Brighten up: 10 ways to get a good-mood home


Light bright bedroom
Natural light is a mood enhancer
© John Lewis

Got the blues? Studies have shown that interiors have a powerful effect on our moods and even something as simple as chucking out your old curtains can be just the tonic. Follow our ten suggestions and both you and your house will be smiling.

1. Increase the flow of natural light

We know sunshine is great for beating winter depression. But scientific research says its effect is more than psychological: light actually helps us produce serotonin, a hormone that can positively effect our mood. Optimise light by replacing heavy curtains with a pale blind, keeping walls and ceilings light, and placing a mirror opposite your window. A white rug will keep the room feeling airy and bold accents of warm colour, like this Valencia sofa from John Lewis, will lift the mood of a room instantly.

  • 2. Take some 'me' time

    Surveys show lack of 'me' time is one of the biggest things to effect mood: a whopping 70 per cent of us complain we don't have enough time to ourselves, which is linked to increased stress and unhappiness. Splash out on this Aroma Spa Musclease Active Body Concentrate from Elemis for time out. Lock the bathroom door, pour yourself a glass of wine, and have a nice long soak.

  • John Lewis Silk Standard Pillowcase, Pearl Grey

    3. Banish wrinkles

    Fear of wrinkles keeping you awake at night? Well, there's good and bad news. A study by the University of Bath says fear is the best motivator for making you take action (such as doing exercise or maintaining a beauty regime), but something as simple as changing to a silk pillow case can help banish your concerns. Silk glides over your skin rather than rubbing against it as cotton does, reducing the likelihood of wrinkles. It's also easier on your hair – no more bed head! We like this pearl grey silk pillowcase from John Lewis.

  • 1- Antoinette French style double bed

    4. Spend time under the sheets

    According to longevity expert Dr Michael Roizin at Real Age, studies show that long–term, loving relationships can help give you have the same functional age as someone who is as much as 6.5 years younger. Get plenty of mood–boosting quality time with your partner in this fabulous Antoinette French style double bed from Cotterell Light Centres. Certainly cheaper than Botox injections.

  • TP301 Bounce Surround for 14ft Trampoline

    5. Have a laugh

    Get one of these bestselling trampolines from John Lewis and you will definately be giggling all over the place! There is even a protective net incase you get carried away. A study in the health journal Neuron found that laughing triggers the production of the hormone dopamine, which can induce a euphoria similar to that which is produced by drugs like cocaine. And having a cackle together is perfectly legal.

  • Fair Trade Media - White Rose Recycled Hardback A5 note book blank - 4606

    6. Help the world

    Apparently ‘giving something back’ – whether in the form of something such as buying fair–trade furniture or using recycled materials – can help us feel more socially connected. Research in the International Journal of Behavioural Medicine found that altruistic emotions and behaviours are associated with improved health, longevity and greater emotional wellbeing. Opt for fair–trade and sustainable goods, such as these notebooks made from recycled paper from Ethical Superstore. Eco warriors can get inspired with our fairtrade gift list.

  • Stephanotis candle

    7. It makes scents

    We love this luxury limited edition scented candle from Zigi Zigi. It comes in a beautiful etched glass and is scented with rose, jasmie and neroli. Our olfactory senses have been shown to produce an emotional response – that's why scents can have such a strong effect on our moods and are especially able to trigger memories. Lavender, hyacinth and vanilla are calming, grapefruit is refreshing and eucalyptus and bergamot are energising. Just don't do a Duchess of York and leave a scented candle burning in your bathroom (it started a house fire on 29 January 2008). Blaze and glory.

  • 8. Get your heart pumping

    It's a great mood-booster, and this One Body Core Fitness Set from Tesco can help home-workers or busy mums get into action. Regular exercise releases endorphins and therefore reduces your risk of depression and anxiety. One study in the journal Health Psychology found that 30 minutes a day – broken up into 10-minute sessions – was enough to improve mood and regulate emotions. Time to get off the couch.

  • Puro glass desk clear

    9. Work harder

    It's probably not what you want to hear, but researchers at Gothenburg University in Sweden found that hard work is good for emotional wellbeing. Apparently, striving towards achieving a goal is more likely to bring lasting fulfilment than even winning the lottery, which only produces a short-lived high (although we’d settle for that). Until then, this super stylish Curved Glass Desk from Dwell should give you a good reason to get back to some hard graft.

  • Farrow and Ball: Art of Colour

    10. Get colour conscious

    Paint each room according to its different function and mood. The bathroom, that soothing hub, is calming in seaside colours – think warm coral, pinks, white sand and yellow shells. Fire up the dining room with vibrant golds and red walls. The communal kitchen is best kept cosy and comforting without any overpowering hues. Boost concentration by painting your study in greens, purples and blues – the least distracting shades which minimise eye strain. Farrow & Ball: The Art of Colour will lead your paintbrush.


    Use our Complete Room Planner to test new furniture combinations. Browse our collection of paint and see how colour can boost your mood

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Have your say

manaa

Posted | 12th November 2010

what do these mean

lisa kate clayton

Posted | 4th March 2010

Love these ideas!

Grosa

Posted | 8th January 2009

How about annoying husband?

jocle

Posted | 2nd January 2009

LOL

Great article - not sure where i'd keep a pilates ball though..

Devils Advocate

Posted | 23rd May 2008

A happy home starts with your inhabitants. So, if you have annoying children, kick them out.

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