Transforming a house into a home or creating a more functional space to work out in often hinges on maximizing all of the features of a design space. However, designing an environment where you are comfortable to relax, move, meditate or practice your Sleek Ballet Fitness classes in takes more than just picking the right aesthetics.

Creating spaces that are great to live, relax or exercise in requires an understanding of the interplay between certain architectural elements and human psychology. By blending these elements, you can create an environment that not only encourages more productivity and better use of the space but also improves your overall mental state.

The Science Behind Designing Modern Spaces

The way we choose to design our living and workout spaces can significantly impact how we feel and influence our behaviour. This connection to our environment plays an important role in interior design choices.

Every design decision we make - whether it’s picking a rug or paint colours - has the potential to unlock certain emotions. Even the most subtle details in a space can potentially build you up or lower your spirits, which can make all the difference when getting the most out of your day.

The concept of using psychology to help design spaces isn’t a new way of thinking; it has been around for centuries. Feng shui, for example, is an ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the arrangement of furniture and other elements to create a more balanced flow of energy (“Chi”). This can have long-lasting positive impacts on productivity and creativity in work settings while helping an individual feel more at ease throughout the day.

Another critical aspect of creating positive environments in a home or workout studio is “intentional design.” Intentional design goes deeper into the meaning of certain aesthetic choices based on how they resonate with individuals on a more personal level. To achieve this, designers need to have a deeper understanding of the unique needs or desires of individuals using the space and make more intelligent choices accordingly.

The Impact of Color Choices on Your Mood

The colours we prefer in our living and exercise spaces can also express who we are as individuals and the type of mood we want to set. Although many people choose a colour palette based on their own personal taste, colours can have certain psychological impacts, especially when it comes to supporting well-being or the goals we set for ourselves.

For example, social areas of a home, like kitchens or dining areas, can benefit from more vibrant colors that represent a higher-energy space or the warmth often associated with friendships and family. These colors encourage more lively conversations and create a more welcoming ambience.

On the other hand, when you’re looking to create a space that is designed more for focus or relaxation, like in an exercise or ballet studio, using a softer color palette can be beneficial. This includes using colors like blues or greens, which help reduce stress while encouraging productivity.

The Connection of Light and Energy

Lights and shadows have a unique interplay in a space. Natural light provides an essential source of vitamin D, which helps us regulate our sleep cycles and improve brain function throughout the day. It can also be essential when helping you to stay motivated throughout your entire workout, giving you the boost you need to keep going.

The quality of light you’re able to replicate in a design space is just as important as the amount of light created. For example, warmer lighting solutions resemble candlelight or sunsets, which subconsciously creates a more comforting atmosphere and makes it easier to relax. Brighter lights, which are often found in hospitals or industrial workspaces, are designed to sharpen focus and keep you more alert.

Identifying the Right Layout and Functional Elements

The type of layout you choose for a space can increase or reduce how functional it can be. This is why it’s important to make sure there is a clear purpose in mind before adding elements to the space.

A smart, well-designed layout should create a sense of openness, allowing individuals to feel comfortable in their surroundings and engage in their routines without distraction. Poorly designed spaces can feel too cramped to accomplish anything and ultimately lead to more frustration.

The guiding principles of Feng Shui are often a great place to start when determining the right layout for a space. You can draw inspiration from the guidelines surrounding the optimal layout of furniture or objects while ensuring that each element you bring into the space contributes to creating a more balanced and functional environment. 

Choosing Optimal Surroundings

The type of materials we choose for our living and work spaces can also influence our thoughts and feelings. 

For example, using materials like polished marble or glass provides a sleeker and more contemporary look and feel, while using textures like exposed brick or natural stone can help add more warmth and character to a space. 

Using natural elements like wood or plants to create a sense of tranquillity in a space helps establish a closer connection with the outdoors and can be a great way to add more relaxing elements while giving you inspiration during your dance and exercise routines.

Infusing Personal Touches

One way to add more personality to a space is by infusing it with various personal touches. This can be accomplished by placing personal photographs on the wall or desk, displaying various souvenirs from travelling, or other meaningful reminders that add warmth and character to a space.

However, it’s important to use moderation when using these elements. Using too many personal items in a space can actually make it look cluttered and distract from the overall design. The goal should be to add “some” personal touches to a space that resonate with the space's aesthetic, while not distracting you during your Sleek Ballet Fitness classes.

Creating a Space That Improves Your Well-Being

Designing a space that resonates with you on a more personal level and improves overall well-being can be an ongoing process. However, by embracing the principles discussed, you can create an environment that not only represents you but can also inspire creativity and a productive mindset while having a positive impact on your mental well-being.

Written by Dr. Hannah Yang

Bio:

Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion and licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and her clients.