Transform your mood and health instantly with these revolutionary interior design secrets
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Our homes are more than just a place to sleep or store our belongings—they’re where we unwind, recharge, and create lasting memories.
But have you ever considered how your home’s design might be affecting your mood, energy levels, and even your overall well-being?
The way light fills a room, the colors on your walls, and even the placement of furniture can have a profound impact on how you feel every day.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that creating a space that supports both physical and emotional well-being is especially important as we age. Whether you’re in perfect health or managing challenges, small changes in your home’s design can make a big difference in how you feel!
That’s exactly what New York-based interior designer Diana Mui discovered firsthand. After battling breast cancer, Mui transformed her living space into a wellness retreat, proving that thoughtful design can bring comfort, healing, and even joy.
Now, she’s sharing her expert insights on how to create a home that not only looks beautiful but also enhances your health and happiness.
Let’s explore some of Mui’s best-kept design secrets and simple changes that can make a world of difference!
Lighting does more than brighten a room—it influences your mood, energy, and even your sleep quality.
Studies show that natural light helps regulate our sleep cycle, boosts energy levels, and strengthens the immune system. But what if your home doesn’t get much natural sunlight?
Mui suggests layering your lighting. Use lamps and sconces to mimic daylight, and pay attention to the color temperature of your bulbs.
Cooler tones work well in living areas to keep you energized, while warmer, softer lighting creates a cozy, calming effect—perfect for bedrooms and relaxation spaces.
The colors you surround yourself with can have a powerful effect on your emotions. Soft blues and greens promote calmness, while warm yellows and oranges can add a sense of cheerfulness.
However, too much of certain colors can have unintended effects—warm hues may feel inviting but can also heighten irritability, while cool tones can be soothing but might feel too sterile if overused.
Mui’s advice? Choose a light, airy color palette, especially if you’re dealing with stress or health concerns.
A balanced mix of warm and cool tones can create a harmonious, uplifting environment that supports your well-being.
The objects we keep in our home can bring us comfort—or add to our stress.
Surrounding yourself with meaningful décor, like family photos, cherished mementos, or artwork that sparks joy, can create a sense of warmth and emotional connection.
Texture also plays a role in comfort. Plush blankets, soft pillows, and cozy furniture can provide tactile reassurance, while clutter-free surfaces help maintain a sense of calm.
Mui suggests using smart storage solutions—like furniture with hidden compartments—to keep your space tidy without sacrificing style.
The layout of your furniture can influence the energy of your space. A cramped, cluttered room can feel stressful, while an open and flowing design promotes a sense of ease and balance.
Mui incorporates feng shui principles into her designs to create a natural, harmonious flow of energy. Simple adjustments—like rearranging furniture to create open pathways or positioning seating areas to encourage conversation—can make a room feel more inviting and comfortable.
Bringing a bit of nature inside isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also benefit your health. Certain indoor plants, like lavender, release a soothing scent that helps reduce stress, while peace lilies purify the air and promote better sleep.
If maintaining plants feels like too much work, Mui recommends starting small with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or succulents. Even a single potted plant can brighten up a space and contribute to a healthier, more refreshing environment.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of home design is that it makes you happy. While trends come and go, your space should reflect your personality, preferences, and what brings you joy.
Mui encourages her clients to focus on what truly makes them feel comfortable and at peace rather than chasing the latest fads.
Her work goes beyond individual homes—Mui recently designed a special pop-up space at Mount Sinai in New York City through The Love House Foundation.
Launched on World Cancer Day, this project provides a peaceful retreat for cancer patients and their families, demonstrating just how transformative a well-designed space can be.
Here at The GrayVine, we believe that your home should be more than just a place to live—it should be a place where you thrive. By making a few thoughtful changes, you can create a space that not only looks good but also feels good—one that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit for years to come.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with interior design and wellness in the comments below. Have you made any changes to your home that improved your mood or health? What design elements do you find most comforting?
Also read: 20 Genius Ways to Turn Your Home into the Ultimate Staycation Getaway!
But have you ever considered how your home’s design might be affecting your mood, energy levels, and even your overall well-being?
The way light fills a room, the colors on your walls, and even the placement of furniture can have a profound impact on how you feel every day.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that creating a space that supports both physical and emotional well-being is especially important as we age. Whether you’re in perfect health or managing challenges, small changes in your home’s design can make a big difference in how you feel!
