Interior architecture is an art form that incorporates a science that seeks to understand human behaviour to create healthier, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. It is a multifaceted profession, blending creative and technical solutions within a structure to achieve a harmonious built environment. These solutions aim to enhance quality of life and nurture feelings of connection and belonging. Design blends artistic expression with practicality, combining creativity and problem solving to enrich how we interact with our surroundings. Holistic design draws on multidisciplinary concepts to inspire thoughtful design decisions that support wellbeing. The more decisions we make that prioritise sustainability and being kinder to the planet, the better we feel about ourselves.

Here are some simple changes, tips and considerations for your home

Air Quality

The quality of the air we breathe is vital to our overall health. Often people don’t realise how many neurotoxins are in their environment that can cause all sorts of health issues from oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, and even trigger asthma. Ensuring your home has proper ventilation to bring fresh outdoor air in and expel indoor pollutants, allowing clean air circulation is important.
There are lots of high-efficiency air filters that can be installed to capture dust, pollen, and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
Minimising indoor pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins can be achieved by being conscious of the products, materials and furniture we bring into our homes. These toxins are often hidden in fabrics, furniture, glues, paints, vinyl and laminate floor coverings, candles, air fresheners, perfume, the list goes on. Being aware of the effects of these chemicals and making an effort to minimise their presence can have huge health benefits from boosting your mood and increasing energy levels to improve your general wellbeing.

Creating Personal Spaces

Design, arrange and style your home to reflect how you want to feel. Create zones for different activities and moments of enjoyment in your day. Don’t be afraid to rearrange furniture and experiment with new layouts. Find a spot that catches the early sun and set up a cosy place for your morning coffee. Find a place that feels peaceful to turn into a reading nook. If you enjoy meditation or yoga, designate an area in your home for these practices. I’ve done this by creating a little retreat for myself with an outdoor bath surrounded by plants to relax in the evenings with a view of the stars. These kind of wellness spaces help prioritise self-care as part of your daily routine.

Balance and Layout

Good layouts often go unnoticed because they just feel right. Achieving balance in a room is about making sure every object belongs and the space flows intuitively. A clutter-free, organised space helps us have a clear mind. If your environment is untidy, dark, or poorly arranged, it can be difficult to maintain a positive and creative mindset. If this feels like an overwhelming task try tackling one area at a time and see how you feel. Having too many ‘things’ causes overwhelm and it’s often incredibly freeing to reduce the amount of stuff we own. Spaciousness is a feeling that can be created through well-considered choices, including room layout, furniture selections, lighting and materials. It isn’t dependant on sqm size.

Furniture Choices

If you’re looking to replace furniture make sure you select quality made pieces that use natural materials and are non-toxic to avoid off-gassing. Opt for ergonomic designs for increased comfort and choose ethically sourced, locally made pieces. Ergonomic furniture supports proper posture, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which is especially important if you work from home. Consider durability, longevity and pieces that are kind to the planet when making your decision.

Textiles

Textiles play a crucial role in shaping the ambiance in our homes. Look for natural fibres such as linen, organic cotton, wool, jute, and hemp for curtains, rugs, furniture, throws, cushions, and bed linen. Synthetic textiles contain harmful chemicals and dyes which can lead to skin irritations and allergies. Natural fibres are breathable and help create a healthier indoor environment. They offer a calming sensory experience, helping promote relaxation, while their ability to regulate temperature makes them ideal for a comfortable home. By surrounding yourself with ethically sourced and sustainable fabrics, you can create a space that nurtures both body and mind.

Light Quality

I cannot stress enough how important good lighting is. Natural light creates a more uplifting environment, enhances our mood, regulates our circadian rhythms, and boosts productivity. You may need to consider increasing the number of windows, skylights or light wells in your home to maximise daylight and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. All too often I see homes that are flooded with an overwhelming amount of ‘blue light’ from LED downlights, which can be harmful. Many LED bulbs produce a flicker, typically around 120 times per second, not observable to humans but known to be associated with eyestrain, fatigue and headaches. Consider adding dimmers to your lights and switch to warmer light bulbs (preferably 2700k) and perhaps adding lamps for ambient glow. Different types of lighting can create varying moods and warm lights create a relaxed atmosphere. Using strategically placed mirrors can also be a clever way to amplify and bring natural light in to a space.

Connection to Nature

We are all intrinsically drawn to sunshine, fresh air, and greenery. Biophilic design aims to create spaces in which we feel more connected to nature. This can be achieved by integrating plants, natural materials, raw finishes, soft shapes and views of the outdoors. Biophilic design plays a therapeutic role in improving our connection with the natural world and has a multitude of benefits from supporting physical and psychological wellbeing, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, improving cognitive function and allowing us to feel more grounded.

Paint

The paint we choose has a direct impact on indoor air quality. When repainting, opt for low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to minimise harmful emissions and indoor air pollution. VOCs are chemicals that can linger in the air, causing respiratory issues and contributing to long-term health concerns. Fortunately, there are brands that make eco-friendly paints and use 100% green energy during production, offering a healthier alternative for your home and the planet.
Consider using limewash, a natural mineral-based paint that is free from synthetic chemicals. Not only does limewash have a beautiful finish, it also has antibacterial properties. This paint allows your walls to breathe, preventing the build-up of moisture and reducing the risk of mould and flaking paint.

Colour Psychology

Your home should feel like an extension of your personality, and colour plays a key role in achieving this. Colour is not merely decorative, it’s a medium that can significantly influence our emotional experience within a space. Thoughtful colour choices can instil positive emotions, create visual interest, and define the atmosphere of a space. By understanding the principles of colour theory, such as hue, value, intensity, and temperature, we can create cohesive colour schemes that enhance the aesthetic and mood of your home. Colour has the ability to change our perception of space in profound ways, creating visual dynamics and impacting our sense of scale. The psychology of colour is more than just personal preference; it carries cultural and historical significance, adding deeper meaning to our environments. Each hue plays a unique role in eliciting specific feelings. Generally warm tones bring energy and have an uplifting quality, making them great for social or creative areas. Cooler shades can feel refreshing and promote calm, making them ideal for spaces where focus or relaxation is needed. Bold colours can add vibrancy and serve as a focal point, while softer, neutral tones or pastels can offer a sense of balance and serenity. Deep, saturated tones can add sophistication and depth. However, colour can also have the opposite effect. If overused or oversaturated and without balance it can overwhelm a space.
Have fun with colour and make your home uniquely yours.
Experiment with colours that resonate with you.

Aimed to inspire

In the same way music has the ability to convey feeling and evoke emotion simply through our sense of sound and the unique combination of different notes, design has the remarkable power to influence our moods, mindset and energy through our sense of sight, touch and smell. It has the potential to shape how we live out our day-to-day life with the capacity to transform ordinary tasks into beautiful experiences. Design should nurture the rhythms and rituals of modern life and infuse a sense of wonder into everyday living. It is the art form through which we orchestrate the spaces we inhabit.

Each decision we make is a heartfelt note in the delicate symphony of our surroundings, shaping the unique envelope of space we each call home.