THE SCIENCE OF A HAPPY HOME

If you were asked what the six ingredients to a happy home are, what would you say? We all want to live in a happy home. However, when it comes to designing our homes and using them day to day, happiness isn’t always at the forefront. But at Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, we think it should be!

That’s why we love a UK scientific study that surveyed 4000 residents, taking their answers and combining them with the best existing research, to develop The Science of a Happy Home Report. The report identified six qualities that help create happiness at home, and it is so good to see it reflects the work we do every day with our clients! Read on for a deep dive into the qualities that will positively influence how you feel in your home according to the report and our work with clients over many years.

Secure

A secure home refers to the provision of shelter, safety and stability, both physically and emotionally. We want security and peace of mind when it comes to our homes.

Nourishing

Nourishing homes provide healthy conditions that optimise light, sound and ventilation. Indoor air quality is important too, as is the ability to control comfort levels depending on preferences. Interestingly, happiness levels are affected by the view to outside more so than sunlight levels.

Adaptable

We don’t use all rooms and spaces in our homes equally and typically spend much more time in some than in others. So we need our homes to be able to flex to meet our changing needs. We are happiest when we can adapt our home to our changing needs now and in the future. Over 92% of those happiest at home agree that their house can meet their current needs. The ability to change layouts is more important than the size of our bedrooms.

Relaxed

Relaxed homes are places that make people feel calm, comfortable and at peace. People who describe their homes as relaxed are happier within them than those who use any other personality traits, such as organised, balanced or sociable. About half of us relax most in our living rooms, and about a third in our bedrooms.

Connected

Spaces to interact and to socialise with our family and community are important for well-being, too. We want to be able to connect with others in our home, the outside world and with nature. The spaces that matter the most to our happiness at home in this regard are private gardens, balconies and open-plan living spaces.

Mirrors

We want a home that reflects who we are. We’re much happier if our home reflects our values and personalities. About 80% of those who are happiest at home say their home reflects who they are. When making design decisions, focus on how your home meets your needs or help you express yourself for long term satisfaction.