That’s exactly what New York-based interior designer Diana Mui discovered firsthand. After battling breast cancer, Mui transformed her living space into a wellness retreat, proving that thoughtful design can bring comfort, healing, and even joy.
Create a home that nurtures your well-being with thoughtful design choices. Image Source: Pexels / Emre Can Acer.
Now, she’s sharing her expert insights on how to create a home that not only looks beautiful but also enhances your health and happiness.
Let’s explore some of Mui’s best-kept design secrets and simple changes that can make a world of difference!
Let There Be Light
Lighting does more than brighten a room—it influences your mood, energy, and even your sleep quality.
Studies show that natural light helps regulate our sleep cycle, boosts energy levels, and strengthens the immune system. But what if your home doesn’t get much natural sunlight?
Mui suggests layering your lighting. Use lamps and sconces to mimic daylight, and pay attention to the color temperature of your bulbs.
Cooler tones work well in living areas to keep you energized, while warmer, softer lighting creates a cozy, calming effect—perfect for bedrooms and relaxation spaces.
Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding at home. Image Source: Pexels / Alexandr Kozlenko.
Color Your World with Care
The colors you surround yourself with can have a powerful effect on your emotions. Soft blues and greens promote calmness, while warm yellows and oranges can add a sense of cheerfulness.
However, too much of certain colors can have unintended effects—warm hues may feel inviting but can also heighten irritability, while cool tones can be soothing but might feel too sterile if overused.
Mui’s advice? Choose a light, airy color palette, especially if you’re dealing with stress or health concerns.
A balanced mix of warm and cool tones can create a harmonious, uplifting environment that supports your well-being.
Cool-toned colors bring a sense of calm and serenity, creating a refreshing and peaceful home environment. Image Source: Pexels / Valeria Boltneva.
Healing Through Décor
The objects we keep in our home can bring us comfort—or add to our stress.
Surrounding yourself with meaningful décor, like family photos, cherished mementos, or artwork that sparks joy, can create a sense of warmth and emotional connection.
Texture also plays a role in comfort. Plush blankets, soft pillows, and cozy furniture can provide tactile reassurance, while clutter-free surfaces help maintain a sense of calm.
Mui suggests using smart storage solutions—like furniture with hidden compartments—to keep your space tidy without sacrificing style.
Cozy pillows and comfortable furniture create a welcoming space that promotes relaxation and well-being. Image Source: Pexels / Max Vakhtbovycn.
Furniture That Flows
The layout of your furniture can influence the energy of your space. A cramped, cluttered room can feel stressful, while an open and flowing design promotes a sense of ease and balance.
Mui incorporates feng shui principles into her designs to create a natural, harmonious flow of energy. Simple adjustments—like rearranging furniture to create open pathways or positioning seating areas to encourage conversation—can make a room feel more inviting and comfortable.
Bring Nature Indoors
Bringing a bit of nature inside isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also benefit your health. Certain indoor plants, like lavender, release a soothing scent that helps reduce stress, while peace lilies purify the air and promote better sleep.
If maintaining plants feels like too much work, Mui recommends starting small with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or succulents. Even a single potted plant can brighten up a space and contribute to a healthier, more refreshing environment.
Indoor plants not only enhance your home's beauty but also improve air quality and boost overall well-being. Image Source: Pexels / Li Sun.
Designing for Happiness
Ultimately, the most important aspect of home design is that it makes you happy. While trends come and go, your space should reflect your personality, preferences, and what brings you joy.
Mui encourages her clients to focus on what truly makes them feel comfortable and at peace rather than chasing the latest fads.
Her work goes beyond individual homes—Mui recently designed a special pop-up space at Mount Sinai in New York City through The Love House Foundation.
Launched on World Cancer Day, this project provides a peaceful retreat for cancer patients and their families, demonstrating just how transformative a well-designed space can be.
Here at The GrayVine, we believe that your home should be more than just a place to live—it should be a place where you thrive. By making a few thoughtful changes, you can create a space that not only looks good but also feels good—one that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit for years to come.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with interior design and wellness in the comments below. Have you made any changes to your home that improved your mood or health? What design elements do you find most comforting?
Also read: 20 Genius Ways to Turn Your Home into the Ultimate Staycation Getaway!
