How do you design a room for a person dealing with depression?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Depression can cause an aura of sadness. I feel holistic healing and designing a room that is conducive for a person's mental state are important. How should one go about it?

Featured Answer

Juliet Docherty

2 years ago

Light. Natural light is essential for mental well being and so try if possible to enhance the light levels in the room.

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Comments (13)

minnie101
2 years ago
Greenery may also help and use colours that make the person feel calm, typically green but not for all. Personal art/photos could help and something where clutter is hidden.
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Hi minnie101, Thanks so much for your detailed reply. Great to know what colour that grey is. It may be a little dark with our floor. We will definitely update the handles - I hate the current ones. We'll probably go with wood to keep within budget. Your non-tiles pic is lovely. We'll probably keep some tiles and try to keep the kitchen a little more modern than country kitchen, which might be a challenge with wood. The room faces south. I like your idea of dividing it with paint. We probably will go with white in the kitchen and then 1/2 slightly darker tones in the tv-couch area. The 'other' entrance into the dining area is narrowed by a non-structural wall, so we should remove this to open it properly or like you say, close it off. Maybe not close it off entirely as we'd lose a lot of light, but maybe put in a counter or breakfast bar if space allowed. I love your pendant light suggestions over the dining table. Details like this and a rug in the couch area will really help divide the room as at the moment it is one big cavernous space. I really can't decide yet what way the couches should face - into a tv in the corner, or out into the room like you suggest. We'll have to draw out some chalk outlines on the floor and see how much space there actually is. Colour-wise we like the idea of keeping walls and cabinets quite stark, the wood counter will add a bit of warmth, and then adding colour with couches, rugs and possibly dining chairs. I've attached a couple of pieces of furniture I like. Some may not work, but we'll figure it out.
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Sonia
2 years ago
I think cosiness too. Decor that wraps around a person to make them feel secure.
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Kingfisher Designs
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule as such, but some things are helpful;

Good natural light,

Lack of clutter,

Restful or uplifting colours,

Soothing/cocooning quality to make the space feel safe,

Privacy so they can lick their wounds and heal.

Ultimately though it needs to be as unique as the person and their issues, (no use creating a soothing room in green if they hate green). if they're angry it needs to be calming, if they're drained it needs to uplift and give energy, if they're sad it needs to sooth and comfort, at least thats my take on it.
kazzh
2 years ago
It's an interesting mix of trying to maintain a calm space, not being cluttered but yet cosy, keeping items in view ( memory is often impaired, and when things are not in sight frustration with lack of mental 'muscle' to remember can be really close to the surface). You might find yourself continually opening curtains to let in light thinking it feels great to be in bright light, to find they are closed because it is too bright and it is to exposing. Expect that a tidy room may not stay tidy, the mental effort to tidy and put away items is sometimes too much, so quietly tidy over an afternoon rather than in a rush of energy .......
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i-architect
2 years ago
There is a certification scheme for architecture called WELL - you might find interesting to look at. It covers all wellbeing related aspects of creating internal space from lighting to air quality.
Ribena Drinker
2 years ago
Avoid clutter. Clutter can make a depressed person feel out of control and overwhelmed.

Also it needs to be easy to care for. A depressed person doesn't always have the motivation to maintain their environment, so a sofa or cushions that needs constant plumping or flooring that needs a lot of maintenance is not ideal.

As others have said, good lighting. Either a lot of natural light or good lighting. Can you imagine anything more depressing than one single, solitary light bulb in the middle of the room - even with a shade?
Ruth House
2 years ago
Comfort, some people need to lie down a lot or sleep a lot. Real plants....having something simple to care for can help with feeling needed or connected to life.
T S
2 years ago
Light and airy. I find dark colours depressing. No clutter, so plenty of storage. A few big plants. Blinds or window dressings to adjust the light if needed.
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Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd
9 months ago
Agree, natural light and a calm homely environment, with plants. Also talk with them and see what has a positive effect. I know we all deal with the issues of life differently.
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Pearlosa
9 months ago
Here are some tips on how to incorporate mental well-being when designing a room:
- Use calming colours. Cool colours, such as blue and green, are often associated with feelings of calm and relaxation. You can use these colours on the walls, furniture, or even in your artwork.
- Bring in natural light. Natural light has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. If possible, choose a room with plenty of windows or install skylights.
- Add plants. Plants not only add beauty to a room, but they can also help to improve air quality and reduce stress. Choose plants that are easy to care for and that thrive in your climate.
- Create a sense of order. Clutter can be overwhelming and stressful. Declutter your space and create a sense of order by organizing your belongings and keeping surfaces clear.
- Personalize your space. Add personal touches to your space, such as photos, artwork, or souvenirs from your travels. This will help you to feel more connected to your space and make it more inviting.
- Make the space comfortable. Use soft fabrics, comfortable furniture, and rugs to create a cosy and inviting space.
- Consider the layout of the room. The layout of a room can have a big impact on how you feel in it. Make sure the furniture is arranged in a way that allows you to move around easily and that you have enough space to relax and unwind.
- Use lighting to create a mood. Different types of lighting can create different moods. Use dimming switches or lamps to adjust the lighting to create a relaxing or energizing atmosphere.
By following these tips, you can create a room that is both beautiful and supportive of your mental well-being.

Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:
- Consider your personal preferences. What colours, textures, and styles do you find calming and relaxing? Choose elements for your room that reflect your personal preferences.
- Pay attention to your senses. How does the room smell? How does it sound? How does it feel? Make sure the room is comfortable and inviting to all of your senses.
- Take breaks. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed in your room, take a break. Step outside for some fresh air, or go for a walk. Come back to your room when you're feeling refreshed and ready to relax.
Creating a space that supports your mental well-being is an ongoing process. Experiment with different elements and find what works best for you. With a little effort, you can create a room that is both beautiful and beneficial to your mental health.

Hope this helps.
akrama kram
3 months ago
Holistic healing involves considering physical and emotional aspects. Start by decluttering and adding elements that bring comfort, like soft textures or calming colors. Incorporate natural light and plants, known to uplift moods. Explore holistic practices such as mindfulness or aromatherapy.
akrama kram
3 months ago
Holistic healing involves considering physical and emotional aspects. Start by decluttering and adding elements that bring comfort, like soft textures or calming colors. Incorporate natural light and plants, known to uplift moods. Explore holistic practices such as mindfulness or aromatherapy. On another note, addressing concerns like "can going to a chiropractor make you worse" requires professional advice. It's crucial to consult chiropractors and gather reliable information to make informed decisions about your well-being.

How do you design a room for a person dealing with depression?

Juliet Docherty

Comments (13)

minnie101

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