Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

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There’s no place like home. At least that’s what we all want to think, but is your home making you stressed out? Do you walk in the door after a long day of work only to be greeted by piles of laundry, dishes and dust bunnies?  Did you ever consider the idea that your home could be increasing your stress levels? You may be surprised to learn emerging research has shown that your home can drastically affect your mood, and it can even make you sick. The Journal of Social And Personal Relationships reveals that this stress is further exasperated when husband and wife both work outside the home—naturally, neither sex wants to come home after a long day of work to be greeted by household chores and messes. Could your home actually be making you depressed? Depression is no laughing matter! Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuary; the place to escape and unwind. Let’s look at some ways to change your home from a depressing domicile to a mood-enhancing manor. The first step is to look toward a minimalist interior—yes, minimalists may be happier in their homes for many reasons. Here is why minimalist interiors are good for you:

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Your Home Interior Can Make You Sick

Emerging research is showing that your homes lighting, space, and room design can affect how you feel. These studies have lead the creation of a new field of architecture called, Neuro-architecture. This is a very exciting, innovative development whereby neuro- science is combined with architecture in order to create modern designs that are effective, functional and even possibly healing!Here are a few home designs that could be causing your bad mood:

• If a room is too cluttered, then you can become anxious.
• If a room is too dark, then you can become depressed or feel gloomy.
• If a room is too bright, then you can feel stressed and hurried.
• If a room is too small, then you can feel cramped, trapped or closed-in.

None of those scenarios sound like the welcoming retreat we crave.

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Knick Knacks Collect Dust and Allergens

It only makes sense—all that clutter collects dust. Look around your home. Do you have tables and shelves covered in knick knacks? Do you have laundry all over the bedroom floor? Do you have layers of pillows on your couch or bed? Do you have areas rugs on every floor of every room?We understand, you have all these decor items because you wanted to make your home feel cozy and welcoming. Unfortunately, you may be doing the opposite by making your home cluttered and a haven to allergy-inducing dust mites. Look through our Freshome images of minimalist interiors and you will not see layer upon layer of rugs, pillows and knick knacks—rather, these homes look clean, uncluttered, yet remain welcoming. This minimalist style is what you should try to replicate in order to achieve a less stressed home environment. But remember, it’s important to keep some memento’s around as they can help you feel grounded and satisfied. After all, your favorite books and family photos make you happy, right? If your home is too sterile, you may have the opposite effect and actually cause feelings of loss, emptiness or sadness.

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Simplicity and Symmetry Make You Calm

Our brains are funny and complicated organs. We may never completely understand how the brain functions, but there are studies that show how the brain reacts to symmetry, and it’s a positive reaction. Our brains love symmetry!We realize that it may seem silly to say that placing matching end tables with matching lamps beside your sofa will make you happier, but there is some psychological proof to achieving balance in your interiors and how it can make you feel content.This connects back to our argument about minimalist homes—they are usually simple and symmetrical in design and layout, thereby giving you a happier outlook when you walk in the door. Personally, clutter makes me stressed to the max! When these feeling hit, there is a quick-fix—tossing out all the clutter. The minute the clutter starts hitting the trash can, feelings of  relaxation and organization take over. Do you have these same moments; ones where you absolutely must get rid of the clutter in order to feel more calm and relaxed?Perhaps, we should all consider embracing a more permanent minimalist approach to our home design?

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Color Can Affect Your Mood

Most minimalist interiors have a simple approach to color—keep it light and simple. You will notice that minimalist homes usually have rather large windows that allow natural light to fill the room. You may also notice that wall colors are usually quite neutral, with a splash of modern red or other bold colors used sparingly via accent walls or accessories.These light, neutral colors allow a home to feel open, inviting and airy. Doesn’t that sound relaxing? It certainly sounds like the type of environment that would make you happy.Neutral , simplistic rooms allow our brains to process the room as a whole, without causing our eyes to flit about between confusing, bright colors and small knick knacks.If you want to add pops of color into your home, then do it in a balanced manner by adding hints of the same color throughout the room. For example, red cushions on your sofa balanced with red vases flanking your fireplace mantle and maybe some red picture frames on a side table. All of these accents match and give a room a sense of balance while avoiding the boredom of a plain neutral room.

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Are you ready to embrace a more calm and happy home? Consider getting rid of some of that crabby clutter and opt for a more minimalist home. It doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of all of your personal objects or live in a sterile environment, it just means that a simple home that has balance, symmetry and minimalism will make you happier.Is your home making you grumpy? Would you consider a minimalist interior to see if it will make you happier?