Can you design your home happier?

Elements like paint color, furniture, lighting and wall decor are all a part of your home’s interior design style. But these items don’t just have an impact on the overall look of your space, they have some control over your mood as well. Give your home a cheery feel with any of these design techniques:

Opt for furniture with curved lines
Modern homes often call for furniture with straight, sleek lines, but furniture with round shapes can soften a room and help it appear more inviting. This doesn’t mean, however, that you have to forgo a modern style in your home. Combine your curved furniture with graphic prints, bold colors and various textures.

Update your lighting
Each room in your home should have three layers of lighting: ambient, accent and task. Having one overhead light simply won’t cut it – those bulky fixtures tend to cast harsh glows and create shadows, making the space feel more like an interrogation room than a warm and welcoming home. You may also want to include dimmer switches in each room so you can adjust the level of lighting.

Clean your windows
You may not be able to see it, but if you haven’t cleaned your windows in awhile, there’s likely a layer of grime and dirt that has developed over the surface. Use a cloth and some window cleaner on your windows and allow more natural light to stream into your home for a happier and more refreshing atmosphere.

Decorate with personal items
Never hesitate to include sentimental items in your decor, whether it’s an antique bowl your grandmother passed down or a piece of wall art that a family member made you. You could also blow up your favorite snapshots and frame them to create a personalized focal point on the wall. Seeing these objects when you walk into a room will help the positive feelings flow.

Treat your home
Buy your home a little something new to refresh the space. Your kitchen might benefit from a farmhouse sink, while your bathroom design could use some beautiful brass faucets. It’s OK to splurge on something every once in awhile – especially when it’s on items that will boost the function of your home.

Surround yourself with loved ones
Take a night to have some friends or family over. After all, what better way is there to create a happy home than to surround yourself with the people you love most?