example, can evok
