5 Guidelines to Creating Living Spaces that Promote Positive Moods.

1. What color schemes do you suggest for creating positive moods in interiors, and how do they influence the overall ambiance?

We recommend using neutral colors to make a space feel fresh, light, and airy. Tones in the creamy white and taupe family will elevate your space and create a feel of expansiveness.

According to Color Psychology, warm tones such as yellows and reds stimulate and energize, and cool tones such as greens and blues have a calming and relaxing effect. However, for your home (or your client’s home), we suggest sticking to a neutral color palette for your walls.

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring, there are plenty of opportunities to add color to your space (cabinetry, wallpaper, fixtures, furniture, and décor) implementing the 60/30/10 rule: 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent color.

SAMPLE CASE:  if we wanted to design a calming, serene bedroom, we might start by painting the walls a creamy white. Then, we might add a neutral, linen bed, white oak nightstands, and a statement dresser in a light blue with brass pulls. To anchor the space, we could add a neutral rug with hints of light blue and again carry the blue into accent pillows for the bed. Then we could add a beautiful brass light fixture and table lamps in a natural material with brass accents. Keep everything else in coordinating neutrals and voilà you have a bedroom that is elevated, calming, and will feel spacious.

2. How can different lighting techniques and fixtures be used to uplift and energize a space effectively?

There are three main layers to lighting your home. Ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

• Ambient lighting provides the overall illumination of the space, for example, recessed lighting, ceiling fixtures, and chandeliers.
• Task lighting, on the other hand, refers to lighting for specific activities, such as lamps and cabinet lighting.
• Accent lighting adds depth and visual interest to the space, usually by highlighting a decorative feature such as art – think wall sconce or picture light.

Playing with these layers in your home will help you set the stage to alter the mood with just a few adjustments. If you want to feel energized, add more light. If you want to feel cozy and comfortable, less light.

3. What role do textures play in enhancing positivity within a room, and how do you integrate them into your designs?

Textures in a room add warmth and interest, boosting positivity. Mixing different textures like soft fabrics, smooth surfaces, and rough materials, creates depth. You can integrate textures through furniture, rugs, curtains, and decor. For example, pairing a linen sofa with a glass table and adding woven baskets or wooden accents creates a balanced and inviting space. Experimenting with textures allows you to create a multi-dimensional (layered) environment that feels harmonious and inviting.

4. What principles guide furniture arrangement to optimize space and encourage positivity in a room?

There are four key principles to consider when arranging furniture in a space. Functionality, balance, proportion, and flow. With these in mind ask yourself: what is the function of the space?

Furniture should be arranged in a way that meets the needs and purpose of the space. For example, if you want to be able to watch TV from the sofa in your family room, you will make decisions for the furniture arrangement based on that need.

Second, furniture should be arranged in a way that is balanced within the space. To create balance, furniture should be evenly distributed throughout and avoid overcrowding. Balance also takes into account things like scale and color. The trick is to keep the eye moving so there isn’t just one dominating area in the space.

Third, select furniture that is appropriately sized for the space. Proportion, or scale, is key in maintaining a well balanced environment. Using furniture that is too large for the space, for example, will translate into feeling cramped and uncomfortable.

Lastly, make sure to account for the flow of your space. Have a clear sense of the organic walkways and avoid obstructions.

Following these four principles will help you create a space that is balanced, visually appealing, and will have an overall positive effect on your mood.

5. How do you use art and decor to evoke positive emotions and inspire joy in interior spaces?

Styling a space with art and decor is the final layer in the design process and it’s your opportunity to have some fun! Bring in pieces you love, as Marie Kondo would say, things that bring you joy.

We love a traveled look, mixing old and new, which can be achieved by bringing in key collected pieces (art, books, etc.) and mixing in newer, found pieces.

Also, mixing materials, such as, stone, woods, glass, and fabrics, will help to create a well balance and styled space. A balanced and harmonious space will inspire joy, so make sure not to clutter your home. Instead, thoughtfully mix in key pieces, less is often more (especially when decorating to sell).

Lastly, add greenery throughout, preferably live plants when possible. Studies have found a multitude of benefits to having live plants in your home, including elevated mood and stress reduction. You will be amazed what a beautiful tree in a well selected planter can do for your space. Happy decorating!