Spaces That Shape Your Mood: The Psychological Effects of Your Living Space
Our living spaces not only affect our physical comfort but also have a direct impact on our psychological well-being. From color choices to material selection, lighting arrangements to spatial organization, numerous elements influence our mood and mental processes. Let's recall Winston Churchill's famous quote: "We shape our buildings, and afterwards, they shape us." So, how can conscious interior design guide our psychology?
Spatial perception can directly influence an individual's mental state. John C. Baird's 1978 study showed that people perceive high-ceilinged spaces as more airy and liberating, while low-ceilinged spaces are seen as more intimate but sometimes overwhelming. Similarly, a 2015 fMRI study by Oshin Vartanian and his team revealed that high-ceilinged spaces increase brain activity, supporting a sense of exploration and creativity. Natural light-filled spaces boost serotonin levels, enhancing feelings of happiness, while dark and cramped areas can trigger symptoms of depression. Therefore, airy and well-lit spaces have a positive effect on a person's overall mood.
