When designing any space, we have to take into consideration the
purpose of that space and who is likely to be using it. It may
sound obvious but there would be little point in putting
expensive luxurious furniture and deep plush carpets in a room
that is to be used as a child's play room, similarly we wouldn't
want to create a busy distracting environment and put our
computer in the bedroom if our intention is to get a good
night's rest.
So apart from the practical considerations what else do we have
to take into account when designing the perfect room?
* Lighting * Perception of space * Noise * Color * Smell
Much research by environmental psychologists has confirmed that
our surroundings can and does have quite a significant effect on
the way we feel and how we are likely to respond, so in the case
of interior design, it stands to reason that we must take care
to avoid anything that is likely to make us feel uncomfortable
or distressed and should aim for a harmonious environment that
ultimately has a positive effect on our mood.
Lighting
Take a room used by a counselor for example. Can the lighting
in the room influence whether an individual is likely to relax
enough to be able to talk openly? The answer is yes according to
the results of one Japanese study conducted by the College of
Humanities and Sciences in Nihon University in Tokyo, which
found that dim lighting evoked more relaxed feelings, increased
the perception of the attractiveness of the counselor and
allowed the individual to open up more than if the room was
brightly lit.
One area where we can clearly see the effect of lighting is in
the food industry. Fast food outlets generally want a rapid
turnover of customers so in order to encourage people to eat up
quickly the lighting tends to be bright, the seating is
practical rather than comfortable and arranged in close
proximity to each other, and the colors tend to be bold.
If we now compare this to an expensive restaurant where the idea
is to create a culinary experience for the customer then we are
more likely to find that the space is dimly lit, the tables are
lower, the seating is comfortable and arranged in such a way as
to be more private which of course encourages the diners to stay
a little longer and order yet another bottle of overpriced house
wine.
Perception of Space
Crowded rooms are more likely to have an adverse effect on mood
than spacious rooms. Factors that are likely to increase the
perception of being closed in or crowded include low ceilings,
small windows and lack of natural light, stuffy overheated
rooms, rooms that are narrow or rooms where there is too much
furniture and other items crammed into the available space.
Combined, this will create a stressful environment as opposed to
a relaxed and comfortable one.
We would also have to take into consideration any barriers to
communication too. For example, in the counselor's room we are
more likely to open up if the seating is arranged in such a way
that allows clear communication between counselor and patient
than if there is a large intimidating desk between them.
However, this may be desirable in a large corporate office if
the intent is to create a clear division between management and
staff.
Noise
Noise is also a significant factor and indeed is a type of
pollution which can negatively effect how we feel. The constant
drone of a computer or other machinery, electrical buzzing from
refrigerators or lights, traffic noise in the street outside,
workmen nearby and so on, can increase the amount of stress that
the occupants feel and would do little to evoke feelings of
wellbeing in any room.
Color
A great deal of research has been conducted into the effect of
color, too much to go into here. On a very basic level, red is
intense and attracts attention; it is also associated with
passion. Blue is more relaxing and can evoke feelings of trust
and reliability so is often used in business settings. Green is
linked with nature and is easy on the eye as opposed to yellow
which can strain the eye but at the same time can increase
concentration. Paler colors are more likely to enhance the
perception of space in a room. The secret is to go for the
color that is perfectly in tune with how it makes you feel in
any particular room, you are the final judge.
Smell
Pleasant aromas can enhance the perceived beauty of a room and
at the same time unpleasant smells can spoil an otherwise
perfect space. This is something that estate agents well know
when it comes to selling a property. The smell of fresh coffee
and newly baked bread can make a home feel more inviting whereas
strong and pungent food odors do the opposite. You can create a
pleasing effect in a room using bowls of pot Pourri, scented
flowers and candles.
Getting it Right
Interior design involves so much more than re-decorating and
re-arranging furniture. If you take account of the not so
obvious psychological factors as well as the practical and
functional considerations you are more likely to get it right
first time and create a perfect space that has the desired
effect on the occupants.
About the Author:
David McEvoy is an expert in interior design. If you are looking
for a leather sofa to give the finishing touches to a newly
decorated room then please come and visit his site:
LeatherSofa.uk.com
