Kent Obrist, ABR | Homes in Lincoln, Nebraska

For many of us, the idea of being happy is tied to a feeling of comfort, love, security. Did you know you can create an environment of happiness in your home just by surrounding yourself with a few key things? Check out these six ways your home can improve your mood.

Come on, get happy!

1. Soft geometry

Soft geometry is one of the elements of “neuroarchitecture,” a hot new field of design…using emerging research on how factors like light, space, and room layout affect physical and psychological well being. The premise is to consider how each feature of the architectural environment influences certain brain processes such as those involved in stress, emotion, and memory,” said Oprah. “Soft geometry…is the use of curves instead of hard edges on counters, furniture, and cabinets to help nurture contentment and well-being. The reason has to do with your peripheral vision and is linked to a primitive part of the brain called the amygdala. Everything need not be rounded—that gets very tedious. But if the key pieces and places are curved, that makes the body relax.

2. Color

Certain colors are said to have the ability to make you hungry, relaxed, energetic, and, yes, happy. “One easy and effective way to change your moody outlook is to brighten up your life with color,” said She Knows. “Research has proven how color therapy, or chromo therapy, is a natural way to lift your spirits.”

Vibrant colors like yellow and orange “will fill a room with excitement and warmth… promote joy and laughter and also aid in improving focus. The more surrounded you are with rich colors, the happier you are! Pastel colors, such as lavender and pinks can help you manage stress because these soft, soothing colors foster calm feelings.”

3. Light

Natural light is a known mood lifter. If your place is dark, think about ways to brighten it up. Sheer curtains instead of heavy draperies can filter in light, but if you need a more potent solution, try skylights. These Solatube skylights are an easy and more affordable option than a traditional skylight. Overhead lighting complemented by abundant task lighting can also help brighten up a room.

4. Texture

We are tactile people, and a combination of textures can also help our mood. “Slipping beneath a soft blanket or burying your toes in the sand evokes certain feelings,” said Up Your Property Value. “Use texture in your decorating to achieve the same effect. A shag rug thrown over a hardwood floor is a surprising contrast for bare feet. The feel of chenille upholstery can be comforting, compared to something more formal, such as leather. Add texture to any wall with textured wallpaper or a faux-finish painting technique, and choose window treatments that reflect your desired mood as well. Some people like the crisp, clean lines of wooden blinds, while others prefer a billowing sheer curtain.”

5. Pets

One of the quickest, most effective, and most satisfying ways to improve your mood at home is to add a pet. “Pets can be calming stress-fighters,” said WebMD, and can also:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce stress
• Increase opportunities for social interaction
• Improve a baby’s immune system

“Babies raised in families that have pets may be less likely to get allergies and asthma, some studies show,” said Web MD. “It has to start early, ideally before a baby is six months old. Babies with dogs or cats at home have fewer colds and ear infections during their first year than babies living in pet-free homes, one study found.”

6. The green stuff

Not ready to take care of a pet? How about a plant? “Houseplants are popular as decorating accents, bringing natural color to a room and softening hard corners. The biggest benefit, though, is your health,” said Make It Better.

“Plants can reduce stress, clean the air, and help increase “oxygen for better breathing, which “can reduce drowsiness during the day, improve sleep at night and reduce the occurrence of headaches.”

Source: Realty Times

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