As the calendar flips to the third Monday of January, the term “Blue Monday” looms over us, often heralded as the gloomiest day of the year. This day is said to bring a perfect storm of post-holiday blues, dark winter days, and abandoned New Year’s resolutions. However, if you weren’t already aware, it is nothing but pseudoscience. Blue Monday originated in 2005 as a PR tactic by a travel company to boost holiday bookings. While its validity as the “most depressing day of the year” may be questionable, it serves as a useful conversation starter to address genuine mental health challenges, especially during the challenging winter months marked by darkness and cold. At Boaz Studio, we believe that the spaces we inhabit play a pivotal role in influencing our mood and mindset. In this journal post, we explore how interiors can evoke positivity.
Colours have a profound impact on our emotions and well-being. Instead of succumbing to the alleged “blues” of Blue Monday, let’s infuse spaces with uplifting hues. Consider tones of yellows, oranges, and reds for a sunny disposition or invigorating greens to connect with nature. Enhance the vibrancy of these colors by pairing them with muted or neutral tones, allowing them to shine.
The serene green master bedroom for our clients to retreat to. Read about it in our projects: Flexible Family Home, Newquay
Cornwall’s breathtaking and unique landscapes provide endless inspiration for integrating nature into interior spaces. Incorporating natural elements, such as sustainable materials, indoor plants, and artwork, can have a transformative effect. Natural eco materials are our favourite products to work with. Natural materials create a connection to nature, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing stress. Many natural materials have inherent breathability, allowing air circulation and moisture absorption, which creates healthy indoor environments. They also provide comfort and tactile satisfaction, enhancing the overall sensory experience within a space.
Every individual is unique, and so should their living spaces. Creating personalised sanctuaries involves understanding the client’s personality, preferences, and aspirations. Tailoring interiors to reflect their identity not only cultivates a positive environment but also instills a sense of belonging. It is their home after all! Having a space that resonates with one’s essence becomes a refuge, a retreat from any external pressures.
A gallery wall is a great way to inject personality into a space. Include a mixture of family photos and meaningful artwork, steering clear of those generic mass-produced art prints! This is on our project page: Family Games Room and Office, Porthtowan, Cornwall
Lighting is a powerful tool in shaping the ambiance of a space. Natural light, strategic placement of fixtures, and the use of warm-toned bulbs can significantly impact the mood. Our design team pays meticulous attention to lighting schemes, ensuring that spaces are not just functional but also uplifting.
A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Combat potential negativity by embracing minimalism and decluttering. Our studio advocates for mindful design, where every element serves a purpose, contributing to a clean, organised, and serene environment. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes mental clarity and positivity. Go a step further with purpose-built organisational units which will make decluttering a dream!
While Blue Monday may be manufactured, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real phenomenon that affects a lot of us. In winter we spend much more of our time indoors, and that’s what makes well designed interior spaces so important. Not only should they meet functional needs and look aesthetically pleasing, they should also nurture positivity and well-being.
