Changes to home can boost your wellbeing

As the nights draw in, look to your living space for a mood boost says Hannah Britt

- Edited by HANNAH BRITT

There are you reading this? Chances are you're at home, or on your way to or from home a place paramount to our wellbeing.

It's where we truly relax, eat, spend time with family and friends... a place of sanctuary. And this is especially true in winter.

The average UK adult will spend 234 hours on the sofa this season, totting up nine hours of their waking day indoors and spending just three hours outside.

"We spend so much time in this safe place, especially with the rise of working from home.

And the way it looks, and how our senses are engaged while being there, impacts our mood," says Lucy Steele, interiors expert for Valspar Paint (valsparpaint.co.uk).

"Creating a home that is full of comfort, positive energy, and light is essential for wellness."

Thankfully, creating a happy home is easy with a bit of knowhow. Here's how it's done...

"Green tones are traditionally associated with balance and calm, and make a great foundation for your colour scheme," says Lucy.

"Using different shades of green when decorating your home can also help minimise Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Choose a clean, fresh green like Valspar's Splash Of Lime, valsparpaint.co. uk to restore balance and create an uplifting atmosphere."

Cushions and throws are an easy way to play with colour too. Many patterns and textures go well together with green.

TRY: A change of floor. Harvey Maria Aubrey Cowdray Green Vinyl Floor Tiles (£57.99 per square metre, harveymaria. com) will help to lighten your whole room.