How to be happy in your home: 5 simple but effective ways

Sarah Young
Monday 07 November 2016 15:59 GMT
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Colours, scents and accessories can affect the mood of your home
Colours, scents and accessories can affect the mood of your home

Just because your home is clean and stylish doesn’t mean it’s an inviting or relaxing space for you to wind down in and now there's science to prove it.

It’s imperative to make your house feel like a home and luckily there are a few things you can do to improve its happiness level.

Various studies show that specific colours, scents and accessories can affect the mood of your home and even increase your chances for complete and utter contentment.

So what does your house need for you to be happy?

Fresh flowers can make you feel happier

Fresh flowers

While they won’t last a lifetime, flowers are proven to seriously boost your happiness levels so make sure you’re regularly investing in some fresh blooms. Research conducted by Rutgers found that the presence of flowers actually triggers positive emotions and heightens feelings of satisfaction. What better excuse do you need to treat yourself – or your partner – to a bunch of roses.

Sentimental photos

Looking through old photos can give you a sense of calmness and a boost in positive feelings, according to a study at the University of Portsmouth. Why not switch out your bedside lamp for a photo of your nearest and dearest and make your home a gallery of positive memories.

Studies have proven that green hues create positive emotions

Green or yellow interiors

While they might not be to everyone’s taste, green and yellow hues are said to make you feel happy. A study from Vrije University in Amsterdam found that these two colours evoked the greatest joyful emotions out of the entire rainbow. If you can’t quite face a statement wall opt for a few accessories instead for an instant dose of happiness.

Vanilla candles

After a stressful day, lighting a candle can quickly put you at ease but it turns out some scents are more calming than others. A Chemical Senses study found that vanilla beans are super uplifting so if you’re looking to improve your mood opt for a sweet, vanilla scented night light.

62 per cent of non-bed makers say they’re unhappy

A made bed

It’s said that making your bed in the morning helps to start your day off on the right foot and now there’s the science to prove it. A recent survey by Hunch.com found that 71 per cent of people who make their beds consider themselves happy while 62 per cent of non-bed makers say they’re unhappy. Maybe that extra two minutes sorting out the sheets is worth it after all.

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