Maron Milano
- Mar 28, 2023
- 7 min read

When interior design combines with mental health

Updated: Mar 29, 2023

Interior design can play a significant role in influencing our mental health.

It is not only about the attraction to an aesthetic space but also about how the space can affect one's feelings, thoughts, and behavior.

It is very important to use interior design which let the visitors feel comfortable to share and open their feelings during the session — It is very important to use interior design which let the visitors feel comfortable to share and open their feelings

Here are some tips from the world of interior design that can affect the feelings of the human mind:

The colors Color is known to affect mood and emotions. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of happiness and energy, while cool colors like blue and green can be relaxing. In a room, the use of bright or bold colors can be loud and overstimulating for someone with anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conversely, muted or neutral colors can create a more calming and relaxing atmosphere.

Lighting The type and amount of lighting in a room can also affect mental health. Natural light is known to improve mood and energy levels, while low or dim lighting can lead to feelings of depression and fatigue. Additionally, people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may benefit from light therapy or the use of light boxes that mimic natural sunlight.

Space and disorder A cluttered or disorganized environment can cause stress and anxiety, while an orderly and spacious room can promote feelings of calm and relaxation. In particular, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may feel uncomfortable in a cluttered space and in contrast feel comfortable in a minimalist-designed room.

Minimalism gives a felling of clean space and makes the people feel better and more comfortable — Minimalism gives a felling of clean space and makes the people feel better

Texture and Materials The textures and materials in the room can also have an effect on mental health. For example, soft, velvety fabrics can convey a sense of comfort and security, while rough or scratchy materials can convey discomfort. People with sensory processing disorders may be particularly sensitive to certain textures and benefit from a variety of textures in their environment.

It is imperative to consider the impact of interior design on mental health, especially for those with mental disorders. By creating a relaxing and comfortable environment, you can improve their general well-being and provide a positive mental feeling.

Planning a clinic for patients with mental disorders Designing a clinic that caters to people with mental disorders can be a challenging task. As an interior designer, it is essential to create a relaxing and welcoming environment that provides a safe and supportive space for patients to get the most out of the treatment they need. Here are some tips for designing a clinic that appeals to this specific patient population.

Creating a relaxing and relaxed atmosphere The first and most important aspect of clinic design is creating a relaxing atmosphere. Soothing colors, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture should be used to create a feeling of warmth and calm. The space should be welcoming and non-threatening to help patients feel more comfortable sharing their struggles with the care team.

Minimalism can be also cozy space with sost and comfortable sofa and using wood and plants complete the relaxed atmo

Combine nature Incorporating natural elements such as plants and natural light in a space can help create a relaxing atmosphere. Incorporating natural elements can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression levels for patients.

Privacy Privacy is an essential element for any medical institution, and it is especially important for clinics that cater to people with mental disorders. Private counseling and consultation areas should be designed to give a sense of a place that respects confidentiality and provide a safe and secure space for patients to share their personal stories and experiences.

When the visitor see that the place is secure with code or key lock and without free access, he feels even more comfortable — When the visitor see that the place is secure and without free access, he feels even more comfortable

Comfortable waiting areas

A comfortable waiting area is essential to the patient's comfort level. Patients waiting for their appointments may feel nervous or anxious, so creating an environment that makes them feel comfortable is essential. The use of comfortable seating, interesting works of art, and magazines that respond to the patient's needs will give the patient a pleasant and homely feeling.

Flexible spaces Patients may have different needs, and a flexible space can help them. For example, creating areas for group therapy, private counseling, or educational sessions can help meet the patient's individual needs. Ensure safety and security: Safety and security are essential components of any healthcare facility, especially those serving people with substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders. Security measures and controlled access areas can help ensure patients feel safe and secure.

A combination of the five elements from nature: water, wind, fire, metal, and earth. Sunlight, space, plants, and flowers make people feel calmer and less anxious. It is no coincidence that all these are natural elements. Throughout history, mankind has tried to bring the beauty and calming effects of nature into the home. Whether it's animal fur, woven grass mats, or Christmas trees, people have been bringing nature into their homes for thousands of years. Feng Shui, for example, also includes shapes and textures that represent the natural elements of earth, water, wood, metal and fire. Fortunately for us today, we can combine these elements in many ways. Fountains and pools of water can replace mirrors and reflective surfaces that also provide some of the same effects. Fans and open windows bring the feeling of wind, also using fabrics that move quickly and softly also provide some of the psychological benefits of wind. A fireplace and candles allow us to bring in fire. Metal and earth exist in iron, brass, silver, wood and stone.

