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(Why seasonal depression can happen in the summer too.)
“One challenge with SAD is an inability to focus,” says Robyn Landau, a neuroaesthetics designer and founder at Kinda Studios. But a 2022 meta-analysis of biophilic design research found that simply being around design elements that remind us of nature can reduce stress and restore cognitive ability.
One mechanism is soft fascination, Landau explains, which involves dispersing our attention over a broad visual field—such as viewing a landscape or a complex pattern of leaves—in order to deregulate the nervous system and promote mental recovery.
“Even adding one or two medium-sized plants into frequently-used spaces helps,” says Lima. If live plants aren’t possible, natural materials, such as rattan chairs or nature-inspired images, offer similar benefits.
Additionally, a 2022 study found that even looking at images of nature reduces stress. Photographs, drawings, prints, or paintings of nature can help capitalize on nature’s soothing benefits—whether it’s a tranquil sea or a wild forest is up to you.
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For longer-term intervention, a splash of paint can also help. “Our color preferences are often based on association,” says Landau. “Blue reminds us of the sky, and yellow reminds us of the sun. Deep colors create a sense of warmth and give energy.” In a 2023 study, yellow was the color participants most associated with hope, compared to red, green, and blue.
(9 simple ways to boost your mental health, according to science.)
But painting multiple rooms in bright shades can feel overwhelming. Instead, Landau suggests using color to define different zones. For instance, a 2021 study of university students linked cool-colored walls, such as blue or green in cold hues, with increased attention or memory, while white walls led to a reduced efficiency.
Color blocking or pops of color can also replace painting whole rooms, whether it be incorporating brightly colored artwork, colorful furnishings or home accessories, or painting unexpected areas like doors.
It’s equally important to consider the way your lighting interacts with your wall colors, says Lima. A room without much natural light might feel even darker when painted in a strong saturated color. But if your room is painted white, a color which naturally reflects a lot of light, then warmer bulbs will create a more relaxing effect to wind down in—which is particularly vital in a bedroom or living room.
