How to design a stress free environment
AI assisted design
I’ve been interested in trauma informed design ever since I started school for Interior Design. It’s amazing the way the built environment can affect our mood, emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Through design we can create spaces that help us to feel safe and more relaxed. Spaces that calm the nervous system. This blog is a summary of my research on the topic, but the principals also apply to anyone who wants to create a stress free atmosphere. It’s also applicable to both residential and commercial projects. However, for commercial projects that need fully fleshed out trauma informed design (such as low income healthcare clinics) it’s a good idea to hire a professional with specialized experience.
Trauma survivors often have an increased stress response. This is because the affects of trauma can cause lasting changes in the brain. Including hyperarousal, loss of memory function and decreased learning capacity. These people can be easily startled and/or triggered by small details in their environment that remind them of past negative experiences. For this reason, a majority of trauma informed design is aimed at mitigating the stress response to create safe and inclusive spaces.
Traditional treatments for trauma include talk therapy, EMDR and sometimes medication. But in the highly acclaimed book: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the healing of trauma, Bessel A. van Der Kolk advocates for the power of one’s environment as another tool to regulate stress levels, along with body awareness practices and treatments. She says:
“In our studies we keep seeing how difficult it is for traumatized people to feel completely relaxed and physically safe in their bodies... A major challenge in recovering from trauma remains being able to achieve a state of total relaxation and safe surrender. ”
Therefore, if the methods used in trauma informed design can help traumatized people, then they surely can be beneficial also for non trauma survivors who simply desire a more peaceful space. Stress-free doesn’t have to mean boring. Below are some simple yet impactful changes you can make to your space so that it’s calming and still inspiring, uplifting and highly personalized.
Lighting & clear wayfinding
One of the most impactful design principals for creating a stress reducing environment is providing adequate light. Natural light is best, such as large windows and skylights. You also want to provide choices with lighting. Including multiple sources, like overhead lighting, as well as, table and floor lamps, task lights and wall sconces. Having a variety allows the user to adjust the atmosphere as they wish. It’s also a good idea to include dimmers wherever possible to add an additional layer of choice.
Another important element in trauma informed design is providing clear wayfinding. Hallways and corridors should be well lit with clear signage. There also should be clear lines of sight to entrances and exits so that you can see how to get in and out of the building without having to search.
Greenery & Biophilia
A simple yet impactful change you can make to your space is by adding plenty of plants. Plants help to quiet the mind and relax the nervous system. There are a number of live plants that are easy to take care of. Plants that work well in low light conditions and that can withstand a forgotten watering. My favorites are snake plants (sansevieria) and ZZ plants. Snake plants are virtually indestructible and have a nice architectural look.
It’s also helpful to include natural materials into the design. For example, incorporate sustainable woods, stone, natural fiber rugs, terra cotta pots and ceramic pottery. These earthy pieces also help to bring nature to the interior and make the space feel more grounded.
Calming colors
Typically blues and greens are more calming colors. But some earthy neutrals and soft pinks can have a relaxing affect as well. You want to avoid a strong red or high contrasting colors. You also want to avoid stark white walls and darker tones. Lighter and brighter colors tend to reflect light more and are generally more uplifting for our mood.
A good rule of thumb when creating a calming atmosphere is to use a monochrome color palette. Utilize one calming color in different shades throughout the space with maybe a few pops of a secondary color for interest. You can of course pair the monochrome color you choose with warm neutrals for a homey feel.
Distraction artwork
One of my favorite elements in creating a calming atmosphere is the choice of artwork. I personally really love abstract fluid works with a few pops of color. But you have to be careful with abstract art because some modern pieces can be too stimulating and evoke unsettling emotions. Landscape photography is a simple and beautiful way to go. Any image of nature that can transport you to another more peaceful environment can have a great impact.
Other examples of distracting artwork that takes people out of their negative thoughts, is artwork that includes inspirational messages. These works are meant to give a sense of hope and joy. Just be mindful that the messages are relatable, as these can easily cross over into cheesy territory.
Sound insulation
One important element to consider is sound insulation. Are your interior walls and partitions sound proof? The construction of the wall can help to absorb sound with sound attenuation batting (SAB). You can also incorporate sound absorbing panels to the walls or ceiling. They come in a variety of colors and designs and can be very artistic.
You also can add sound absorbing partitions and screens to the space to help create specified quiet areas and privacy. They limit the amount of stimulation you take in in a given space. For commercial projects, chairs with arms is a great way to go to create a sense of personal space.
Avoid visual noise
The best way to create a clean and clear environment is to clear out years of old accumulated papers and stuff. Think about what you use on a regular basis and throw away anything you haven’t used in the past year. This helps to avoid excess visual noise in the space, and allows the mind to relax. You also want to avoid adding trinkets and stuff that causes clutter. Keep the space fresh and clear.
You also want to keep the environment predictable. This goes especially for trauma informed design. The spacial layout should make sense to people and be intuitive for the most part. Spend some time getting your space to be well organized and clear out the old. You can also think about movement pathways, and creating clearer pathways of movement from one part of your space to another. So there isn’t a huge piece of furniture blocking a clear and easy pathway.