Happy by Design: How to Create a Home That Boosts Your Health & Happiness - Hardcover

Harrison, Victoria

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1681884151 ISBN 13: 9781681884158

Publisher: Weldon Owen, 2018

Synopsis

Invite health and happiness into the heart of your home with practical ideas for decor, organization, and mindfulness that will transform your living space—and create an uplifting atmosphere that looks after you from morning to night!

Happy by Design teaches us how we can actively improve our health and wellbeing through the way we design and regard every room in the house. From the paint color that’s been named the happiest to the science of getting a good night’s sleep, Happy by Design offers bite-sized and affordable design ideas that are accessible to all—from a young renter in an urban apartment to a busy family in their own home.

Drawing on advice from experts far and wide, Victoria Harrison’s Happy Home Program helps everyone transform their living spaces and put personal wellbeing first in their homes and neighborhoods. With delightful illustrations and photos on every page, the program is easy to follow and packed with motivating tips and inspiration to help everyone live the happiest life possible. Happy by Design will help you breathe better with the top ten oxygenating houseplants, surround yourself with scents scientifically proven to brighten your mood, and—taking a page from the Danish concept of hygge—keep your home a clean yet cozy sanctuary, free of outside distractions. Discover these simple—but ultimately life-changing—steps.

 

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Happy Home Program
How to Grow Your Own Fresh Air
How to Decorate with the Happiest Color
Tidy Your Way to Happiness
Unlock the Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep
Discover the Happiest Scents
Harness the Mood-Boosting Power of Flowers
Shine a Light on Wellbeing
How to Create a Cozy Retreat
Wish Happiness for Others
Unearth Happiness in the Garden
How to Be Smarter Than Your Smartphone

About this title

About the Author

Victoria Harrison is a homes and garden journalist with 14 years experience of writing for a wide range of national newspapers and consumer magazines. She was named by Decorex as one of the 100 most influential people on Twitter, has an interiors column in the Metro newspaper and regularly talks on design panels.

Debbie Powell has illustrated several books, include Make It Grow, Crave, and 101 Classic Cookbooks, and her many clients include Marks & Spencer, Papyrus, Peets Coffee, The Guardian, The Independent, and more.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Liven It Up - Three Ways to Brighten a Gloomy View
Sometimes it just is not possible to throw your windows open or leave them uncovered for large parts of the day. Unappealing views or privacy concerns in urban areas can mean you need to keep your curtains closed or blinds down all day long, and some people may have pets or children to keep safe. If either is the case in your home, don’t worry: Pick one of these window treatments that still allow the daylight in.

1. Clever window film Window film is a great, low-cost choice for screening a window while still letting natural light through. There are lots of fun options available, from bespoke designs to patterns you can order by the yard, and they are a good way to add personality to a room. When I redecorated my bathroom, I wanted to replace the roller blinds, which were cutting into the window space, so I installed a window film with a subtle metallic finish instead. The film has tiny silver particles embedded in it, which lend a dazzling luminosity to the light as it filters through. I chose a design flecked with tiny cutout stars, which allow small slivers of light to glint through and scatter pinpoints of sunshine around the room in the morning. For such a little amount of money, this window treatment has absolutely transformed the small space, so it’s a great option if you are short on time or funds. It’s also an ideal solution for a rented home, as it’s easy to install and remove.
 
2. Smart shutters Shutters with adjustable slats are useful for controlling the light or privacy levels in a room throughout the day because they can be opened or closed as required and angled to let the light in while still providing privacy from outside. They also look timeless, and you can choose from a range of colors and finishes, including natural wood, classic white, bright primaries, and soft pastels. Lighter colors will give you maximum reflective powers, and a glossy finish can add extra luminosity.
 
3. Sheer fabric If you prefer the flutter of a curtain at your window, a sheer, light-colored linen is a good option for screening a window without completely blocking the light. A lightweight, open-weave fabric will draw a soft veil over an unattractive view or screen your interior from people looking in, while still allowing diffused light to filter through. A soft fabric will also pleasingly catch the breeze if the window is open—a good way to bring life and movement to a gloomy space.
 

Edition details

• Publisher: Weldon Owen
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1681884151
• ISBN 13: 9781681884158
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Powell Debbie
• Number of pages: 160