As the days get shorter—and the sun peeks through less often—many of us begin feeling the familiar tug of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sometimes, we may feel SAD in summer as well, especially if there are feelings of tiredness and anxiety.
Traditional treatments for this disorder are medication and light therapy. But what if we tell you your home can be a powerful tool in combating SAD symptoms, too? By using the right interior decorating and home organization techniques, you can create a space that uplifts your mood—and fights those seasonal blues.
In this blog post, we dive into the most effective of these techniques to help you get started. So, let’s dive in!
Embrace Natural Light
One of the main reasons for SAD is a lack of sunlight (especially during winter); less sunlight exposure can cause your brain to produce too much melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the feel-good brain chemical). This, in turn, impacts our body’s internal clock. According to Tom Nolan, the first step is switching heavy curtains with light draperies—that allow plenty of sunshine to enter. Strategically placing a mirror near the window will help reflect this light throughout the room.
Light Up Evenings
Winter blues hit the most when the sun goes down and the darkness of the night sets in. Be sure to tackle these hours by layering artificial lighting in your space. For a cozy ambiance, consider string lights and dimmable lamps that can be adjusted as needed. Opt for warm white bulbs that mimic natural light—and create a cozy ambiance, even during the dark hours.
Leverage Color Psychology
Color psychology suggests that different colors make us feel certain ways. Soft green is a famous pick in this regard; it can reduce heart rate and contribute to creative thinking. To achieve the purpose, a general guideline is: swap out cool tones for warm—and inviting—colors like sunshine yellow and tangerine orange. We love coral pink, too! These hues evoke feelings of cheerfulness and optimism (and mimic the sun’s warmth).
Create Cozy Comfort Zones
Inviting spaces that encourage relaxation can help you improve your mood—and beat the winter blues. Arrange seating areas that invite you to relax and fill up your space with cozy textures. We love plenty of throw pillows and a chunky blanket in our cozy zones. What’s your vision for the perfect cozy corner? Let us know in the comments section below!
Introduce Nature
“Biophilic design is all about human connection to nature through architecture”, says interior designer Ariana Lovato. This connection to nature is often what we’re deprived of when dealing with SAD, so be sure to factor natural elements into your interior decorating techniques. Incorporate houseplants (here are some easy-to-care varieties) and consider using natural materials, such as rattan and jute. A sculpted wooden table and forest-print wallpaper are other unique ways to introduce nature to your interior.
Declutter and Organize
Here comes our favorite part: organizing! (Really, we even provide some of the best organization services in town). Interior design pros swear by decluttering, as Susanna Salk says, “Make sure that every single thing in every single room is only what you love or only what you need”. This is especially helpful for SAD, as it allows you to take control of your environment and create a more relaxing environment for better mood and focus. Declutter your space to keep only the essentials, followed by thoroughly organizing items. You can do this by finding a home for everything. Create an organized display for items you frequently use, and tuck away the less frequently used ones in storage bins and hidden compartments.
Utilize Aromatherapy
Interior design that pleases the eye? OK. Interiors that go beyond and appeal to the sense of smell? Perfect! Scented candles and essential oil diffusers can help create a warm ambiance in your home. Relieve SAD symptoms with the scent of lavender (which helps with relaxation and sleep) and sandalwood (for anxiety).
Final Words
Decorating and organizing your home can help combat SAD symptoms for yourself. If someone you know is struggling with the disorder, be sure to be there for them. Check on them regularly, meet up for coffee chats, and stroll together under the sun. If needed, you can also help them find the right professional support.
Looking for the best interior decorators in and around NYC? Whether you’re looking for modern coastal interior design or luxury home interior design, we’ve got your back. Get in touch with our team at Craft by Anika today 🤍 (P.S. We offer virtual home styling, too!)
Phone – 347-941-1234
Email – info@craftbyanika.com
