Your Home, Your Haven - Make it Yours

It's no myth that a room's overall appearance can influence our emotions. In fact, there are several factors to be taken into consideration when putting together the optimal setting for any given space: function, lighting, noise, aroma, and of course, color. 

If a space is to function properly, some thought needs to be put into the furnishings and how they are placed. Crowed rooms are more likely to have an adverse effect on ones mood then spacious rooms.  Consider how you feel when entering a crowded, disorganized space. This creates a stressful environment as opposed to the feeling you get when entering a spacious, well-organized space.

Lighting is also an important factor in how we function and feel in a room. A dimly lit room will serve to relax, where as a bright interior will stimulate. Keep this in mind when determining how your room will function. You may choose bright overhead lighting in a kitchen or craft room, but opt for table lamps in a library or bedroom. Using dimmer switches for all overhead lighting will give any space options that make it multifunctional.

Noise is another significant factor in determining how we feel. The constant drone of an appliance or noise from busy traffic can increase the amount of stress we feel - definitely something to be taken into consideration when relaxation is the goal. 

Aroma can make us linger longer or run for the hills. A pleasant scent can enhance the perceived beauty of a room where as an offensive odor can spoil an otherwise perfect space.  When staging homes for sale, it is not uncommon to have cookies baking or coffee brewing to make the home feel more inviting. Using citrus oil on light bulbs will give off a pleasing clean scent, a better choice then the traditional potpourri, which can tend to get stale.

Without question, color has a proven influence on our emotions as well. Certain colors can calm or even energize us. Choosing the right color for a space can make all the differences in how we function in it. You may feel relaxed and refreshed in a blue or green room, or awake and alert in a red or yellow space. The key is to find a color that is in tune with how you want to feel; you are the final judge.

With the amount of time we spend in our homes increasing due to the ever popular "staycation" as well as more individuals working from home, it is imperative that our spaces be appealing to our individual tastes; as well as restful and comfortable. Even Psychologists agree that the decoration of a home can go a long way to either soothe or jar our nerves emotionally. Giving some thought to the factors outlined above is the first step in creating a comfortable, nurturing interior.

Brought to you by Jennifer Napolitano of JNdesign decorating.staging.redesign
www.jndesign.info
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