How Materials Influence Emotions

Our homes are extensions of ourselves, reflecting our unique personalities and can influence our mood. The choices we make when decorating our home matters. Did you know that materials surrounding us play a role in creating a space that nurture our well-being? Let’s take a look at how different materials can impact mood, create ambiance, and contribute to a healthier living environment.

Natural Elements

Starting with natural materials. These materials are barely manipulated, or material changed from the time of harvest to the time it landed in your home are often connected with the impact of people’s well-being and mental health because they make people feel more at peace, relaxed, and calm.

• Wood: Associated with warmth, comfort, reliability, and stability. Its versatility can be used in everything from furniture to décor.
• Stone: Perceived as strong, durable, and grounding. It conveys a sense of luxury, and sophistication found in crystals, figurines, and counter tops.
• Cotton: Linked with softness, comfort, and purity making you feel relaxed and cozy in your home. Typically used in throw blankets, wall hangings, clothing, and more!
• Wool: Known for warmth, comfort, and tradition. Often made into rugs, upholstery, and clothing.

Synthetic Components

Synthetical materials on the other hand, have various compounds combined into a single product. Unfortunately, the harvest to production processes can be harmful to the environment. Aesthetically, these materials can induce feelings of isolation or overwhelm due to their shiny or reflective surfaces, and can negatively affect health and mood through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

• Plastic: Usually modern, durable, and cost-effective (depending on the finished product) used in décor items, kitchenware, furniture, and the list goes on.
• Metal: Linked to strength and sophistication often used as accents in finished products such as furniture, lighting fixtures, but also used in décor items like wall hangings and sculptures.
• Glass: Associated with transparency, purity, and fragility. Often less harmful to the environment can create a sense of elegance and sophistication formed into vases, figurines, mirrors, and more.
• Acrylic: Perceived as lightweight, versatile, and cool can be found in different types of home décor, kitchenware, and bathroom accessories.

Balancing Natural with Synthetic

Many factors are involved when blending natural and synthetic materials. The key is to find a balance between price, style, needs, and preferences to create a harmonious living space. For example, metal decoration surrounding a stone fireplace, or cotton throw blankets on a synthetic couch.

Remember, individual responses to materials can vary. Different factors like cultural background, lifestyle, personality, and more can influence how people perceive and react to different materials.

Tips for Curating your Space

Creating a home that truly reflects your personality and enhances your well-being involves careful consideration of materials and their impact. Here are some tips to guide your selection process:

• Research and Inspiration: Explore resources whether online, magazines, and TV shows to discover what you may like and don’t like.
• Sensory Exploration: For that sensory touch and feel, visit stores, showrooms, or your friends and family’s homes and pay attention to what speaks to you.
• Function and Lifestyle: Consider your daily routines and activities undergone in each space. If you are always on the go, choosing materials evoke a sense of relaxation may be what you need. For high-traffic areas, more durable materials like stone or wood might be practical.
• Budget and Maintenance: Balance aesthetics and utility by considering the look and feel alongside price and possible maintenance requirements.
• Experiment: Be bold by matching different materials and combinations that create spaces reflecting your unique style and preferences.

Take the time to consider what materials what would work best for you and your home. Recognize that you can create a home that is not only beautiful and reflects you but can also contribute to your overall well-being.

Final Notes

While aesthetics and personal preferences are crucial, considering the environmental impact of your choices is becoming more and more important. Natural materials often have a smaller ecological footprint, especially when sourced responsibly. Look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wood or ‘organic’ labels for textiles.

Synthetic materials can also be sustainable when recycled or produced with minimal environmental impact. Opting for products made from recycled plastics or those with verifiable certifications indicating eco-friendly are your best bet.

Small changes can make a big difference. By making conscious choices about the materials in your home, you can contribute to a better home and possibly even better planet.

Your Voice Matters

We value your input! Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. We're eager to continue the conversation about materials, design, well-being, and even sustainability!