These Simple Design Hacks Will Make Your Home a Happier Place

Take your design cues from the great outdoors by incorporating colorful blooms and verdant greenery, maybe a vertical garden. Place fresh accents throughout your home, even in the bathroom and kitchen. Natural materials, like wood, stone and granite, allow a consistent presence of nature, which has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental health.

"Sharp shapes create activation in a part of the brain associated with anxiety, while circles and spheres set a playful tone," notes Lee, who also shares design advice on her blog, The Aesthetics of Joy. Furniture with hard angles may look beautiful in home magazines, but they can put the mind on alert. Who wants that negative energy inside a home? Instead, look for sofas with soft, rounded corners and oval coffee tables.

Make a bold statement in a neutral space with cheery wallpaper, throw pillows, even accent rugs and kitchen appliances. Get inspired with seasonal hues, like ice blue and grape in winter. Liven up an all-white kitchen with a splash of a sophisticated color, such as burgundy or navy. Alternatively, look to calming pastels, which can brighten up a space without overwhelming a room.

You can color-coordinate or you can go matchy-matchy when it comes to interior design. We approve of both. "Using matching hangers, pushpins, fridge magnets or desk organizers taps into the gestalt principle of similarity to create a joyful sense of cohesion," notes Lee. However, stick to a simple color palette to keep the look confident and visually appealing.