Little Rock interior designer Jill White of Jill White Designs wants you to know that your living space has a very real impact on how you feel. Your living space affects your vibe. Your energy. Your mood.

And there is a way to use that to your advantage. 

You may not be able to change much about the architecture of your space, but Jill says there are a few things you can do with the decor and design of your space to positively affect your overall mood and even your energy level.

Here are Jill’s top tips for creating the living space that reflects exactly the way you want to feel in and out of your home…

Use color to evoke a certain feeling or emotion.

Hardly anyone would argue that color can affect the way we feel. Jill says that the color in our environment can have a definitive impact on our moods, our emotions and even our energy levels. For instance, blue is a more calming color, while red ignites passion.

Jill recommends first identifying how you want to feel when you’re in your home. How do you want to feel in your bedroom where you sleep, in your kitchen, in your bathroom? What vibe do you want to attach to those areas? Are you going for more of a calming environment, or a more energizing one? Are you looking to amp up your creativity? First, identify the feeling and mood you want to create, and then go from there with which colors you’ll add to the space. 

Do you like color on the walls, or do you find neutral wall colors more calming? If the latter is the case, Jill recommends going with a neutral wall color, and adding pops of color in with accessories such as pillows, plants and flowers. Jill also loves changing the look of a neutral room seasonally, and changing out accessories with colors and textures that are more appropriate for the current season.

Recognize the power of scents. 

Scents can also evoke certain emotions and moods. Some scents are more calming and encourage a more serene feeling; other scents invigorate and energize. Jill is a big fan of non-toxic scents from essential oils and she loves to diffuse them throughout her home and office. Her go-to’s for daytime are peppermint and eucalyptus; lavender is a favorite at night. Don’t forget to add a few drops to your hot bath at night as well.

Other options for using scent in your space are non-toxic candles and incense. Be wary of synthetic fragrances like those found in air fresheners and many room room sprays, which have been shown to contain toxic chemicals and hormone disruptors. 

Learn how to work with symbolism.

One of the first things Jill asks her clients is if they have an item or a group of items that means something to them or makes them particularly happy. If you own a piece of art, a blanket or something else that is special because of where or when you purchased it, or you have a family heirloom that has been passed down to you, seeing that item can evoke a happy memory within you. Jill recommends using those symbolic items as a focal point in your home. 

Alternatively, if there is a particular item in a room that evokes a more negative emotion within you, you might ask yourself if it’s really something you want to keep around your home. Is it time to let that item go? Make the emotional connection with the items in your home, and only keep what you love and what makes you happy. 

Bring the outside in.

Jill says that most people find elements of nature very calming. She also believes that views of natural settings can help improve focus, and she recommends paying attention to the way you situate your furniture in a room. Is there a way to position your bed, a sofa or a desk in a room so that you have a view of the outdoors?

She also suggests bringing natural elements into your space, with colors and textures that mimic those found in nature. Here are a few ideas: plants, a piece of driftwood, chunky textured or layered blankets on your bed or a sofa, woven lighting made from rattan or a rattan chair, a side table made from wood or beautiful crystals.

Photo Credit: @jillwhitedesigns