Heartwarming Ways You Can Inspire Kindness With Your Interior Design

There's a lot to be said for being kind. Even small acts of kindness have the potential to ripple out and make a difference in ways we could never have imagined. Beyond the benefits for those on the receiving end, being kind is excellent for your overall physical and mental well-being. Most people associate kindness with helping others: volunteering for an organization or simply helping someone in need. That's certainly something worth doing, but what if you could inspire kindness in your home through your interior design choices? Healing architecture, a concept that's been around since the mid-aughts, is all about designing spaces that support people's mental and physical health. Although focused mainly on healthcare settings, the same principles can be used in your home to create a space where you feel safe, secure, and above all, happy. 

Why is that important? Well, researchers at Harvard Business School found that kind people tend to be happier — and just as importantly, happy people tend to be kinder. Don't worry, there's no need to hunt down the best tips and tricks for a seamless home renovation. Applying aspects of healing architecture into your own space is much simpler (and more affordable) than a full-scale makeover. From color choices and furniture placement to materials, textures, and even light, all of these things can either boost your mood or bring you down. And it starts at the entrance to your home. What does your front door color mean for you and your visitors? If it's not a shade that makes you want to go inside, it's time to bust out a paintbrush and coveralls and change it to something more welcoming.

If you can use cut flowers to ease stress in your home, what more can you do to inspire kindness through intentional interior design and decor choices? Quite a lot, actually. For starters, see how you can bring the outside in by allowing as much natural light as possible to grace your interior. While architects often recommend bigger windows, you can achieve a similar effect by swapping heavy drapes for lighter alternatives. Color also plays a role. Some are more jarring, whereas others, like blue or green, instill a sense of peace. If painting the whole room isn't an option, small accents like a feature wall, throws, or even cushions can all work. Art is another key factor. Adorn your walls and shelves with pieces that bring you joy and make you want to look at them. A tranquil forest or seaside print can make you feel more at ease.

When your home reflects who you are, it becomes a place that makes you happy. Choosing items that reflect your values, rather than chasing trends, naturally makes your home kinder and more intentional. Another thing to consider is the purpose of each room or area. How can they support daily mindfulness routines that inspire you to wind down? Maybe it's a comfy chair for reading or soft lighting and a small plant for your meditation space. Add more personal touches, like beautifully framed family photos or a curated display of sentimental items. Make a point of only allowing in the objects, colors, textures, and ideas that bring out the best in you, then go out and share that with the world.