Monday, January 6, 2014

Controlling An Environment Using Interior Design Psychology

It's not often that you hear the words "design" and "psychology" in the same sentence and if you did you might possibly think the person who said them was talking gibberish but there is in fact a psychology involved in interior design. Technically speaking, interior design psychology is the study of the relationship between an environment and the social, behavioral and psychological effects this can have on anyone who inhabits the space. The aim of the study is to ensure the maximum possible positive benefits of any home or work place are being achieved. This is done partly by making the best use of any available space, therefore improving the well-being of an individual. Psychoanalysts, such as Sigmund Freud and other professionals in the field, have proven with various studies over decades that using psychology in design can make it possible to control the environment, behavior and relationships of those who inhabit it.

"You may have heard that yellow has been associated with feeling happy; but it's also true that more marital fights happen in yellow kitchens than in kitchens of any other color."

Proximity

Proximity or proxemics, which plays a large part in design psychology, is the study of how much personal space (this is the space between themselves and others) a person needs as well as what they consider to be their own personal territory. Incidences of personal space can be seen when you look at a crowded train or bus. Those people who need larger amounts of space between themselves and others will choose to stand over sitting in a seat next to someone they don't know. This also comes into play when designing a room for someone. You need to make sure that they can have enough space for themselves while still fitting the room out according to their specific needs.

Perception


Everyone has a different perception of space and bodily awareness. In addition to this, there is also a vast difference in opinions around aesthetics and symbolic meanings to space. Part of the psychology of interior design is to determine the different needs of each customer and help them to create a room or living space which fits those needs perfectly.

Object Placement

Believe it or not, this type of psychology even stretches as far as which items you choose to place in your home and where they go. Obviously, placement comes under the spacial awareness heading but when it comes to objects and furniture there is a distinct order which is followed. First comes the functional items such as pens, chairs and telephones. These items are of significant importance due to how often they are used. Next comes valuable items but this depends on how you define value. If it is monetary then items like expensive paintings or piano's can be placed but other items will need to be removed to avoid overcrowding. If it is sentimental value that you find more important, then things like family pictures or priceless heirlooms will be placed instead. After value comes items which are seen to be symbolic, jewelry which symbolize a birth date or other such items will be included. Lastly, there are the labelled items, that is, items which show a persons worth such as family crests.

"Interior design accessories add to the aesthetic value of a room, and should be representative to the designer's (or homeowner's) personality and tastes. They may include things like wall art, throw pillows, antiques, sculptures, keepsakes, collectibles and memorabilia."

Simple Terms

The simple truth is that choosing to have your home decorated by an interior designer is going to be full of benefits for you and if you choose a trusted and reputable company such as Apollo Interiors to carry out the work for you, you can be sure to receive the highest possible standard and professional treatment.

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