Styling a room can be a little like painting a picture. You start with the big layers, shapes, and patterns, but it’s the small touches of light, color, and texture that can really bring it to life.
This guide will give you the practical tips you need to find what’s missing in your space so you can bring the mood in. Whether that’s with home flooring, color schemes, textures, lighting, and scents, all these things play their part. Let’s get started.
Flooring Choices that Affect Ambience
Flooring is the foundation of your home, so getting it right is essential. Style is important, so it’s crucial to choose the flooring that creates the mood you’re after. Durability is also key, as this can impact how much you end up using a space and how comfortable you feel within it.
When it comes to style, durability, and ease of maintenance, you can’t go past hybrid flooring. With authentic timber-look designs, there are endless styles and finishes to choose from.
After a cosy atmosphere? A darker brown floor is the perfect choice as it will add depth and warmth to your space. For a bright and airy feel, go for a pale tone that reflects the sunlight.
While these floors add plenty of ambiance on their own, there’s also the added benefit that you can style them to suit your mood. Rugs can transform a space, so play around with different combinations to get the feel you’re after.
The Role of Color in Shaping Emotions
The colors you surround yourself with can have a great effect on your mood and the atmosphere of a space. Think of a mood bar with black or deep-colored walls or a relaxing day spa with muted neutrals or natural-toned walls. The great news is you can easily apply some of that color magic in your home.
Here are a few quick tips when adding color:
- Lighter colors, like white, light blue, and cool grey, can help make a space feel bigger.
- Bright colours, like pops of pinks, red, orange, yellow and green can help create a happy vibe.
- Deeper, darker tones, like slate grey, emerald green and navy blue can create a moodier, more sophisticated atmosphere.
Textures and Materials that Change Your Mood
Sometimes it’s not the colors in the room but the textures and materials. Playing with different surface textures can help enhance the sensory experience of a room, creating a more modern mood, cozier character, or relaxing retreat with a few subtle changes.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cozy and warm: Create this mood by adding fabrics like wool, chenille, and faux fur
- Calm and relaxed: Add fabrics such as linen, cotton, and natural fibers to add a tranquil vibe to your space
- Bold and energetic: Metallic textures and industrial effects like distressed wood and exposed concrete
Furniture, rugs, throws, curtains, and cushions are great places to start when adding texture. Textured wallpaper can also lift a room’s atmosphere, especially if it feels a little flat. Think woven surfaces, raised designs, or brick and stone textures.
Natural Light and Its Impact on Mood
Looking for an easy mood booster? Light can completely transform a room. The more light a room has, the more spacious and positive it will feel. Even layering light, such as with lamps as well as downlights, can help draw focus and create the illusion of space.
If you’re renovating or building, consider where you can add more natural light sources to your rooms. Large windows, sky lights and open floor plans are perfect for letting the light shine in.
For those looking to make minimal changes, try placing mirrors opposite natural light sources to help reflect more light around the room. Sheer curtains can also allow more natural light into a room and are easy to add to your space.
The Power of Scent in Setting the Tone
Scent is a powerful influencer when it comes to mood. It can make us feel relaxed, bring back memories and inspire a range of feelings. Opening your windows and allowing fresh air in is a good start, but plants, candles and diffusers can also play a part.
Plants are especially important when it comes to setting a room’s atmosphere. They help purify the air, adding to that fresh feeling. To really amplify a room’s mood, light candles or use diffusers with scents that suit your mood.
Scents like vanilla and lavender are relaxing, coconut and lime can give you that beach vibe, while floral scents add a cosy, country garden feel. Play with different combinations and have a collection on hand to inspire you.
Bringing It All Together
When it comes to crafting the atmosphere in your home, every detail counts. Whether you want to open up the space, create a more cosy feel, or add bold energy to your space, there’s lots you can do to switch up the mood.
Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, so take some time to experiment, discover what resonates with you, and create a room that not only looks great but feels good too.
