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Our choice of flooring can play a vital role in maintaining a positive mood at home, particularly for those living at higher latitudes where the nights can be long and dark. By combining insights from color psychology with new research on texture-emotion responses, we can create spaces that lift our spirits.

 

“The floor is the largest surface in any room, yet people often underestimate its impact on their daily mood,” says Ben Herbert, Director at Designer Carpet. “Research shows that both colour and texture trigger emotional responses. When we combine the right colours with mood-lifting textures, we can create spaces that genuinely help people feel better.”

 

Calming Options

  • Beige plush carpet – Warm neutral tones with soft texture promote comfort and happiness. Perfect for bedrooms and living spaces where relaxation is key. The depth of pile can add extra comfort underfoot, while the neutral tone provides versatility with changing decor.
  • Pale blue velvet-like carpet – Combines serenity of blue with mood-lifting velvet texture. This combination works particularly well in rooms used for relaxation or meditation, where the tactile comfort can enhance the calming atmosphere.
  • Smooth light oak – Creates airy feeling while leveraging positive emotions from polished surfaces. The natural grain patterns add visual interest without overwhelming the space, making it an excellent choice for larger areas.

     

Energising Options

  • White polished stone – Maximises light reflection with clean, smooth texture. Ideal for spaces that need to feel bright and energetic, such as kitchens or home gyms. The reflective quality helps maintain light levels throughout the day.
  • Pale yellow smooth vinyl – Cheerful with positive tactile response. This practical option brings warmth to utility spaces while being easy to maintain. Modern vinyl options offer sophisticated finishes that rival natural materials.
  • Soft sage green carpet – Natural tones with plush texture for balance. This combination bridges the gap between energising and calming, making it perfect for multi-use spaces like family rooms.

     

For Focused Areas

  • Warm grey smooth flooring – Neutral backdrop with positive tactile qualities. The subtle tone promotes concentration while the smooth surface creates a professional atmosphere, ideal for home offices or study areas.
  • Light natural sisal – Organic texture with bright undertone. This sustainable option adds natural texture without overwhelming the senses, perfect for spaces where you want to maintain focus while staying grounded.
  • Polished pale wood – Bamboo, the eco-friendly option, is known for its clean lines with warm elements. Its rapid growth makes it an environmentally conscious choice without compromising on style or mood-enhancing properties.

     

Creating Zones with Flooring

Different flooring combinations can help define areas within open-plan spaces. “By thoughtfully combining flooring types, we can create distinct zones that serve different purposes while maintaining visual flow,” Herbert says. “For example, you might use smooth, energising surfaces in cooking areas transitioning to softer, calming textures in dining spaces.”

 

Practical Considerations

While mood enhancement is important, practicality shouldn’t be overlooked. “Consider your lifestyle when making selections,” advises Herbert. “A family with young children might prefer durable options that still offer mood-boosting benefits, like a high-quality vinyl in warm tones with a smooth, pleasant texture.”

These combinations are proven to affect mood positively through both visual and tactile responses. The smooth or soft textures are particularly important, as research shows these correlate strongly with positive emotions.

“The key is choosing combinations that complement your lifestyle. While research shows smooth and soft textures consistently promote positive emotions, personal preference plays a huge role. I always recommend feeling samples with your eyes closed to truly connect with your emotional response to the texture.”

 

Making the Final Choice

When selecting mood-enhancing flooring, consider:

  • Natural light levels in different areas of your home
  • How the space will be used throughout the day
  • The balance between aesthetic appeal and practical needs
  • The interaction between flooring and other elements like walls and furniture
  • Long-term maintenance requirements

Take time to experience samples in your space at different times of day, as natural light can significantly impact both the visual effect and your emotional response to different flooring options. Remember that while general principles of colour psychology and texture response are helpful guides, your personal comfort and connection with the materials should ultimately guide your choice.