You may not even realize it, but your surroundings have a lot to do with your overall mood. According to O Magazine, there is a great deal of research suggesting that certain aspects of your home – such as light, color and layout – can actually have an affect on your well-being. This gives you, as a homeowner, an opportunity to decorate your space in a way that maximizes happiness. Experts call this intersection of art and science neuroarchitecture. 

“The premise is to consider how each feature of the architectural environment influences certain brain processes such as those involved in stress, emotion, and memory,” Dr. Eve Edelstein, an adjunct professor at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, California, told O Magazine. 

If you’re looking for a way to bring an upbeat vibe to your Milwaukee area home, you may want to considering doing some of the following:

Decorating with mood-boosting colors – Interior designers will be the first to tell you that color can have a real affect on your overall mood. You may want to consider painting your walls bold, energetic shades such as red or violet or bringing yellow – the color of sunshine – into your bedroom with some custom bedding.

Opening your windows – Some fresh air and a warm breeze can make your home feel less stuffy. Additionally, decorating your windows with custom curtains and drapes in sheer fabrics maximizes the amount of light that comes into a room. This is especially helpful during the winter when a little bit of sunlight can help lift the winter blues.

Rearranging one of your rooms – Change is important. Otherwise, your surroundings may begin feeling stale and stagnant. You don’t have to go too crazy moving around everything in your home, but even something as simple as playing around with the position of the sofa and the loveseat in your living room can lead to a mood-boosting sense of newness.