A mentally healthy home - what is it and how do you get it?
How do our homes affect our mental wellbeing? You may have been asking this question a lot recently as you spend more time at home, but this is not a new question. Some have been looking into the relationship between design and wellbeing long before lockdown.
In this, the first episode of the Happy Homes podcast, host Nichi Hodgson talks about the impact our homes have on our mental health with Professor Sadie Morgan OBE of dRMM architects, founder of the Quality of Life foundation, and Ben Channon of Assael Architecture, a mental wellbeing advocate, TEDx speaker and author of ‘Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Mental Wellbeing’.
Covered in this episode
How do spaces influence our quality of life?
- How can we take control over our spaces?
- Is there such a thing as too much light?
- How can plants support our wellbeing?
- Should we prioritise aesthetics at home?
- Does it matter if we are messy?
Further reading
Like what you heard? Want to learn more about improving your home? For our more studious listeners, here’s some further reading to help you on your home journey...
House plant care guide - As covered in the podcast, houseplants have a positive influence on our spaces and wellbeing. Learn how to look after yours here.
How to make a garden on a balcony or roof - The importance of outdoor spaces was stressed throughout episode 1 of Happy Homes. If you don’t have a garden of your own, learn how to create one on a balcony or roof.
A guide to planning out the lighting in your home - Professor Sadie Morgan OBE emphasised the importance of lighting in the home and its impact on our wellbeing. Learn how to plan out the lighting in your home here.
How to make your home 'adaptable' - Whether it’s for exercise, a hobby or other activity, having a home that can adapt to our changing needs is important for our mental health. As Ben Channon explains, we need as few excuses not to do something as possible. Learn about making your home adaptable here.
How to make your home 'connected' - Having a social ‘connected’ space is a vital aspect of a mentally healthy home. Learn how to create your own connected space here.
How to create a home that cares for your wellbeing - A summary of how we can all make our homes care better for our wellbeing.
The Science of a Happy Home Report
In January 2020 we published The Science of Happy Homes Report, a survey posed to 4000 UK residents exploring how happy people feel at home. The report identified six key qualities that contribute towards the happiest spaces:
Secure - providing shelter, safety and stability
Nourishing - provides healthy conditions
Adaptable - can meet changing needs
Relaxed - makes us feel at home
Connected - provides spaces to interact
Mirrors - reflecting who you are
As the UK’s leading architectural practice for everyday homeowners, we wanted to take the results of this pioneering research and apply it to the projects we undertake. This not only ensures our clients are happy in the short term, but it ensures their wellbeing and happiness will be supported long into the future.
The Happy Homes podcast continues to explore and discuss these areas of wellbeing-boosting home design with architects, interior designers and a range of other industry professionals, giving you a greater understanding of the place you call home.
Listen to episode 1 now on…
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