Is Your Home Making You Sick? the Health Risks in Your Home

The environment in which we live has a massive impact on our personal and family’s well-being. This isn’t just some made-up theory – it’s a well-recognized fact that has been emphasized by mid-century modern architects for ages. These architects believed that design had the power to create spaces that boosted health, happiness, and well-being.

As you continue reading, we’ll dive into the connection between the environment and well-being, drawing from the insights of mid-century modern architects and their evergreen design principles.

The first principle of mid-century modern architecture is keeping things simple (which is music to our ears at enkle.life). Architects like Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier believed in stripping away the extras and creating clean, uncluttered spaces that let us focus on the important things in life. They thought that simple spaces reduced stress and promoted relaxation, leading to better physical and mental health.

Mies van der Rohe once said, “Less is more.” This quote captures his belief in the power of simplicity to enhance our well-being. By creating spaces that are free of distractions, Mies believed we could concentrate on what really matters, resulting in greater happiness and contentment.

The second principle of mid-century modern architecture is the integration of nature. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra believed in designing spaces that connected us to the natural world, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. They thought that incorporating natural elements like greenery, water, and light into our homes would create a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

Richard Neutra once said, “The love of nature is a source of the most delightful inspirations for man.” This quote emphasizes the importance of nature in our lives and the role design can play in fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. By incorporating nature into our homes, we can tap into this source of inspiration and improve our well-being.

The third principle of mid-century modern architecture is the use of light. Architects like Eero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto believed that how light was used in a space could have a huge impact on our mood and well-being. They believed in using natural light to create bright, airy spaces that promoted a sense of openness and calm, leading to better physical and mental health.

Alvar Aalto once said, “The right proportion of light makes even the simplest room magnificent.” This quote highlights the significance of light in our homes and the role design can play in harnessing its power to enhance our well-being. By designing spaces that are filled with natural light, we can create a bright and uplifting environment that supports physical and mental well-being.

So, how can we apply these principles of mid-century modern architecture to boost our personal and family’s well-being? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Table of Contents

1. Simplify

Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of any items that aren’t essential to your daily life. This will create a peaceful and tranquil environment, reducing stress and boosting your overall well-being.

2. Connect with nature

Incorporate elements of nature into your home, like plants, water features, or natural materials like wood or stone. This will create a calm and tranquil environment and help you feel more connected to the natural world.

3. Maximize natural light

Make the most of natural light in your home by using light-colored walls, sheer curtains, and strategically placed windows. This will create a bright and uplifting environment, supporting physical and mental well-being.

4. Embrace minimalism

In addition to keeping things simple, mid-century modern architects also believed in the importance of minimalism. By using minimal decor and furniture, you can create a clutter-free environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Minimalism can also help you focus on the essentials and prioritize what truly matters in your life.

5. Design for comfort

Another key principle of mid-century modern architecture is designing for comfort. Architects like Charles and Ray Eames focused on creating furniture that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable and functional. By incorporating comfortable seating and ergonomic designs into your home, you can reduce physical strain and promote better posture, leading to better physical health.

6. Consider the flow of space

Mid-century modern architects placed a lot of emphasis on the flow of space within a home. By creating a logical and intuitive layout, they believed they could promote ease of movement and reduce feelings of confinement. You can apply this principle by considering how you move through your home and creating an open and unobstructed flow of space.

7. Create a sense of community

Mid-century modern architecture often prioritized social spaces and communal living. By designing spaces that encourage social interaction and togetherness, you can promote a sense of community and strengthen personal connections. This can have a positive impact on mental well-being and happiness.

8. Incorporate art and design

Mid-century modern architecture often featured art and design as an integral part of the overall aesthetic. By incorporating artwork and design into your home, you can create a visually stimulating environment that promotes creativity and inspiration. This can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

By applying these principles of mid-century modern architecture, you can create a home environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also supports your physical and mental well-being. Whether you focus on simplicity, nature, light, minimalism, comfort, flow, community, or art and design, there are many ways to design your space to promote happiness, relaxation, and overall health.

It’s important to remember that these principles are not set in stone and can be interpreted in different ways. For example, incorporating nature into your home doesn’t necessarily mean you need to add a water feature or create a greenhouse. You can also bring in elements of nature through the use of natural materials, like wood or stone, or by displaying plants or flowers.

Another way to apply these principles is through the use of color. Mid-century modern architects believed that color could be used to create a certain mood or atmosphere. For example, light, airy colors can be used to create a calm and tranquil environment, while bold, bright colors can be used to create a more energetic atmosphere.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the impact of the environment on our well-being extends beyond our homes. The workplace, schools, and public spaces can all have a significant impact on our health and happiness. By incorporating the principles of mid-century modern architecture into these spaces, we can create environments that support our well-being and promote a sense of happiness and contentment.

Conclusion

The environment in which we live has a profound impact on our personal and family’s well-being. By taking inspiration from the timeless principles of mid-century modern architecture, we can create spaces that support our overall health and happiness. Whether it’s simplifying our homes, incorporating elements of nature, or maximizing natural light, we can design environments that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support physical and mental well-being. So, take a step back, look at your surroundings, and think about how you can make small changes to create a healthier and happier environment.