When I set up my first private office to practice as a psychologist, I remember doing what most of us do… buying a plant. Nothing surprising at first glance, yet I still remember the explanation from Mariano, the owner of the flower shop below my office.

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Mariano, doing what people do when you can truly sense how deeply they love their work, didn’t just advise me based on height, price, or whether the plant was for indoors or outdoors. His explanation went much further and even connected to my professional practice. He explained how plants with thin, pointed leaves (like a palm) convey dynamism and energy, but can sometimes create a sense of restlessness. In contrast, plants with broad leaves and rounded shapes (like a Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant) communicate calm and comfort. Ten years later, these types of plants are still my everyday choice, both at home and in my office.

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Neither Mariano nor I probably knew anything at the time about the discipline now known as neurodesign or biophilic design, which has grown significantly in recent years.

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Today we understand much more about how spaces can become powerful sources of mental health, and how it’s not so much about size or luxury, but about other elements that are accessible to almost everyone.

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We could start talking about what the “ideal home” looks like, and maybe if you’re buying property or planning a major renovation this information would be very useful. But there’s an even more interesting challenge: how to apply what we know about neuroscience and psychology to your rental apartment or student residence room.

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1. Clean air

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Before decoration, before anything else, proper ventilation is the most important factor for your brain, and therefore your entire body, to function well and without fatigue. Regardless of cold or heat, ventilation should always be a priority. We need to air out our spaces (cross-ventilation if possible) to allow oxygen-rich air in and carbon dioxide out. This isn’t only important when you wake up, but throughout the day, especially if you spend long hours in the same room. Every two to three hours, try to ventilate for at least a few minutes. A brain that receives clean oxygen is a happy, rested, and more productive brain.

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2. Natural light

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Natural light supports healthy circadian rhythms. We are diurnal beings, so exposure to daylight activates us, while noticing the sunset encourages melatonin production, the hormone necessary for quality sleep and rest. Ideally, your bed would face east so you can wake up with the sunrise, though we know that’s not always possible. What you can try to do is work or study facing a window. This is not only beneficial for your eyesight, but it also allows your brain to register the fading daylight, preparing you for rest. Even if your room or office is interior-facing, positioning your desk toward a window is recommended.

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3. Indirect heating and cooling

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Feeling physically comfortable helps us relax, lower our state of alertness, and enjoy the present moment. For optimal well-being, indoor temperature should resemble natural environmental conditions as closely as possible. Direct blasts of air are not recommended for either physical or psychological health. Radiant floor heating is a great option, or alternatively, any heating or cooling device placed near the floor that avoids direct airflow onto your body.

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4. Quiet spaces

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Unwanted noise is one of the main causes of emotional discomfort. It not only disrupts rest, but also makes relaxation more difficult and increases irritability. Placing your bedroom in the quietest area of the home is always a good idea. If possible, avoid sharing walls with neighbors’ living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms. Background music can also help, especially playlists designed as “white noise.” These sounds are relaxing and effectively mask external noise.

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5. Colors

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It can feel difficult to talk about color in an era dominated by whites and soft grays, but remember: the space you live in is not a design magazine. Science shows that touches of earthy tones, muted oranges, brick shades, and even certain purples promote relaxation because they resemble sunset colors. That’s also why indirect lighting encourages rest and lowers alertness. Certain shades of green also promote calm by evoking nature.

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6. Scents

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Our sense of smell is closely tied to survival in all animals, including humans, as it helps us detect when something is spoiled or potentially harmful. For that reason, eliminating unpleasant odors through ventilation and cleaning, especially trash bins and refrigerators, is essential. Beyond that, we can use scents associated with productivity, like citrus, and relaxing aromas such as eucalyptus or lavender. After cleaning and airing out your space, candles or essential oil diffusers can enhance the atmosphere.

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7. Connection with greenery

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Observing green leaves is also deeply connected to survival, as it represents the opposite of drought and scarcity. Our brains “smile and relax” when we see greenery. If possible, having an indoor or outdoor plant by your window, and remember, broad leaves and rounded shapes if you’re seeking calm, is a wonderful option. If plant care isn’t feasible, preserved flowers or foliage require less maintenance and can create a similar psychological effect.

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8. Personal memories

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The Nobel Prize–winning psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman and his colleagues demonstrated that a happy memory is far more powerful than an imagined ideal scenario when it comes to activating well-being. For this reason, instead of displaying a beautiful photo of a beach in the Maldives you may have never visited, consider placing photographs associated with real happy moments, whether it’s a place where you once felt at peace or a simple joyful expression shared with someone you love. We remember experiences with the same emotional tone with which we originally lived them. Why not fill your space with your own moments of happiness?

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At MindPlace Center, we collaborate with Lodgerin to help transform what can feel like a stressful experience, renting a home, into one that feels as safe and positive as possible. If you need support caring for your mental health or fostering personal growth, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.