With new research revealing that mental wellbeing is top of mind for many Australians, one Australian home builder is leaning into design as a tool to create homes that can make a positive impact on residents by generating a feeling of calm.

According to the study[1], more than half of the Australians surveyed said they often thought about their mental health and what they could do to make a positive change to it.

G.J. Gardner Homes chief executive officer Trent Gardner said they were consistently seeking new innovative designs to help their customers build houses that truly feel like homes.

“Stress impacts us all and how you live has a huge impact on this, being able to come home to a place that boosts your mental wellbeing truly is the best feeling,” Gardner says.

“We know our customers want their home to be a sanctuary – a place to unwind and switch off from the stresses of life, so it’s vital their home offers an opportunity to relax and recharge.

“Our builders will work with our customers to design homes that meet their needs and offer features that maximise relaxation and boost wellbeing – whether it is through device-free family rooms, a cosy reading nook or relaxing in a central courtyard oasis.”

Observing that considered design elements were key to achieving a sense of joy and relaxation in the home, G.J. Gardner Homes lead designer Peter Mannion says, “One of the key elements we get families to think about is how they want to spend time in their home, who is using the spaces and what are the most important features for them in creating a place they can relax and unwind.”

“One unique design feature we are seeing become increasingly popular is the central courtyard, it seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor spaces, offering that luxurious open plan feel, while allowing natural light to flow through the home.

“There are other features we encourage homebuyers to think about to maximise the joy and relaxation their home brings them: installing large windows and glass doors to let in as much natural light as possible, which is good for both body and mind, and choosing a soothing colour scheme throughout the home can have a profound effect on the way you feel.

“We are also really big on functionality, less clutter means calmer and in a busy household that is paramount. We have a lot of storage solutions, and we encourage buyers to think about that when they are planning their spaces,” Mannion says.

5 key design considerations when planning your dream home:

1. Let natural light in

Natural light has a huge impact on serotonin levels (the chemical in the brain responsible for mood and happiness); it can reset circadian rhythms (getting you a good night’s sleep) and reduce symptoms of depression.

Orientation is key to maximising the natural light that enters the interior spaces. You could also consider introducing natural light by installing large windows, glass doors and mirrors.

Also consider how the areas of the home interact: think about the flow of natural light as well as the flow of the spaces, ease of access, and minimising hallways, which can often waste space and break the light flow into the home. The best designs are the ones that offer a central kitchen and family areas that focus on the flow of natural light while ensuring the home has enough spaces to cater to the needs of all family members.

2. Bring the outside in

There are several ways to connect your interior spaces with the outdoors. A central courtyard allows light and breezes to enter the home, providing a relaxed and comfortable environment while a covered alfresco extends the open plan living space outdoors for year-round entertaining, relaxation, and a feeling of peace with nature.

3. Choose comforting colours

The colour scheme for your home can profoundly affect how you feel: blues and greens promote relaxation and a feeling of calmness, white makes a space feel brighter and lighter, and neutral tones make you feel one with nature.

4. Create a space for every occasion

Create spaces outside of bedrooms to relax in by considering who is living in the home and what kinds of spaces your family will need. Think of a blend of living spaces, ones that offer entertainment or alone time, a digital switch-off or a place for games, and a cosy nook for reading or meditation.

5. Functionality for a peaceful mind

One of the main headaches for homeowners is clutter. Maximise the functionality of your home by considering how many cupboards you need and what other inbuilt storage solutions are available to you to declutter your home and create a sense of calm and cleanliness.

Reference:

[1] https://www.ipsos.com/en-au/three-four-australians-believe-mental-and-physical-health-are-equally-important-still-think-more#:~:text=Australia%20is%20on%2Dpar%20with,the%20highest%20incidence%20at%2029%25

Branko Miletic

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