'I'm an interiors expert - here's how your home can make you happier'
Where are you reading this? Chances are you’re scrolling at home, or on your way to or from your home. And did you know that where we live is absolutely paramount to our wellbeing? “We spend so much time at home, especially with the rise of WFH. And the way our home looks, and the senses engaged while being there, impacts our mood,” says Lucy Steele, interiors expert for Valspar Paint. “Creating a home that is full of comfort, positive energy, and light is essential for wellness.” Here's how it's done...
“Green tones are traditionally associated with balance and calm, and make a great foundation for your colour scheme. Using different shades of green when decorating your home can also help minimise the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Choose a clean, fresh green like to restore balance and create an uplifting atmosphere,” says Lucy. Cushions are a really easy way to play with colour and all manner of patterns and textures go well together if you have a central theme - like the colour green. Try this , £12, with this , £10, both from Primark, paired with this , £79, from Made.com. Or this , £16, from Primark, with this , £19.50, from .
“Scent in the home plays a powerful role in boosting wellbeing, by reducing stress, and creating a calming atmosphere. Scents like lavender are known for having a calming effect, but introducing scents like bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood can help to reduce anxiety and boost mental clarity too,” says Lucy. Choose a diffuser, candle or other home scent as to how you want each room to make you and your guests feel. L’Occitane has recently unveiled three new home diffusers to help get you started (£65 each, uk.loccitane.com) - , and .
“Connection to nature is an interior designer's secret to creating a home that feels calm and grounded,” says Lucy. “Decorating with natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo and clay help to facilitate that deeper connection with nature throughout the home, as well as make the interior design feel cohesive and consistent. When it comes to soft furnishings, look for materials like jute, sisal, linen, or wool for a soothing and homely aesthetic.” Wood isn’t just for larger pieces of furniture, but can be added to the home in unexpected ways, like around a mirror or via a lamp base. One of this year’s top home trends is the pretty bobbin shape, which is a fun way of playing with wood accents in your decor. Try this , £129, from Marks & Spencer, and this , £160, from Next.
TEXTURE “Texture and touch, such as the soft feel of a carpet underfoot or the cosy feeling of a plush throw, also contribute significantly to wellbeing. These tactile experiences create comfort and a sense of security, helping to encourage relaxation as well as emotional balance,” says Lucy. Remove your shoes and encourage yourself to feel grounded with natural fibre flooring, connecting yourself to your home space as you move around it. Say no to ‘the big light’ and instead create moments of calm throughout with gentle lighting from lamps. This will help you wind down at night too, and create the perfect backdrop to your evening beauty routine. Try this , £269, from Neptune, and this , £67.13pm, from Alternative Flooring.
"Personal expression is so important for making your home feel joyful," says Lucy. "Whether it’s a quirky doorstop or a playful piece of artwork, it can elevate the everyday and add a sense of fun to your surroundings. These small, unexpected delights provide moments of happiness, turning mundane objects into sources of joy." Try this quirky , £22, from Next, or this curvaceous , £16, from Dunelm.
Follow Hannah on @hannahrbritt