Winter comes every year and for many, so do the blues. But simple home upgrades like good lighting, plants, aromatherapy and light filtering window treatments can make a huge difference in the way your space makes you feel every day.
1. Add More Lighting
Light boxes, also called sun therapy lamps, are a real thing, and research studies have shown they create a positive effect on chemicals that control sleep and wake cycles. Adding additional lighting throughout the home is also a nice way to brighten up the ambiance, or simply buy brighter bulbs.
2. Indoor Gardening & Fresh Plants
Connecting with nature instantly changes our chemistry. Try getting just a few houseplants that don’t need a lot of time and energy and sunshine (ZZ Plant). Snake plants are said to clean the air, by removing formaldehyde, xylene and nitrogen oxides from the air. Add some fresh cut blooms around the home to remind you that spring is just around the corner.
3. Aromatherapy
While we typically rely on our eyes to see interior design of a home, let’s not negate the power of our nose to create a veritable scent experience. From candles and incense, to essential oils used intentionally, there are gorgeous options to decorate within the home and release uplifting, mood-altering scents. Japanese Cedar is known to calm and elevate the mood, lavender is famous for its relaxing nature, citrus notes are bright and mood raising. Add a few drops of lavender on the inside of toilet paper rolls to freshen up the bathroom. Try natural cedar incense sticks in the living room, and add lemon essential oil to a homemade kitchen counter cleaner.
4. Be Transparent
Heavy curtains can weigh down a space in a metaphorical sense. Improve the mood with some lightweight, light colored curtains that will infuse light into your space, but still give you privacy. Or consider light filtering pull down shades. They are inexpensive and a cinch to install.
5. Do What the Scandinavians Do
Despite only having a few warm months, the Scandinavians sure know how to keep it light.They do this by using a lot of white and pale blues in their color schemes. Try pairing light and creamy colors with black or warm wood accents for a cozy but luminous effect.
