5 ways to Harness Nature’s Health Benefits to Optimize Your Home
We seldom overlook the power of nature when it comes to our homes. But, with a little bit of thought and some scientifically designed solutions, you can leverage nature’s health benefits to optimize your home and make it a healthier place for you and your family. In this blog post, we'll explore how to utilize nature in your home design to create an environment that is conducive to improved physical and mental wellbeing.
#1. Indoor Air Quality
We all know that fresh air is important for our health, but did you know that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air? Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a wide range of health issues such as allergies, asthma, headaches, fatigue and even depression. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your home. For example, using natural materials like wool or hemp rugs instead of synthetic carpets helps reduce toxins in the air. Additionally, adding plants like ivy or aloe vera can help filter out pollutants from the atmosphere. And if you're looking for something that requires less maintenance than live plants, consider installing an ionization device which uses electrical current to reduce hazardous particles from the air.
#2. Lighting Design
Proper lighting design is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. Natural light has been shown to improve energy levels and alertness while artificial light can leave us feeling sluggish and unmotivated. To maximize natural light in your home, try opening up curtains or blinds during daylight hours as well as strategically placing mirrors around windows so that they reflect more light into dark spaces. If natural light isn’t available or isn’t enough you should consider investing in LED lights which mimic natural sunlight while still being energy efficient.
#3. Noise Pollution Control
Noise pollution is one of the most overlooked sources of stress in our homes yet it's one of the easiest ones to tackle! Start by taking an inventory of where sound enters your space—such as through windows or doors—and find ways to block it out without completely cutting yourself off from the outside world (like installing noise-reducing windows). You could also add acoustic insulation panels along walls or ceilings if needed. Finally, consider playing white noise from a fan or speaker which helps mask unwanted noises while providing a calming atmosphere at the same time!
#4. Incorporate Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another great way to enjoy the healing power of nature without ever leaving home! Incorporating essential oils into your interior design scheme is an easy way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy without having to invest too much time or money. Using essential oil diffusers are perfect for creating an aroma that will fill up any room with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus—giving you all of the benefits of aromatherapy without having to leave your home.
#5. Utilize Nature-Inspired Colors
When it comes to selecting colors for your home, emotions and mood shifts are something to take into consideration. Adding colors from nature like blues and greens can help set the tone for peace and relaxation. According to trending paint studies, greens make up the top selling colors in the industry with deeper shades of green such as olive providing a subtle yet soothing backdrop. Nature-inspired hues create a grounding effect making it easier to bring emotions back into balance. With their ability to bring feelings of stability and relaxation, calming colors inspired by nature make an excellent choice when designing a space that promotes wellbeing. To further evoke feelings of peacefulness in your living area, try integrating nature-inspired wallpaper designs that has a natural color palette - from calming woodland scenes to vibrant floral murals, you will introduce elements of tranquility and balance.
Bringing nature into our homes creates a restful atmosphere and brings us closer to our natural environment—all while providing scientifically proven health benefits such as:
relieves stress and mental fatigue
decreases diastolic blood pressure,
supports focus and increases psychological wellbeing
decreases depression and anxiety
improves mental recovery from stress and fatigue
With just a few easy steps outlined above, you can start leveraging nature's health benefits today! So don't wait any longer - get started on creating a healthier living space for yourself and your family!
~ XOXO Martha
P.S. If you need help incorporating nature’s benefits into your space I can help make it happen! Imagine coming home to a space that’s not only beautiful but also supports your physical and emotional health. It’s easier than you think. Click the link to schedule a chat for more information about our wellness-focused interior design services.