Creating a home that nourishes your soul isn’t about following strict design rules or chasing the latest Pinterest trends like a caffeinated interior designer. Instead, it’s about recognising how much your surroundings affect your mood, energy, and overall well-being.
At DROOL, we believe your home should be a place that actively supports your mental and emotional health. A space that feels like a warm hug after a long day, not a showroom you’re too afraid to sit down in. So, how exactly do you transform your house into a haven for your mental well-being? Let’s dive into some useful ideas.
Start with What You See Every Day
Let’s be real: clutter is like a pair of rabbits. One stray receipt on the counter, and suddenly you’re living in a paper-based warren. What’s worse, clutter like this isn’t just annoying, it also subtly increases stress, messes with your focus, and makes relaxing harder.
So, first things first: declutter. Be brutal but kind so you can effectively clear the decks. Once that’s done, you’ll have the mental (and literal) space to add elements that lift your mood.
Tap into the Power of Art
Let’s talk about art. Not the stuff you stared at in a gallery for ten minutes trying to work out which way up it went. We mean art that genuinely makes you feel something. A serene landscape, a bold graphic, a cheeky pop of colour—whatever speaks to you.
Art in your home acts like emotional wallpaper. It sets the tone, triggers memories, or simply reminds you there’s beauty in the world. And you don’t have to break the bank to bring art into your home.
Art posters and prints are a brilliant starting point. They’re accessible, easy to turn into a wall gallery, and help you explore your tastes without having to sell a kidney. And we’re here to help you get the best prints for your home. DROOL’s collection spans everything from contemporary paintings to thought-provoking photography and unique illustrations. So, you’re bound to find something that doesn’t just look good, but feels right for your space.
But if you’re the indecisive type, the DROOL Art Finder Quiz takes the guesswork out of choosing. Think of it as Tinder for your walls, just with fewer awkward first dates.
Bring the Outdoors In
Nature is good for your soul. And that’s not just Instagram fluff—it’s science. Plants, natural textures, and earthy tones help reduce stress and increase feelings of calm. Plus, they give you something to talk to during those long work-from-home days.
Yes, we know that not everyone’s got a green thumb. So, if you’re worried you’ll murder a peace lily in a week, start with a low-maintenance hero like the spider plant. It’s practically indestructible and looks smugly photogenic on a shelf.
But greenery’s not the only way to bring nature indoors. Natural décor like smooth river stones, intriguing pieces of driftwood, or even a unique chunk of bark adds texture and a grounding feel to any space, whether arranged in a bowl or on a shelf. They also offer a gentle visual cue to slow down, reminding us that beauty doesn't always need to be polished or perfect.
What's more, furniture crafted from natural materials such as solid wood, rattan, or reclaimed timber lends warmth and a timeless quality that imitations simply can't match. Even small additions like linen curtains, jute rugs, or stone coasters can help shift the mood of a room, making it feel calmer, more connected, and less artificial.
Add Colour Wisely
Choosing colours is a bit like choosing flatmates. Pick the wrong ones and you’ll regret it daily. But pick the right ones, and you have endless days of fun and chill vibes. So be careful about what you add to your space.
Here’s a splash of wisdom: according to colour psychology, soft blues and greens tend to be calming. Meanwhile, yellows and warm neutrals can add comfort without being overbearing. Want a touch of purple? Opt for lighter shades like lavender and mauve for peace of mind.
And if you want to DIY your walls, choose low- or no-VOC paints. These contain little or no volatile organic compounds, which are about as healthy as licking a traffic cone. VOCs off-gas over time, affecting air quality and potentially your health. As such, avoid the “new paint smell” if you can.
Let There Be (Nice) Light
Lighting can make or break a room, and oftentimes your mood. Natural light, in particular, is a winner for boosting serotonin and regulating sleep. But let’s face it, in Britain, natural light sometimes needs a bit of backup. So, use mirrors to reflect what sunlight you do have. Then, layer your lighting with lamps, wall lights, and candles (responsibly, of course).
Also, avoid those cold white bulbs that make you feel like you’re being interrogated about your browsing history. Instead, go warm, go soft, and let your lighting set the relaxing tone.
Cut the Noise (And Maybe the Wi-Fi)
Sound can influence your stress levels more than you think. Constant background noise, be it traffic, the news, or that mysterious humming from the fridge, can quietly wear you down. So, try creating a few “quiet zones” at home. For example, ban screens from the bedroom. Or, turn your phone on silent after 9 p.m. Now, if silence makes you twitchy, try playing white noise or nature sounds instead. Maybe the sound of flowing water from a desktop fountain or even recordings of gentle ocean waves or rain on leaves—anything that helps your nervous system stop acting like it’s at a nightclub.
Design a Sanctuary for Your Mind and Soul
At the end of the day, your home should feel like your soft place to land. Not necessarily Pinterest-perfect, but comforting, calm, and unmistakably you. You don’t have to go full throttle from the start. You could light a candle or remove that clutter. Or, maybe hang a piece of art that makes you smile. DROOL’s collection of best-selling art posters and prints is here to help. We’re sure to have a design that will suit what you desire for a calming space.