Pebbles are taken from nature and placed on a surface that simulates water and creates a zen feng shui space — Pebbles are taken from nature and placed on a surface that simulates water

Using Art in Your Clinic

As a specialist interior designer, I understand the importance of creating a therapeutic environment that fosters healing and supports the psychotherapeutic process. Art can be an excellent tool for creating such an environment, as it can help patients feel more comfortable and at ease, while also stimulating their imagination and creativity.

When selecting art to use as decoration in your clinic, it's important to consider the specific needs and preferences of your patients. Different forms of art may have different effects on people, depending on their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. However, some types of art that have been shown to be particularly effective in supporting psychotherapeutic treatment include:

Nature Art: Artwork that depicts natural landscapes or elements of nature, such as trees, waterfalls, and animals, can have a calming effect on patients and help them feel more grounded and connected to the world around them.

Abstract Art: Abstract art can stimulate patients' imaginations and encourage them to think outside the box. It can also help them express complex emotions that are difficult to put into words.

Art Therapy: Art therapy involves the use of art-making as a form of psychotherapy. It can be helpful for patients who struggle with verbal expression, allowing them to explore their emotions and experiences through creative expression.

Photography: Photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling and can help patients explore their personal narratives and experiences. It can also be used to help patients develop mindfulness and focus on the present moment.

Overall, the type of art you choose to use in your clinic will depend on the needs and preferences of your patients. By creating a therapeutic environment that incorporates art, you can help support the psychotherapeutic process and foster healing for your patients.

Abstract art creates stimuli and even encourages the thinking and speaking of the patients and connects them to the place itself. Click on the image to see more digital arts ETSY — Abstract art creates stimuli and even encourages the thinking and speaking of the patients and connects them to the place itself. Click on the image to see more digital arts

Personal associations - what should be avoided in the interior design of a public space While many studies show how most people react to colors, personal experience with color trumps social norms. Our personal history affects our feelings around colors. For example: in the western world, brides wear white, it is elegant, virginal and pure however, in China, Korea and other East Asian countries, white symbolizes death, grief and bad luck, and traditionally this is the color worn at funerals. If the patient had a carefree and happy childhood in a bright red room, red may cheer them up and make you feel content as an adult. If his beloved grandmother's kitchen was light purple, purple may represent caring indulgence but could equally cause the opposite.

This point reinforces that the choice of colors that must be chosen must make the majority feel like a comfortable shelter that relaxes and therefore be without too strong a character. It is important to remember that each person experiences their disorders and symptoms uniquely, and there is no unequivocal answer to how a person feels with each disorder. However, in interior design that specializes in the soul, one must take into account during the planning stages and in the selection of finishes and colors the feelings that a patient may feel and try to avoid as much as possible negative feelings by understanding situations that patients with disorders can feel protected in the environment that we have created for them and give them a sense of security and trust in the space that they are in. Of course in addition to the professional team.

MDMA increases the rate of production and release of oxytocin hormones which are also found in flowers and gives a positive feeling of social trust

Elements that are taken into account in the planning stages of the clinic and which we handle as designers:

Paranoia: Paranoia is characterized by intense feelings of mistrust and suspicion of others. A man experiencing paranoia may feel as if he is constantly being watched or followed and may believe that others want to hurt him or deceive him. He may feel fear and anxiety and may have difficulty trusting others, even those close to him.

Aggressiveness: Aggressiveness is characterized by hostile and violent behavior towards others. A person experiencing aggression may feel angry and irritable, and may lash out at others for seemingly minor reasons. He may feel a sense of power and control when he is aggressive, but may also experience guilt and shame afterward.

Hallucinations: Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not based in reality. A man experiencing hallucinations may hear, see, smell or feel things that are not actually there. He may feel confused and disoriented and may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. He may also feel fearful or paranoid as a result of his hallucinations.

Impaired judgment: Impaired judgment is characterized by a reduced ability to make rational decisions. A person experiencing poor judgment may feel as if they are unable to make good decisions and may make harmful or dangerous choices. He may feel confused and uncertain and may struggle to weigh the pros and cons of different options.

Impulsivity: Impulsivity is characterized by the tendency to act without thinking. A person experiencing impulsivity may feel as if they are unable to control their behavior, and may act on their impulses without considering the consequences. He may feel a sense of excitement or thrill when he acts impulsively, but may also experience regret and shame afterward.

Loss of self-control: Loss of self-control is characterized by a reduced ability to regulate one's emotions and behavior. A person experiencing a loss of self-control may feel as if they are unable to control their impulses and may engage in harmful or dangerous behaviors. He may feel a sense of helplessness and frustration and may struggle to manage his emotions and reactions.