It looks like Autumn may finally be making its appearance and with it comes the rain, wind, shorter days, and those longer nights. Whilst some welcome the changing season with the colours and festivities it brings, for many it can prove difficult and negatively effect their mood. So, whether you need some help with fighting those Autumn blues, or you’d just like to brighten up your home, read on for some anxiety-busting, mood-lifting ideas!
Declutter
It is so easy to slip into bad habits, popping things down where they don’t live and before you know it, your home is cluttered. Excess clutter can make a room feel small and suffocating but thankfully, it’s one of the easiest changes you can make to improve your space and your mood! It might feel like a huge task, but once you start, it’ll begin to look tidier and more organised in no time at all.
We find that the best way to start is to make 3 piles; Keep, Store, Out. Throw out / donate what you don’t need or want, be ruthless! If you haven’t used it in the last few months, do you really need it? If you want to keep it but it doesn’t belong, store it. Do you already have storage you can use, or do you need to invest in new storage solutions? Don’t forget existing storage like ottoman beds or in the top of the wardrobe. By doing those two things, you’ll now have room to display the things you want to, without it looking cluttered.
If you’d like to read some more tips for effective decluttering, take a look at our blog ’10 Tips for Decluttering Your Bedroom’
Cosy Textures
As the temperature begins to drop, there is nothing more comforting than snuggling into a sofa, wrapped in a cosy blanket, surrounded by soft cushions! Add some throws onto your sofa and bed to bring some warmth and texture. Why not try storing them rolled, in a decorative box or basket, a cosy and functional solution. You could also treat yourself to some new snuggly bedding to help aid you into a deep sleep!
Biophilic Design
Autumn brings the rich colours of orange and brown as the leaves start to fall. We love the autumnal palette but also miss the brightness and fresh greens of the summer. Biophilic Design is the concept of connecting with nature within the built environment and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety (if you’d like to read more about the science, you can read this paper from Science Direct)
Whilst most people think of houseplants when they think of Biophilic Design, it encompasses much more. Try maximising your natural light, introduce some natural textures and yes, adopt some pot plants!
Colour Theory
Have you ever walked into a room and inexplicably felt calm, or happy, or excited? The ambience of a room can be influenced by a number of things but an easy way of creating the atmosphere you want is to take a look at the colour scheme. Colours can promote deep emotional reactions and are associated with different feelings. So what colour do you choose?
Try thinking in terms of warm, cool and neutral…
Warm colours include red, orange, and yellow, and variations that include those three colours. These are the colours of the dawn and sunset, fire, and of autumn leaves. We generally see these as positive, passionate and energising colours. Use warm colours in your room to reflect happiness, enthusiasm, energy and positivity.
Cool colours are often more subdued than warm colours and include green, blue and purple. They remind us of night, nature and water and we find them calming, relaxing and may be a good choice for the more reserved. Using cool colours in your room can give a sense of calm and peace.
Neutral colours are a great choice if you’d like to use brighter accent colours or have some brighter, bold accessories in mind. However, they can also be used on their own and can create a sophisticated, calm atmosphere. A neutral colour scheme is influenced by the colours you choose to pair it, giving you endless possibilities. Neutral colours can include black, grey, white, brown, tan & beige, cream & ivory.
Relaxing Lights & Scents
Our senses have a large part to play in how we perceive and understand the space around us. They are bombarded with information constantly; everything from music, artificial light, digital devices, pollution, traffic, and the various scents that exist in our everyday environments. Whilst we have very little control over this in the outside world, we can make our homes a sensory sanctuary.
Easy things to try are adjusting your lighting and introducing some gentle, relaxing scents. In the evening, turn off harsh ceiling lights and switch on warm, ambient lamps, add some wax to a burner, climb onto your cosy sofa, wrap yourself in that new blanket and relax!
Separating Work & Play
The pandemic has seen many companies adopt a new approach to work, with businesses adopting more flexible working, including working from home. Whilst this works for lots of people, it can be difficult to separate work from home, making if harder to relax.
If you can, it would be beneficial to remove your workspace from any areas you use to relax, such as the lounge or your bedroom. If you don’t have a room you can convert into an office, think about your space as zones. Create different zones for work, play, rest etc, this will help you to disconnect from your work. Also remember, if at all possible, to leave work ‘at work’. If you have finished for the day, don’t be tempted to quickly check your emails, or ‘catch up’. Ensure you are getting enough time to switch off to focus on you and your wellbeing.
If you’d like to chat to one of our friendly team about how Stuart Jones furniture can help transform your space, please call 01903 773 225 or email reception@stuartjones.co.uk
