Pebble grey gloss single wall kitchen with light oak effect worktop, open shelving and built under electric oven.

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How To Plan A Home For Positive Wellbeing

Our wellbeing is influenced by many things including the environments we work, live, and play in. So, it comes as no surprise that it has become an important factor for homeowners when redecorating or starting a new interior design. Here, we explore some top tips on how to plan a home for positive wellbeing, which includes some quick tactics that help tackle the blues head on.

Hockley Mirror Gloss White Main Set Shot - Head On

1. Keep it bright

Creating a space that is bright and open will have a harmonious effect on your wellbeing, which is exactly what you need after a challenging day. To do this, switch out bold tones for soothing shades, like white, to create a sanctuary you can retreat to. For added Zen, combine this pale shade with a gloss finish to maximise all available light for extra stress-busting benefits.

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Hockley Super Matt Dove Grey - Alternative Angle

2. Mute your home

Matt finishes are topping the trend charts and we can see why. This muted finish reduces glare in the home, turning down the visual volume in a space for a more tranquil ambiance. This soft surface also shows fewer marks, especially when combined with the anti-fingerprint technology found in our new Hockley collection, saving time on cleaning which can be better spent on rest and relaxation.

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Country style dove grey shaker kitchen in kitchen island layout. Recessed oven area with square white brick tiles.

3. Harmonise your colours

White is not the only colour that creates a comforting space. For example, blues are renowned for their tranquilising effect and are often found in restful places, like washrooms and bedrooms. Cool creams offer a classic look that is also calming on the nerves, while greys offer a not-so-stark neutral that is popular among households for creating a home that is humble and homespun.

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4. Simplify your space

When everything has its rightful place, surfaces become decluttered, home-proud angst is diffused, and it makes for a more comfortable home environment. Creating a spot to store essentials out of sight is a great way of adding harmony back to your space. This can be achieved with simple solutions, like adding a cutlery tray, or even maximising storage within plinths to make room for bakeware.

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Designer green shaker kitchen with wood grain effect finish an island layout. Double larder units and two built in ovens.

5. Go natural

Mother Nature is a natural anti-depressant and we should look to the great outdoors for inspiration within our interiors. Adding a few potted plants is a quick fix for incorporating organics to a space. Alternatively, choose solid wood materials for your next home project, like our new Chilcomb collection, which has a real timber frame and offers an authentic woodgrain finish.

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Chilcomb Paintable in dusky blue and charcoal

6. Express yourself

Personal identity is an important aspect of our lives, which can also be expressed through our interior design. When redecorating a home, or embarking on a new renovation project, we believe the sweet spot is balanced between current trends and personal flair. So, if you want a pink and black scheme– go for it, by choosing one of our paintable designs.

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7. Reserve an area

Whether you live solo, in a house-share, or in a family home, making a space that is completely your own will give you time away from daily chores, conference calls, or the kids. For some, that could be creating a dedicated place for hobbies, like reading or crafting. For others, it could be creating a tranquil washroom, where you can lock the door and bathe in peace.

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Shaker_3D_3panel_Mirror_Cashmere Frame_02.18_S3 (Retcouch) - FLAT

8. Get a good sleep

Getting a good night’s kip is a no-brainer when it comes to taking care of yourself, and it is important to create the right environment that will help you achieve those zzz’s. Simple tricks, like decluttering your room, can provide a zone that is easy to unwind in. Our sliding wardrobes are a great way to tuck items behind cupboard doors to make way for a peaceful place to nod off.

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9. Secure your home

Feeling safe and sound in the comfort of your own home can keep unnecessary worries at bay. Simple measures like upgrading your locking systems, switching to fire-safe doors, or locking away cleaning products can all add to your peace of mind. For more advanced security, why not use smart devices that can be accessed remotely from your mobile phone.

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Open-plan white gloss kitchen idea with a linear design. Has white worktops and silver decorative trims for a modern feel.

10. Connect with others

As much as it is good practice to get some alone time, it’s equally important to connect with others to ensure your mind remains well nourished. In the home, improving your broadband connection may offer a quick solution. Alternatively, creating a space that doubles up for social events, like a kitchen diner or an open floorplan, can also support your social networking.

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Fairford Antique White AEG Integrated Dishwasher

11. Design to save time

We live in a busy world, so clawing back extra minutes spent on chores can mean more time with the family, a hobby, or even alone to regain perspective. Technology makes it easy to save time as many appliances now include cleaning functions as standard, for example chef mode on dishwashers can speed up degreasing pans making post-dinner jobs a doddle.

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12. Choose a balanced diet

Eating healthily has a big influence on your wellbeing, and although it is easy to slip into bad habits, cooking equipment is now full of features that can reduce fat and retain nutrients in food - all while delivering tasty results. A good example is steam cooking, where extra moisture is added during the cooking process to keep meat succulent and vegetables full of flavour.

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Hockley Mirror Gloss Dove Grey - Peninsula cameo

13. Get breakfast in the bag

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for many reasons including nourishment and routine. So, what better way to start the day than with a dedicated breakfast area in your home. Even in compact spaces, breakfast bars are easy to add to any design or layout and can free up room for casual dining or a place to perch with a strong morning cup of coffee.

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14. Enjoy the little things

Slowing down and savouring the little things can help to rebalance your mind. This could take the shape of enjoying a morning coffee or appreciating a cold glass of filtered water straight from the tap. Our new 4-in-1 boiling water taps are a great tool for your cooking area as they offer a steady flow of hot, cold, filtered, and steaming water - all from one device.

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15. Let in the light

Light is known to lift the mood and increase productivity, so filling your home with extra rays is a great way of beating the blues. Placing a frequently used spot near a window will ensure you get some vitamin D. Alternatively, lighting offers a quick fix for adding positive energy to a room, especially if you switch to daylight bulbs, which will stand you in good stead for the winter months.

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