Anti-stress interior. How to turn your apartment into refuge from anxiety

Calm palette and monochrome

The color scheme of walls and furniture affects the psychological state. Natural, pastel shades such as blue, light gray, beige, or cream help to calm you down. Especially recommended is blue, which, according to research, has the strongest anti-stress effect.

To create harmony, it is advisable to use a monochrome palette of one color with its shades. Avoid excessive brightness and neon colors that can cause excitement. White should be combined with other shades to avoid the hospital effect.

Warm artificial lighting

Artificial lighting is also important to organize properly. Cold light activates the brain, while warm yellow light (2700-3500K) promotes relaxation. It is recommended to use several light sources located on the side, not just from above.

Table lamps, floor lamps, and spotlights create a cozy atmosphere. Before going to bed, avoid blue light from gadget screens, which can cause insomnia. Soft lighting adds a sense of calm and harmony.

Mild lighting relaxes the nerves (photo: Freepik)

Natural soft light

Lighting plays a key role in creating a comfortable environment. To maximize sunlight penetration, it is recommended to clean windows and use light curtains. However, excessive lighting can increase activity, which is not always desirable for relaxation.

The best location for rest rooms is western and southwestern windows. To adjust the brightness, you can use thick curtains or blinds that allow you to change the level of light.

Rounded shapes

The shapes of interior items affect psychological comfort. Rounded furniture, arches, niches, and smooth lines are associated with natural forms and contribute to a sense of security.

The interior should use soft silhouettes without sharp corners, which create a more relaxed atmosphere. Arched openings, rounded furniture, and decorative elements on the walls help to make the space cozy and pleasant to perceive.

Furniture with rounded shapes visually calms (photo: Freepik)

Comfortable and functional furniture

Furniture for relaxation should be comfortable, have soft seats, and have pleasant-to-the-touch upholstery. Important criteria are ergonomics and the use of natural materials - wood, bamboo, and rattan.

A chair or sofa with a memory effect helps you to completely relax. Avoid overly rigid or non-functional furniture that can cause discomfort. A harmonious combination of comfort and style contributes to a sense of calm and homeliness.

Silence and natural sounds

Excessive noise can cause irritation and fatigue. It is worth using soundproofing materials, such as carpets, textile panels, and thick curtains, which help reduce noise. Pleasant sounds of nature, such as the sound of water, birdsong, or a gentle breeze, have a relaxing effect.

A home fountain or aquarium will help to create a calm atmosphere. Aromatherapy using natural essential oils of lavender, mint or vanilla also helps to set the mood for rest and recuperation.

Pleasant natural smells add to relaxation (photo: Freepik)

Pleasant textures and natural materials

Multilayered textures create a sense of harmony. Soft rugs, natural fabrics, and wooden surfaces add tactile comfort. It is worth using textiles made of linen, cotton, and wool, as well as carpets with a pleasant texture.

Decorative pillows, blankets, and furniture upholstery should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable to the touch. The combination of different materials creates the effect of warmth and coziness.

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Sources: Real Simple, Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy.