Your home interior can be your mood-maker or mood-breaker.
Your home interior can be your mood-maker or mood-breaker. It isn’t just a place where you rest your head; it’s a sanctuary, a reflection of your personality. Does your home brighten your mood each time you open the door? Does it create feelings of happiness, comfort, safety, romance, and pride? No matter if the answer yes or no, these simplest interior secrets will not take much time or money but make you happier at home.
From 2013 until today, and according to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Nordic countries – Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland – are constantly among the happiest in the world. They are not a tropical paradise that popular images often associate with happiness; rather, the Nordic winter tends to be long, dark, and cold. However, a few years ago, the concept of Danish happiness hygge and its Swedish analogue lagom became a global phenomenon.
In Scandinavian countries, the relationship between home interiors and a person’s inner harmony, has been a central part of their lifestyle and culture for centuries and have long been studied. This focus is deeply rooted in their values and philosophies, emphasizing harmony, balance, and connection to nature. Let’s learn more about the Scandinavian approach to happy home interiors.
Scandinavian interior philosophy and well-being
Scandinavian countries have long been at the forefront of recognizing that a harmonious home environment contributes significantly to personal happiness, comfort, and overall well-being. Their designs and philosophies continue to inspire people worldwide who seek balance and serenity in their living spaces.
Ideas about the interior that brings happiness have changed dramatically in the “pandemic era” – the perception of the home as a well-thought-out functional space has undergone a real evolution. Even sales of furniture and home decor items have grown up several times, despite the economic crisis.
Hygge Culture (Denmark)
The Danish concept of hygge revolves around creating a cozy, warm atmosphere that promotes relaxation and contentment. Hygge isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering joy and comfort through intentional design and thoughtful living spaces.
Lagom Philosophy (Sweden)
The Swedish principle of lagom (meaning “just the right amount”) emphasizes moderation and balance. In interior design, this translates to simplicity, functionality, and decluttering, ensuring that the space is neither overwhelming nor bare but perfectly in tune with its purpose and the inhabitant’s needs.
Connection to Nature
Scandinavian design often incorporates elements that reflect the natural world, such as wood, stone, and neutral tones, to create a sense of tranquility. Large windows, light color palettes, and indoor plants further the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, which is believed to improve mood and reduce stress.
Focus on Light
Given the long, dark winters, Scandinavians prioritize natural light and warm artificial lighting in their homes. Soft lighting, candles, and reflective surfaces like mirrors are used to create inviting and uplifting interiors that combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Functional and Minimalist Design
Interiors are designed to be both beautiful and functional, avoiding unnecessary clutter or overly elaborate decorations. This minimalist approach fosters a clear mind and a sense of order, which are crucial for inner harmony.
Research and Studies
Scandinavia has seen academic studies and cultural explorations on how living environments influence well-being. Concepts like “environmental psychology” and “biophilic design” are widely considered in both architecture and interior design. These principles aim to create spaces that support mental and physical health.
Happy interior basics
No doubts, you’ve already known this before, however it won’t hurt to repeat:
First things first – declutter
Clutter isn’t just a visual eyesore; it’s a happiness killer. A clutter-free space can lead to a clutter-free mind.
Comfort is key
Nothing kills joy faster than an uncomfortable chair or a mattress that’s seen better days. Invest in pieces that prioritize comfort. Your body and mind will thank you.
Layouts to play with
Sometimes happiness is as simple as rearranging your furniture. Experiment with different layouts to find one that feels both functional and harmonious. Angle your furniture towards a focal point, like a fireplace or a window with a view, to create a cozy and inviting setup.
Practicality
A multi-functional home is a happy home. Invest in furniture that serves dual purposes, like a sofa bed or a dining table with storage. Create dedicated zones for different activities – a workspace that inspires productivity, a dining area for family bonding, and a relaxation corner just for you.
Art that inspires
Surround yourself with art that sparks joy. Whether it’s a motivational quote, a whimsical painting, or a family heirloom, art can uplift your mood. Frame fabric swatches or wallpaper samples for an affordable yet chic wall display.
And remember, styling, trends, even practicality – all this is not so important compared to the emotions that you get from your interior.
5 Simple secrets of happy home interiors
No doubts, home interiors have a huge impact on our lives. And no doubts, that there is no universal recipe for such a “happy” interior for everyone, but there are a number of techniques with which you can get the maximum desired effect from your place.
A happy home interior doesn’t require a complete overhaul or a hefty budget. Instead, it’s about weaving in small, impactful changes that uplift your spirits and make every day brighter.
Your home has the potential to be your ultimate happy place. With these simple secrets, you can turn your living space into a hub of positivity and joy. So, start small, have fun, and let your personality shine through. Because when your home makes you happy, every day feels a little brighter.
1
Let there be light
Natural light is like a daily dose of sunshine for your soul. Throw open those curtains, ditch the heavy drapes, and let the light flood in. If you’re stuck with a windowless room, fake it with warm, ambient lighting. String lights, LED candles, and Himalayan salt lamps are mood-boosting alternatives.
Use mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room. A large mirror opposite a window can make even the smallest spaces feel expansive and cheerful.
Here are some simple tricks to make your home spark joy:
- Install more indirect lighting to create a more relaxed space.
- Combine lighting on walls and ceilings to make the space feel more relaxed.
- Use bright light that can make a space feel more pleasant.
In home interiors, lighting is the most effective tool – just one source of colored light can instantly change the emotional mood of the room.
2
Live with what you love
If it doesn’t make you happy, why keep it? Surround yourself with items that you love. Psychologists recommend distancing from toxic people whenever possible and surrounding yourself with like-minded people, in whose company you feel comfortable. Transfer this principle to the material world of home interior.
Dealing with things is much easier than dealing with people: you can’t avoid a manipulative boss, but you can get rid of an unloved armchair. In a “happy” interior, the things with which you have an emotional connection should significantly exceed the things you are indifferent to.
Your home should tell your story. Display photos, souvenirs, or art that resonates with you. Your child’s craft, a souvenir from a trip, an old framed photo, a sideboard inherited from your grandmother — be sure to find a place for these things if you like them. Modern trends favor the presence of unique and memorable items in the interior, even if at first glance they do not seem stylish or fashionable. Good memories are priceless. And vice versa: if a thing is associated with some unpleasant events in life, ditch it.
Happiness often hides in the details. A cozy corner, a favorite scent, or even a mug that makes you smile can transform your home into a joyful retreat.
Avoid things that can lead to additional stress, even if they should work the opposite way in theory. For example: living plants are very beautiful, but if you don’t have time to provide them with the necessary care, and the cat regularly tries to make a salad out of them, this is just another reason for frustration.
3
Introduce “touching” things
Choose not only with your heart, but also with your hands. Among your favorite things, there must definitely be tactile ones. Today, designers are paying more and more attention to tactile sensations in living space. Textured finishes and textured textiles are in trend. Decorative elements also strive for relief – you want to not only look at them, but also touch them.
When your bare feet are greeted by a fluffy carpet in the morning, a soft blanket falls on your shoulders in the evening, your hands glide over the velvety armrests of the chair, and even the walls make you want to touch them – you strengthen your emotional connection with the interior through touch.
Texture isn’t just about touch; it’s about visual warmth. Layer different materials: think soft throws, plush cushions, and woven rugs – to create a space that begs you to snuggle in. Mix textures like linen, wool, and faux fur for a dynamic and inviting look.
4
Change with the seasons and moods
Seasonal switch-ups are exciting. Remember how much pleasure it usually brings to decorate your home for the New Year. For a few days, we manage to let the feeling of a holiday into the interior through simple decorative manipulations. Seasonality in the interior works in the same way. Why limit yourself to New Year’s decorations if you can emotionally rethink the space every season?
Nothing but flowers, dishes, and textiles will do the trick the easiest and the most affordable way.
It’s enough to have several sets of pillowcases for decorative pillows with thematic prints: it could be “tropics” in summer, “flowers” in spring or “snowflakes” in winter …or not so literally. Use any seasonal associations that are close to you. Blankets, curtains and other textiles can also be changed “according to the season”.
Plant décor is even simpler and more accessible: in spring and summer – fresh seasonal flowers, in autumn – decorative compositions of pumpkins, in winter – pine cones and fir branches. To get more impressions, you might use seasonal associative aromas.
Rotate decor items like cushions, throws, and table settings to reflect the seasons. This keeps your home feeling fresh and aligned with nature’s rhythms. Go full hygge in winter with candles and cozy textiles, then switch to light and breezy accents for summer.
Rotate your decor not only seasonally but whenever you’re in the mood for a change. This keeps your space feeling fresh and exciting. Even small changes in your space can make a big difference and can be enjoyable all year round.
5
Don’t be afraid of anything!
Neither you nor your interior have to be trendy, polish and serious. Don’t be afraid of ironic, colorful or funny items – the main thing is that they make you smile and feel great.
Colors have a profound effect on your emotions. Want to feel serene? Opt for soft blues and greens. Need an energy boost? Add pops of yellow or orange. Yellow is known as the happiest color in the spectrum. Even a sunflower vase can brighten your day. Some prominent designers are sure that there are no interior antidepressants stronger than rich, bright shades. But if bold colors scare you, keep the base neutral and introduce color through accessories like cushions, rugs, flowers, or wall art.
Of course, we don’t say that a bright shade is the key to interior happiness. The emotional perception of color is an individual process. For the same reason, you should not take the word of color therapy. Some people will be irritated by cheerful candy tones, some can only relax among totally white walls, and some prefer deep dark shades, even if they visually eat up space and look gloomy.
Add a touch of whimsy. A colorful ottoman, a playful print, or even a swing chair can inject fun and personality into your space. Hang a chalkboard in the kitchen for doodles, quotes, or messages to loved ones.
If you like a pink poodle sculpture or a huge neon sign in the hallway – who has the right to forbid it? You come first!
And never underestimate the power of smell. A whiff of lavender can calm your nerves, while citrus scents energize. Boil a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves for a natural, cozy aroma. Use candles, essential oil diffusers, or simmer pots to infuse your home with happiness.
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Your home interior affects your emotions big time. Simple adjustments to colors, layout, fabrics, textures, and accent items can easily improve your mood and evoke positive feelings. Happiness comes from embracing imperfections. Let your space be lived-in and loved.