Happy house

Online luxury homeware brand Olivia’s has partnered with its interior design experts to reveal the top home interior hacks to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

1. Avoid dark spaces

Dark living spaces that have little natural light can often make them feel claustrophobic.

Such areas have been proven to exacerbate low moods.

Instead ensure the main living areas, such as the bedroom and lounge, have a good source of natural light. If that’s not possible, install soft natural lighting that mimics sunlight and decorate with live plants.

2. Clean furnishings

Furnishings are more likely to house dirt, and any commonly used item can be a hotspot for bacteria, from sofas to curtains. Such items are known to worsen symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Homeowners should thoroughly clean any heavy or commonly used furnishings at least once a month. Vacuum curtains and sofas, and wash sofa cushion covers where possible.

3. Separate work and living spaces

Using a room for multiple daily activities, such as work and relaxation, reduces a person’s ability to switch off when the work day has finished, which can impact a person’s mental wellbeing.

If there isn’t room for a designated home office, ensure work equipment like a laptop is cleared away and out of sight when the work day draws to a close.

4. Consider more open room layouts

Without a good level of feng shui, a room layout can affect a person’s mood.

Poor feng shui can come from regularly having to face a wall or having to squeeze in between furniture to move about the house.

Ensure furniture faces windows or bright areas, and avoid placing sitting or sleeping areas in enclosed or cramped spaces.

5. Add personality

Without having personal touches such as photographs, a room can feel unlived in. Hang personal photographs that hold sentiment and accessorise walls and shelves with personal belongings and keepsakes.

For more hacks, visit olivias.com