The Psychology of Home Decor

by Jackie Davis 12/22/2019

Anyone who’s ever been in an outdated house or hotel room can tell you that the way we decorate can have an effect on our mood. Certain colors, lack of lighting, and cluttered rooms are all things that, whether we realize it or not, can have a negative effect on our mood and productivity.

These concepts aren’t recent realizations. In ancient China and India, concepts of architecture and decorating have been teaching proper design techniques for thousands of years. Today, these schools of thought are often lumped into the field of environmental psychology.

In today’s post, I’m going to talk about a few design techniques that will help you and your houseguests feel more welcome in your home and create a tone that matches your desires, whether that’s relaxed or energized.

The effects of color

With a quick Google search, you’ll find hundreds of articles discussing the psychological effects of colors. What many fail to mention is the way these effects are based on things like the culture and time period we grow up in.

However, you may find that guests to your home will feel more comfortable in light, neutral- colored rooms than they will in a room that’s painted bold colors.

On a room-by-room basis, there tend to be certain colors that Americans associate with the “right” colors for the occasion.

However, this is often influenced by the architectural style of the house more than an internalized idea about specific colors.

How much is too much?

It’s easy to accumulate home decor and find your walls and surface becoming a little too cluttered. However, bare walls and sparsely decorated rooms can feel a bit too sterile and unlivable. Is there a balance between the two?

Oftentimes the best solution is to follow one simple decorating principle:

Rather than using several small items to decorate a room, choose just a few larger items. This will prevent the room from appearing cluttered but still give it a sense of character.

Taking advantage of the full area of a room

So far, we’ve been talking about how colors and decor can make a room feel more spacious and welcoming. But, even if you have a small room, you can still often achieve this effect.

One solution is to add brighter lighting to the room. Increasing the light makes to room feel more open. And, if possible, natural lighting is the best option, as it can reduce any feelings of claustrophobia.

If better lighting or windows aren’t an option, many homeowners turn to mirrors to make a room feel larger. Larger, wall-hanging mirrors are an excellent way to give the illusion of spaciousness in a small room.


Using the psychology behind these three decorating principles, you’ll be able to make you and your houseguests feel more at ease within your home.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport