8 Interior Design Ideas to Help Make You Happier at Home
Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2020
The outside world can be stressful and uncertain – especially right now. Additionally, our personal priorities pull us in many directions, from work calls and meetings to children’s activities, online schooling, and just the normal rigors of life. That’s why it’s more important than ever that our homes are havens for relaxation, rest, and happiness.
The good news is there are plenty of simple design and styling tweaks you can make at home to instantly boost your mood. Check out these eight interior design ideas to get started.
1. Color your mood
Marketing companies study color psychology for a reason: color affects your mood. Take a page out of the psychology book and surround yourself with colors that help you relax and put you in a happy mood. Every color can be expressed as either warm or cold, with a different effect on the way you feel. In general, cool colors have a calming effect, while warm colors add comfort and can be invigorating.
For example, a cool blue or green is relaxing and rejuvenating – just the right feeling for a bedroom or bathroom. Warm reds and purples are energizing and exciting, stimulating brain activity and conversation. These colors make a good choice for painting an office or living room. White can help brighten rooms by reflecting light. It makes a small space feel larger and more open, which can help you feel more energized.
2. Look for pieces of furniture with round edges
Furniture with soft, round edges creates a feeling of relaxation and comfort. Your eye picks up the visual cues of a rounded-edge coffee table or a sofa and your mind becomes happier and less stressed. Do you already have a boxier sofa? Don’t worry – just add a throw blanket and a few pillows to break up the hard lines.
3. Add more natural materials
The use of natural materials in your home decor is called biophilic design. This type of design connects us with nature, even indoors. Studies show that biophilic design can directly correlate to improved sleep and stress reduction. Consider eliminating synthetic materials like fleece and polyester in favor of natural materials like cotton, silk, or wool.
Include other natural elements in the form of flowers and plants (more on this in idea #4) and welcome in sunlight and fresh air whenever possible. You will feel happier, calmer, and more rested, all proven beneficial to your psychological well-being.
4. Embrace the power of plants
Plants are amazing gifts of nature. In both work and home environments, live plants can boost your mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity. Plants clean the indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. They can also absorb noise, provide privacy, and reduce stress. For all of these reasons, incorporating plants throughout your home is one of our top interior design ideas for boosting happiness.
5. Let the light in
The amount of light our eyes perceive during the day plays a significant role in our sleep cycles. On cloudy days it’s not uncommon for people to feel sad or drained of energy, but when the sun is shining, that solar power goes right to our inner beings.
One of the most transformative interior design ideas is to welcome natural daylight inside. Large windows and skylights bring in sunlight at all hours of the day. If you’re stuck with small windows or if you have a home in Portland or Seattle where the weather is often gloomy, add lamps that use full-spectrum or halogen lightbulbs to mimic natural light. The right light will keep your sleep cycle accurate, providing an automatic boost to happiness.
6. Conquer the clutter
Clutter adds to stress. People turn to minimalist interior design options to reduce stress and believe in the power of the “less stuff, less stress” mantra. Think about how good you feel when you’ve cleaned the house, and everything has been put back in its rightful place. Now, imagine the reality of “less stuff” altogether – less to clean and put away. Yep, that’s a real spike of happiness simply from conquering the clutter.
Dealing with clutter can be a big job, especially if your clutter has crept in overtime. Successful clutter busters set ground rules – they only buy items necessary for daily use, get rid of things used rarely or not at all, and stay on top of organizing what they do have to help reduce stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the process, bring in a professional organizer or declutter to help.
7. Expand space with mirrors
According to Feng Shui principles that seek to balance energy throughout your home, thoughtfully placed mirrors can create an illusion of more space and add a bright, airy feeling to an otherwise cramped space. This effect is perfect for smaller rooms and bathrooms.
Taking it a step further, a mirror with colored glass can bring in the psychological effects of color while adding the illusion of light and space to a room.
8. Tap into scent
Our brains are miraculous processors of external data. Even a hint of a scent can transport us to another place, in a completely different time. Our mind can summon an image and feelings associated with that scent. Incorporating calming scents into your home can help fight off gloomy feelings and replace them with happy, relaxing ones. Look for candles or essential oils to diffuse in specific scents known to help reduce anxiety and boost happiness and productivity.
Calming scents include lemon and lavender, while jasmine and rosemary are invigorating. Cinnamon and peppermint can support your clarity of thought and boost productivity. Find the right scents to promote the feelings you’d like to experience while you’re at home.
If your home falls short of improving your state of relaxation and happiness, think through how these interior design ideas might enhance your surroundings. You may find that one or two will do the trick to improve your mood and make you happier at home. If you need some assistance along the way, consider enlisting the help of an interior decorator or Feng Shui professional to help transform your space into one that brings you comfort and joy.
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A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.
Buying a newly constructed home can come with a number of perks, one of them being a builder warranty. Now, the assumption is that the warranty means the builder will assume financial responsibility for anything that breaks . The truth is, while a builder warranty is issued to most new constructions, it covers a very specific list of features in and on the house. Understanding what is covered by this warranty and if you'll need a home warranty in addition to your insurance is an important step for first-time buyers of new-construction homes. Home warranty vs. builder warranty There are importants differences between a builder warranty and a home warranty . The primary difference is that a builder warranty covers new construction or a remodel by a builder. Most newly built homes come with a builder warranty. A home warranty applies to existing properties and covers appliances (like the oven, range, and garbage disposal) and household systems (like electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling). And while a builder warranty is provided by the builder, a home warranty is purchased by the buyers. What’s covered and what’s not? The lifespan of a builder warranty depends on the specific features of the house. However, the typical builder warranty lasts six months to two years, with some lasting up to 10 years for "major structural defects" like an unsafe roof. While there are differences in warranties from builder to builder, in general, they should cover all of a home’s materials and workmanship. In most cases, that includes: Concrete foundations and floors Dry basement Clapboard and shingles Landscaping Carpentry Thermal and moisture cover Waterproofing Insulation Roofing and siding Doors and windows Glass Garage doors Paint Plumbing Electrical Heating and cooling Septic system Most builder warranties don't cover: Household appliances Defects resulting from work conducted by the homeowner or anyone else after the builder's work is completed Shrinkage and expansion of the house Normal fading of paint Shrinkage of joints/minor cracking Weather-related issues Dampness/condensation caused by failure of the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation Insect damage Builder warranty essentials While a builder warranty is an “absolute must” if you're buying a new home, it shouldn't make you feel too comfortable, says Robert Pellegrini Jr. , Esq, president of PK Boston, a real estate law firm in Massachusetts . “A builder warranty can give a false sense of security to homebuyers, so you need to be careful.” You might assume something is covered that actually isn't. It’s up to you to ask your builder for the details of the warranty and, ideally, have an attorney look over the contract. “It's a significant negotiation—the builder wants to be responsible for essentially nothing, and it's in the buyer's best interest to have the builder on the hook for as much as possible.” Before you sign the contract, make sure you know not only what is and isn't covered, but also the length of the coverage. Pellegrini says you should also make sure you understand how to notify the builder should something go wrong during the warranty period. If you don't notify the builder in accordance with the contract terms, it could void the warranty. Some of the biggest disagreements arise when the cause is the issue, and the question is: "Was the damage due to neglect during building or to misuse by the homeowner?" For example, if a homeowner decides to clean his paintbrushes in his kitchen sink after he moved in, but doesn't realize that doing so will render the septic system inoperable, he will be liable for replacing it at his own expense. It’s not always cut and dried, though. “If homeowners act in good faith and work well with the builder, the builder is more apt to help you, even if it's not a warrantied item,” Pellegrini says. If the builder goes out of business, however, all bets are off. “In most cases, the buyer is out of luck,” he adds. Bottom line? If you buy a new construction, make sure you get a builder warranty. But don't bank on that warranty covering everything that might go wrong with your home. While you should try to get as much coverage from your builder as possible, repairs and maintenance fees are all part of the homeowning game.
