Decorating a house is an exercise that carries a lot of importance for your guest and most importantly…YOU! Yes, it takes time, energy and a little creativity but your senses will thank you for it! Human beings experience their environment through the five senses ~ sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell. Let’s dive into these one at a time.
Sight ~ lighting: A study published in 2011 in the American Journal of Public Health found a 12% increase in eye diseases caused by exposure to bright, cool fluorescent lights. When decorating your home, consider the sources of lighting you use. Avoid fluorescent tube bulbs and incandescent bulbs. These type emit harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation. What to use? Alternative lights such as, incandescent warm bulbs or LED bulbs are the best choices. These options emit little to no UV rays. Also, when you have an opportunity to expose your eyes and skin to natural sunlight, do so. Open blinds and curtains to allow Mother Nature to provide you the best lighting for FREE!
Touch~ textures: Absolutely everything inherently has a texture to it but texture isn’t just about if an object feels smooth or not. Ideally, textures should create what the “feel” of the object is in your head. For instance, chose a basket to store your throws that is woven or display a raw piece of wood in the kitchen or perhaps display some fresh cut flowers in a smooth, metal vase. Different textures can be achieved through wall art, throw pillows, and rugs, as well. Be creative!
Taste ~ food and drinks: Taste is probably the hardest sense to appeal to when decorating. Using decor to enhance taste is primarily focused on the kitchen and dining rooms. By displaying a beautiful, fully stocked wine rack on the kitchen counter or a wooden bowl of golden apples or lemons, you will surely rev up the taste buds of every guest!
Hear ~ sounds: If you long for an intimate setting in a particular room, this can be done through soft furnishings such as, sofas, chairs and rugs. These items will absorb noises and lessen echo sounds. By adding calming sounds like water or soft music could appeal to your sense of hearing. Also, placing wind chimes outside your home can provide a diversity of pleasing sounds.
Smell ~ scents: Our sense of smell is the most powerful and emotional of all the senses. Studies show different scents can be mood changers. Scents in the home can come from a variety of sources: flowers, plants, candles, leather, oils. House plants can not only add sweetness to your home but that also clean the air you breathe. Another healthy option for adding fresh smells to your space is diffusing essential oils. They work magic in providing relaxation, enhancing sleep and cognitive function, and mood elevating benefits!
The way we experience our home through the five senses is so important not only how you feel but how your guests feel soon after walking in the front door. Make YOUR home one that represents YOU!
SFY Recommends ~
