Why a Well-Designed Space is Basically Free Therapy
The idea for this post started poolside with my rising junior at CU Boulder. She’s a psychology major who, half-joking, explained why she picked up a business minor:
“Most of my psych classes are in older basement computer labs with no windows. But the business school? It’s so gorgeous, light-filled, and modern. I want to be over there!”
She’s not wrong. Our environments—whether it’s a dreary classroom, a chaotic office, or a cozy living room—have a direct impact on our mood, productivity, and even long-term happiness. Science, in fact, agrees.
What the Science Says
The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen has studied this in depth. In their Happy Home and Good Home Report, they found that how happy we are with our homes is one of the strongest indicators of overall life satisfaction. Let me repeat that: according to their research, your home ranks right up there with health and finances when it comes to happiness. In other words, it’s not “just paint” or “just a rug.” The spaces where we spend our time directly shape how we feel. That’s big!!
And it’s not only about our homes. Work environments matter, too (we’re looking at you, beige cubicals). Studies show that people who work in thoughtfully designed offices—those with comfortable layouts, good lighting, and elements of nature—report higher job satisfaction and lower stress. It’s why some companies invest in open layouts, plants, or calming break areas: a well-designed space makes us better humans at work. Don’t we all deserve that?
The Details That Make the Difference
It’s easy to think of “design” as something extra or a nice to have, but often it’s the simple things that count. Layout, for example, has a huge effect. A room with good flow feels calm and intentional, while a space crammed with furniture or lacking definition can quietly stress you out. Color matters, too—soothing blues or grounding greens create calm, while warmer tones bring energy and connection. And let’s not forget texture: a cozy throw blanket, a nubby rug under your feet, or even a wood table with a bit of natural grain can make a space feel more nurturing. These aren’t luxuries—they’re small, little sensory cues that signal to your brain: relax, it’s all good, you’re all good.
Decorating = It’s a Good Thing
So here’s the takeaway nugget: decorating isn’t frivolous. It’s not silly. It’s not “extra.” It’s a proven contributor to well-being. I believe some younger folks might refer to this as self care but whatver it’s called, we should all be doing it. When you invest in making your space feel good—whether that’s rearranging your furniture for better flow, adding a lamp where you need more warmth, or bringing in color that makes you happy—you’re actually investing in yourself. You’re creating a backdrop for better moods, deeper rest, and happier days.
Last Bits
My daughter’s decision to spend more time in the bright, modern business school wasn’t just about avoiding basement classrooms—it was about choosing an environment that supported her energy and happiness. That’s something all of us can do, whether in our homes or workplaces.
A thoughtfully designed space isn’t about impressing your neighbors or posting perfectly curated vignettes on Pinterest; it’s all about giving yourself grace to seek out spaces that feed you in some way, whether it’s to lift or motivate or to pad you down in hygge coziness.
Is your space not giving you good-vibe energy? Don’t settle for less. It really doesn’t take much, I promise! Start with your layout and lighting (anything brighter than 2700 Kelvin should be tossed asap) and work from there. Consider this your free pass to shop a little, zhuzh a little, and tweak until it feels right for you.
Photo courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects https://davispartnership.com/projects/university-colorado-boulder-leeds-school-business/