How Maximalist Interior Design Supports Our Mental Health
If there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the past few years, it’s that our homes matter—a lot. They’re not just the places we eat, sleep, and binge-watch Netflix dramas. They’re our safe spaces, our creative havens, our personality playgrounds. And, as it turns out, they’re also powerful tools for supporting our mental health.
At Three Wise Monkeys Interiors, I work with homeowners in and around Bristol who are bold, bright, and unafraid to make a statement (I see you, emerald velvet sofa). But beyond just looking good, interior design has the ability to make us feel good too. Let’s dig into how.
1. Colour: The Unsung Therapist in Your Living Room
We all know that colour has a psychological impact (hello, calming blues and energising yellows), but it’s not just about sticking to “serene neutrals” and hoping for the best. For lovers of bold, expressive interiors—like many of my fabulous clients—colour can uplift, energise, and soothe, all while reflecting your personality.
In fact, studies have shown that warm colours like oranges, reds, and pinks can promote feelings of happiness and sociability. Cooler hues like greens and blues (think peacock or petrol rather than baby blue) offer a sense of peace and clarity. When used intentionally, colour isn’t just decorative—it’s therapeutic.
My advice? Ignore the beige brigade and use colour fearlessly. If neon coral walls and a lime green ceiling make your heart sing, lean in. Your mental health will thank you for it.
2. Maximalism = Mental Clarity (Yes, Really)
There’s a myth that minimalism equals calm, and maximalism equals chaos. But I’m here to tell you—that’s nonsense.
A considered maximalist space—where every object, pattern, and texture has been chosen with care—can feel just as harmonious as any minimalist’s white-walled daydream. Maximalist interiors are layered, expressive, and full of personality. They remind us of who we are and what we love. And when your surroundings reflect you, there’s a deep sense of comfort and grounding that follows.
If that vintage leopard-print chair or slightly-too-big ceramic dog lamp makes you smile every time you walk past it—guess what? That’s mental wellness in action.
3. Connection and Comfort Through Personalisation
There’s something incredibly soothing about being surrounded by objects that tell your story. Whether it’s a gallery wall of family photos, your kid’s first wonky pottery attempt, or a cheeky framed print that makes guests raise an eyebrow, these little moments of personalisation can boost emotional wellbeing.
Our brains crave familiarity and meaning, especially in our living spaces. Designing your home with intention—layering in nostalgia, humour, and personal touches—helps reduce stress and fosters a deeper connection to your environment.
So go ahead: display your collection of vintage globes, hang that oversized disco ball in the loo, and proudly show off your weird-but-wonderful taste in rugs. Your brain will breathe a sigh of relief.
4. Designing for Function = Designing for Sanity
A beautifully designed space is only as good as it is useful. Ever tried to relax in a room where the lighting is wrong, the sofa’s uncomfortable, and there’s nowhere to put your cup of tea? Instant stress.
Mental health-friendly interiors work with your daily habits, not against them. That means planning your space to suit how you actually live. Comfy seating, clever storage, soft textures underfoot, and lighting that doesn’t make you look like you’ve been interrogated by MI5.
Designing for function doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means making style work harder. I’m all about blending bold design with everyday usability. (Because what good is a stunning statement chair if you can’t even sit on it without getting impaled by angles?)
5. Playfulness Is Powerful
A touch of humour or whimsy in your interiors isn’t just fun—it’s a low-key act of self-care. Joyful design invites us to be present, playful, and unafraid to embrace the unexpected.
Whether it’s a wallpaper full of flying pigs, a pop of Barbie pink in the hallway, or a dining table that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film—those playful touches release feel-good chemicals in our brains. They encourage curiosity and creativity. They lighten the mood—sometimes literally.
In short: don’t take your home too seriously. Life’s hard enough without living in a space that feels like a showroom. Let it be weird. Let it be wonderful. Let it be you.
Final Thoughts
Interior design isn’t just about “nice things.” It’s about how we feel when we walk into a room. It’s about creating a space that nurtures, supports, and reflects who we are at our core. When done right, it can boost mood, reduce anxiety, and help us feel more grounded in our day-to-day lives. All this while looking fabulous!
