Fall and winter can be a great time to hunker down and get comfortable, but spending all the time indoors isn’t for everyone, leading to low mood or seasonal affective disorder. So how do you make the house less depressing in the fall and winter?
between Make the home look comfortable And nail your dark season Lighting ideasThere are several ways designers are changing spaces to deal with dark days.
Here, they share all of them.
How to make the house less depressing in the fall and winter
Your home and environment can have a big impact on the way you feel, especially if you spend more time indoors with fewer hours of natural light. It can sometimes lead to a condition called SAD or “winter depression,” a type of intermittent low mood that comes and goes with the colder months.
So how you decorate your home is vital to maintaining your physical and mental health this fall and winter.
1. Prioritize your lighting system
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Make the living room cozy with lighting It’s a great idea when you’re looking to hunker down for a cozy fall and winter, but having too much low-lighting can dramatically affect your mood in the darker months, he warns. Marta Balazsinterior designer and founder of Embee Interiors:
“Light affects our body’s internal clock and mood. Maximizing natural light is a mood booster. It regulates our circadian rhythms, so it’s essential to let into your home as much as possible during the day,” she says.
“But when natural light is scarce, dimmable smart lighting, which mimics natural daylight, can be a game-changer for our mood,” she adds. I personally love Philips Hue White Ambiance bulbs, available at Amazon, which can be set to automatically track natural light patterns throughout the day, transitioning from warm white glow to daylight without having to change bulbs. I’ve been using it for over a year and just bought more. They make a huge difference in the living room, bedroom and office and make artificial light look more natural.
2. Consider color psychology
(Image credit: Future)
‘There’s no denying that Color psychology “It plays a role in our emotional responses,” continues interior designer Marta Balazs.
‘Think about bringing in warm, bright colors to counter those gray days. Soft yellows and warm oranges exude happiness, so enjoy these colors in your home decor, from pillows to wall paint.’
when Decorating for fallthink about adding Colors that make a room feel happy With interchangeable decoration, allowing you to switch it up when it comes to spring and summer.
3. Add natural elements when spending time indoors
(Image credit: Maritxu22 / Alamy Stock Photo)
As cold temperatures and bad weather force us to spend more time indoors, it’s important that we continue to learn about nature. Of course, there’s no real substitute for getting out into the fresh air, but adding more air Best indoor plants To your home is a good start.
“To bring new energy to your living space all year round, you can easily incorporate plants and flowers. These organic elements have the power to elevate your surroundings and add a cheerful touch to your decor,” he says. Marc PerakPrincipal Architect at dtls.Architecture.
“By making these simple additions, you can transform your home into a welcoming and inspiring oasis.”
Marc Perak, a licensed architect specializing in residential architecture, is currently a principal at dtls.ARCHITECTURE and an adjunct assistant professor of architecture at Columbia University in New York. Born in Chicago and informed by his experiences across North Carolina, Georgia, France, California, and New York, Mark brings a diverse and global perspective to his work.
4. Create a comfortable space to escape
(Image credit: Oka)
Comfortable corners or Reading corners “It should never be underestimated when staging a home to improve your mental health,” he says. Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. “They are the perfect places to pursue hobbies or take some meaningful time out of your day to strengthen yourself,” he says.
‘Always have a comfortable corner.’ Whether it’s a window seat or a reading nook, a designated space for relaxing can make winter days a little more bearable.
“Make sure to embrace the senses in this space too, as aromatic candles or essential oil diffusers with uplifting scents can instantly change the atmosphere,” he adds.
New York-based Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has extensive and significant global design experience over a decade. By prioritizing simplicity, sustainability and authenticity, Artem, together with his team of professionals, works on projects in the United States and around the world.
5. Personalize your space with art
(Image credit: Magnolia)
Adding personal touches to a space is enough to get anyone out of chaos. Using family photos, Decorate with art Says it has meaning to you, or decor from travels and vacations is a great way to add personality to your space and create a home full of memories that will carry you through the fall and winter. Jenny Kozinaan interior designer at the design studio that bears his name.
Try using pictures and decorations that remind you of the positive experiences you had in the fall and winter months to promote positive thinking as well, rather than just memories of summer and spring that can lead you into further chaos.
6. Get rid of the clutter and clean it up
(Image credit: Future Publishing Company Limited)
Although cleaning and tidying doesn’t seem like the best activity to cheer you up, having a messy home has been proven to contribute to low mood — especially when you spend a lot of time indoors. Your skin is off Fall cleaning checklist Therefore, saving space in your home is essential to make the home less depressing in the fall and winter.
“Get rid of anything you don’t use or need,” says Parveen Garg, cleaning expert and director of the company. Olaclean. “You can also organize your belongings in a way that is appropriate for the colder months, such as pulling warm clothes and coats to the front of closets to help you get out more easily to improve your mood.”
7. Use soft materials to create a comfortable tactile space
(Image credit: David Lovati)
The use of texture in interior design It’s a must-have in your home all year round, but especially important when you find yourself indoors for longer periods of time, he reminds you Julio Arcointerior designer and founder of Bark & Chase.
“Based on the need for comfort, the tactile experience in a space is crucial. Offering a variety of textures, especially natural ones such as wood, stone and tile, not only appeals to our senses, but can also be associated with feelings of warmth and comfort.”
“Even synthetic textures, such as thick rugs, can make a room feel warmer and more inviting. In my experience, homeowners often underestimate the psychological comfort derived from the soft feeling underfoot that a plush rug provides, especially during cold times.
Julio Arco has been working as an online architect, interior designer, and interior designer for the past several years in the United States. He holds a degree in Architecture from ITESM and a Master’s degree in Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. He is also a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).
common questions
How can I increase natural light in my home?
There are plenty of ways to enhance the effect of natural light in your home, from opening your windows fully throughout the day, using sheer curtains to help let the most light in and using mirrors opposite your windows to reflect natural light around the interior of your space. . Don’t forget to clean your windows well, too.
It also helps to decorate with light colors, whether in wall paint or décor, and to use furniture with a light visual footprint (i.e. not too bulky, with visible space underneath) to visually expand the space and allow natural light to travel through it. easier.
How can I be happy at home when it’s always dark?
Fall and winter usually mean shorter days with more dark hours than light. Although it’s easy to despair, improving your lighting schemes with smart bulbs that transition from cozy glow to daylight can help simulate a brighter day. Alternatively, you can find activities that romanticize low-light, such as lighting your home with candles for a romantic or cozy glow to enjoy watching TV, reading a book, or even baking something autumnal.
There are many others Ways you can combat sadness Outside of decorating your home, but your decor is a great place to start and build upon when everything seems a little more difficult. Start by finding Best SAD lamps To restore good circadian rhythms and improve sleep and mood, work from there to a home you won’t want to leave even in the spring.
