Creating a Mood in Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary. It’s a place to unwind, relax and spend time with the people you love. Creating a mood in your home is important not only aesthetically but for your mind, ensuring that you feel happy, calm, and content in your space.

The way your home looks, feels, and smells can have a significant impact on your overall mood and well-being.

We’ll be exploring the different ways you can create a mood in your home through various outlets, such as lighting, colours, materials, and furnishings.

Switch Up Your Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a mood and ambience in your home. Different types of lighting can greatly impact the mood of any room by creating the illusion of a larger or smaller space, offering a dimmed, cosy feel or a light, airy space.

Here are some of our favourite lighting hacks to switch up the overall mood in your home:

Natural Light

Natural light is the first thing you should consider when redesigning any room. It’s a proven mood booster and should be the top priority if your main goal is well-being and mindfulness.

Natural light can make any room feel brighter, bigger, and more inviting. Whether you have small or large windows, ensure you arrange your furnishings in a way that keeps the window areas open and keep the glass clean to allow for optimal light in your home.

Sheer voiles are a fantastic option for those who wish to keep their room light and airy; however, if you’re looking to create a cosy, dimmed space, consider installing curtains of thick material or blackout blinds to keep the light controlled.

Some homeowners even opt to install both sheer voiles and blackout curtains, so they can have the best of both worlds.

Dimmer Switches

If you’re a fan of creating multiple moods in your home, dimmer switches allow you to control the brightness of your lights and can help create a variety of ambiences. Dim the lights for a romantic dinner or a relaxing bath, or increase the brightness for a game night with friends.

There are a wide variety of different lighting options that come with dimmer switch technology, giving you endless possibilities when creating a mood in your home, from overhead lighting to wall lighting and desk lamps.

Coloured Lights

Coloured lights are a great tool for creating a specific mood or highlighting a certain area of a room. Coloured lights can come in the form of LED bulbs or LED lighting strips, which can be installed in almost any area of the home.

These types of bulbs and strips often come with a remote control, allowing you to quickly change the hue of your lighting, as well as the intensity, giving you full control throughout the home.

Blue lights can create a calming and soothing atmosphere in a bedroom, while red lights can add a sense of energy and excitement to a room, and orange-based lights can mimic a warm sunrise or sunset - perfect for early mornings and evenings.

Neon Lights

If you’re looking for something that will stand out, neon lights are a trendy and fun option for adding a glow of colour and personality to any room. Neon lights can be customised with different shapes and phrases to fit your style, making them the perfect option when creating a specific mood within your home.

Neon lighting can be as subtle or as wacky as you like, and some have the ability to change colour with a remote control, giving you plenty of options and looks.

Candles

Candles are always a classic option for creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. They’re the perfect tool to pair with soft, black-out curtains and a variety of cushions and blankets.

The great thing about candles is that they’re relatively cheap and can be used in almost every area of the home, from cosy nights in the living room to a relaxing evening bath or winding down before bed. Choose scented candles, such as Lavender, to add an extra element of relaxation and aroma to your home.

String Lights

If you’re looking to create that perfect cosy and whimsical atmosphere, why not try out a set of string lights? String lighting can come with either a wall plug or a battery pack, making them perfect for absolutely any area of the home.

Hang them around your bed, above your dining table, or on your patio for a warm and inviting glow. Always ensure the string lights you purchase are the correct type for an indoor or outdoor environment. Using indoor lighting outside can be hazardous, causing fires or the possibility of electrocution.

Edison Bulbs

Edison bulbs are a vintage and rustic option for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any home. They look stunning in pendant lights and chandeliers and can add a touch of nostalgia and charm to a room whilst giving off a homely, warm glow.

Edison bulbs can also be used on their own to create a minimalist aesthetic, a style which is easy to accomplish and easy to dress up with other home decor and textiles.

Experiment With Colours

Colours can have a significant impact on the mood of a room, and when experimenting with different hues and tones, the possibilities are endless! You can play with paints or use colour solely in your furnishings and decor to switch up the mood in your home.

It's important to remember that colours can affect the perceived size of a room. Lighter colours can make a space feel bigger, while darker colours can make a space feel smaller and cosier. When choosing colours for your home, it's important to consider the amount of natural light that enters each room.

Rooms with less natural light may benefit from lighter colours to create the illusion of more radiance.

Different tones and hues can be used to create a sense of continuity throughout the home. By using similar colours throughout different rooms, you can create a cohesive and unified look.

Here are some ideas for different colours and the moods they can create, along with some of the most popular 2023 colour trends:

Earth Tones

This year, there is a huge focus on bringing nature indoors through the use of earthy colours like greens, browns, and terracotta. These colours can create a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout any space within your home.

Adding natural textures such as rattan, woven fabrics, and wooden accents can further enhance the earthy and organic feel of a room. Earth tones also pair well with neutral colours like white, beige, and grey, allowing for versatility in decorating styles.

Incorporating indoor plants and greenery can also complement the natural aesthetic of earthy tones and add an extra touch of nature to aid in well-being and mindfulness.

Bold Jewel Tones

Bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple are both stunning and popular throughout 2023 style trends. These colours are a great choice for those looking to add a touch of glamour to their space.

Jewel tones are perfect for creating a bold statement and adding a sense of luxury and sophistication to any room. Pairing these tones with metallic accents such as gold or brass can create an elevated sense of sophistication, giving your home that pricey and put-together feel.

