Home decor: a wasted investment or mental health necessity?

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Crowds not unlike those of Black Friday โ€” the American one, that is โ€” often flock to home furnishing stores during the back-to-school season. After all, the home decor market is predicted to surpass $770 billion by 2024. This can reveal a common desire for a comfortable space tailored to our likes. 

It also calls attention to whether home decor is important; or if we should spare ourselves the time, money and surprisingly difficult process of assembling wallpaper. That said, interior design can be a tool to improve well-being.

Namely, here are three ways home decor can support quality of life โ€” and the costs involved in each. 

The most you

โ€œI wouldnโ€™t say home decor is any different from other forms of self-expression,โ€ย  Anne Wilson, psychology professor at Wilfrid Laurier University said. She was quick to add that budget plays a role and can be limiting.ย 

From minimalism to vintage, the range of interior design styles allow those with the financial means to create living spaces that show personality.  

โ€œIt can be a reinforcing way of identity expression,โ€ continued Wilson, โ€œWhen people believe their space reflects something authentic about themselves, that tends to make them feel good.โ€ 

The cost of attuning a home to individual tastes depends on size, style and amount of work needed. For those who opt for an interior designer, the price is $1893 to $11,180 on average

Catch a breathย 

Through acts such as enhancing air quality, houseplants not only reduce stress but improve concentration and memory retention as well, according to Texas A&M.ย 

In this case, the cost is two-fold; money and time. An indoor plant from Home Depot can be up to $59.97 and must be watered, fertilized and in certain cases, pruned regularly. This can be stressful โ€” 67 per cent of millennials surveyed by OnePoll believe the care process to be more than bargained for โ€” while an NCBI study found interaction with indoor plants can be soothing. 

Buckling Down

Weโ€™ve all been there; faced with a daunting goal that we unconvincingly promise ourselves to โ€œstart tomorrow.โ€ In such situations, visible and memorable reminders come in handy.  

โ€œHaving cues that inspire you, whether itโ€™s a motivational poster or picture of yourself accomplishing something, can be helpful [with goal pursuit],โ€ explained Wilson. 

The main cost for wall decor is financial since little time and upkeep is typically needed. Depending on the style, a picture frame from IKEA can be up to $59.99 and a poster anywhere from $4.00 to $39.99.ย 

Finding the balance

Home decorโ€™s popularity can be seen as yet another case of rampant consumerism. It can also show an effort to set foundations for happiness using material items. 

One truth is clear; itโ€™s costly but doesnโ€™t need to be. Cheaper alternatives aim to serve as a welcome solution for a more subtle living space.ย 

โ€œIt doesnโ€™t have to be a fancy or expensive space, right?โ€  Wilson said. โ€œItโ€™s a worthwhile reminder to do it for who you are.โ€ 


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