The right interior design can positively impact our mental health. IKEA has teamed up with leading psychologist Devika Mankani (chearful.com) to transform four rooms with mental wellbeing in mind
Girl power
Interior design elements can evoke a wide range of emotions within us. Design is an expression of who we are, and our living environment can be a real source of inspiration. The study of colour psychology provides clues to our emotional state with bright colours leaving us energised and neutral colours leaving us calm and relaxed. Visually engaging art and bright objects provide a source of creativity when we need it the most, and, when work is out of the way, a cosy space gives us the comfort that we need to unwind.
Mona Abdallah, Interior Design Group Leader, IKEA, says: “This room is designed specifically for a young girl who likes to blog, experiment with makeup and have space to study. The amount of clothes she has makes a modular design-to-your-needs wardrobe system, with clever storage, the perfect choice to grow with you. When choosing a dressing table, get creative and opt for a top that comes with a drawer unit underneath for multifunctional use as a workstation. A full-length mirror and customisable picture frames add personalisation.
Baby on board
For those of us who have experienced parenthood having an organised environment can significantly reduce the source of stress. Lighting, in particular, can easily shift our mood with subdued lighting proven to lower levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormones. Good lighting makes it easier to relax and induces sleep, which is a gift for a new family! Our brains are naturally predisposed to favour organisation over chaos and an uncluttered environment give your baby freedom to start exploring their new world first visually and then within a safe physical space.
Mona says: “A blackout curtain blocks outside light, helps keep the room calm and cosy, and promotes sleep for both baby and parents. The most important thing for parents to function better is to sleep better, so choosing a bed with a soft, sloping headboard can really help. Extra storage for all your baby things is another challenge, so under-bed drawers and labelled baskets are a great idea. We also recommend replacing quilt covers with a baby sleeping bag for extra night-time safety.
Boy zone
When children feel confined by their physical environment, they can experience psychological frustration. Children need open spaces as this encourages movement, which is an essential physical and mental requirement for growing bodies and minds. Creating neat workplaces encourages thinking and creativity as well as getting them to do their homework before it’s time for play. Young people also need spaces for socialising, which is where they develop the building blocks of human connection to be able to flourish.
Salma Abdurahman, Interior Designer, IKEA, says: “A playground-inspired room for a young boy can be efficiently designed to keep space to a de-cluttered minimum with the help of compartmentalised storage. Play and study go hand-in-hand so a desk with ample storage space to keep books, paints and other hobby items neat and tidy is a great solution. Hanging out with friends is part and parcel of the growing-up experience and convenient foldable mattresses make sleepovers easy.
Couples’ sanctuary
Versatile spaces allow us to shift our emotional state from one place to another while music can change our biochemistry in just a matter of minutes. Having a cosy place to sit in and chat after a busy day promotes human connection. A place to cook together is a must-do to encourage healthy eating and research shows that this also promotes mental and emotional wellbeing. At the same time, being productive generates an innate sense of wellbeing, so having a space where you can do this is very important.
Salma says: “For couples who love to socialise and also work from home, Sonos speakers are great for playing soothing and relaxing sounds. A sleek, cleverly designed kitchen that seamlessly integrates with the living room means you’ll always be part of the conversation. Complement this with an organised workspace for maximum efficiency, and when work is done, a comfy sofa allows you to create a multi-purpose space where you can connect with family and friends.
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