Consider using these colours in accessories like throw pillows, curtains, or artwork for a pop of colour without overwhelming the space.

Soft Pastels

Soft pastel colours have a timeless appeal, and they can be paired with other pastel hues to create a layered and soothing look. Blush pink, mint green, and lavender are just a few examples of soft pastels that can bring a sense of calm and relaxation to any space.

Consider incorporating pastel-coloured accessories or soft furnishings into your decor to add a touch of serenity to your home.

Neutrals

Neutral colours like beige, grey, and white will always be a popular choice for creating a versatile and timeless base for your home decor. They can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in a space.

Neutrals can serve as a great backdrop to add a touch of colour and pattern through your accessories and decor, allowing you to switch up your style without having to make major changes to your home's colour scheme.

Matte Black

Matte black finishes on furniture, lighting fixtures, and even walls can add a touch of modern sophistication to a room. It's a versatile colour that can be paired with other colours or used on its own for a bold statement. Matte black is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years and is expected to continue in 2023.

Reflect On Your Furnishings

In 2023, we are seeing a trend towards natural materials and earthy tones. Sustainable materials such as rattan and bamboo are becoming increasingly popular, as well as furnishings made from natural fibres such as linen and jute. Simple, minimalistic designs are also gaining popularity, with a focus on functionality and practicality.

In terms of colours, there is a huge shift towards muted, earthy tones such as olive green, rust, and terracotta. These colours can create a warm and grounded atmosphere in a room. Metallic accents such as brass and gold are making a comeback, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to a space. Here are some ideas for furniture to create a mood within your home:

Cosy Seating

Adding some cosy seating, such as oversized chairs, loveseats, and sofas, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Add some soft, plush pillows and throw blankets in a variety of textures and hues for extra comfort and dimension.

If you’re looking for that relaxed and casual vibe for your space, incorporating a variety of seating options like pouffes, bean bag chairs, and floor cushions is perfect for creating a cosy and comfortable environment for relaxing or hanging out with friends and family.

Statement Pieces

Statement pieces such as a unique coffee table, a colourful accent chair, or a bold rug can add personality and character to a room, as well as provide a fun conversation starter for guests and providing a focal point to draw the eye.

Look for pieces that reflect your personal style and interests, and don't be afraid to mix and match different textures and patterns to create a unique aesthetic and mood in your home.

Add Some Greenery

Plants can add a natural and calming element to any room in the home. Large, leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, monstera deliciosa, and rubber plants are popular choices for adding greenery and texture to a room. Hanging plants, such as spider plants, pothos, and a string of pearls, are also trending as they can add height and dimension to a space without taking up valuable floor space.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, plants can also improve indoor air quality and promote mental well-being, which is a great place to start when creating a natural and zen mood in your home.

Indoor gardens, like hydroponic systems or vertical planters, are a useful way to grow herbs and vegetables in small spaces while also adding a touch of greenery to the home, offering multi-functionality. Whatever plants you choose, they are sure to add life and serene energy to your home decor!

Natural Fibres

Natural fibres like jute and sisal can create a calming and organic atmosphere in a space. These materials bring a sense of nature indoors and can create a relaxed and comfortable ambience.

They are also versatile and can be incorporated into any room, from rugs and carpets to furniture and decor. Plus, using sustainable and eco-friendly materials is a great way to create a home that is both stylish and environmentally conscious!

Bold Patterns

Bold patterns can bring energy and vibrancy to any room in the home. They can create a playful and lively atmosphere, adding a sense of excitement and adventure to your home decor. Bold patterns can be used to draw attention to certain areas of a room, creating a focal point that adds a level of interest and depth.

However, it's important to balance loud patterns with more neutral elements to avoid overwhelming the space.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match furniture styles to create a unique and personalised look for your home. Try pairing vintage pieces with modern designs or adding some rustic accents to a contemporary space.

Mixing and matching textiles can add depth and richness to your home. Play around with different textures like velvet, linen, and cotton to create a layered look. Adding different patterns and prints in textiles can also create a playful and unique vibe. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix for your home's ambience.

Update Your Doors and Layout

The layout of a home can also have a significant impact on the mood and ambience. When it comes to furniture placement, consider creating different zones within a room to create a sense of flow and functionality.

Create a reading nook in a corner with a comfortable chair and a bookshelf, or a work zone with a desk and task lighting, to ensure your space is both multifunctional and engaging.

The layout of a home can be improved by removing walls or adding extensions. Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room can create a more open and inviting atmosphere. Adding an extension, such as a sunroom or screened-in porch, can offer that much-needed extra space and create a relaxing place to retreat to on evenings and weekends.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans can create a sense of spaciousness and flow between rooms. Consider removing walls to open up the space and create a more welcoming and airy atmosphere.

This is especially effective for smaller homes, as it can make the space feel larger and less cluttered. An open floor plan can also make it easier to entertain guests, as there are fewer barriers between rooms.

French Doors

French doors can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home. They allow for more natural light and a sense of openness and style. French doors work well for rooms with a view, such as a patio or garden, as they allow you to enjoy the scenery even when you're inside.

They can also be used to divide a room, such as a dining room and living room, without creating a solid barrier to further open up the space.

Barn Doors

Barn doors are the perfect option for that rustic and homely charm. They also save space and can be used to divide a room or conceal a closet.

Barn doors work well in bedrooms and bathrooms, as they can add privacy without taking up too much room in your home - a great option for homes with a farmhouse or rustic theme!