How to create a calm, stress-free kitchen.
April is stress awareness month. One of the key things we can all do to help combat
stress is to look at the part our homes and interiors play a part in reducing and managing stress in our everyday lives.
Biophilia is an approach to interior design that incorporates elements of the natural environment together with elements of home or urban environments. This design philosophy emphasises the importance of human connections and has many benefits which include environmental, health & wellbeing.
The popularity of the concept of biophilia has dramatically increased in the last few years, perhaps due to many employees now working from home, albeit full time or part-time. A recent study by the charity Mind, found that 63% of UK adults state that time spent gardening, walking or being in nature helps mental health. Sleep and mood are both heavily effected by our state of mental health so incorporating elements of biophilic design into the home and of course, the kitchen, can only be a bonus.
Plants
Hanging plants is a great way to soften a room without taking up too much space. Trail plants from kitchen shelves, units or hanging hooks or grow your own herbs such as chives, basil, or parsley on the kitchen windowsill. Growing and tending to plants is rewarding and beneficial to wellbeing with research showing that it can reduce stress, fear and sadness as well as reduce blood pressure, pulse rate and muscle tension.
Natural Light
Incorporate as much natural light as possible into your kitchen. Large windows and skylights allow natural light to flood in which is proven to improve mood. When at home, working or resting, open a window and allow in plenty of air. Air flow can make you feel more alive and connected with the outside world. Allowing as much daylight as possible into your home will make the kitchen seem more spacious and welcoming and if natural day light isn’t possible, then incorporate mirrors, lighter, paler paint colours, and varied lighting, all of which will help.
Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials within the kitchen can help provide a serene ambience. Consider using ethically sourced materials in your kitchen including exposing original features such as beams or floorboards. Wooden floors, worktops and furniture can help create a warm and soothing atmosphere while brick and stone add texture and natural beauty to a kitchen.
Pop of Green
Research shows the colour green can positively affect thinking, relationships, and physical health. Green is also thought to relieve stress and help heal. There is no wonder, therefore, that green is a popular choice when it comes to interior design. Deep greens are a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, pair this with crisp white walls for a fresh finish. If you have a bright whitewashed kitchen with high ceilings, adding sage or willow greens, a potted or trailing plants can soften and blur while adding bright lime green can energise and uplift.
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