How to use interior design to be happier, feel calmer and even boost your health

In the postpandemic world, where we’re all spending more time indoors, your home could be more than just a roof over your head — it might be the secret weapon for better health. 

Just ask interior designer Diana Mui, the New York City founder of the Love House Foundation, who’s on a mission to turn cancer patients’ homes into healing sanctuaries that ease the mental and emotional strain of treatment.

“We all know things can happen, but you feel invincible until it does,” Mui, a patient at Mount Sinai Health System who recently entered remission herself after a five-year battle with breast cancer, told The Post. “I think the emotional toll is really what takes a lot of healing.”

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For Mui, transforming her own home into a wellness haven was one of her most powerful tools for managing her mental health during her battle with cancer: “I learned how important it was to create a space that wasn’t just pretty, but really spoke to the personality of who I am.”

The best part? You don’t have to be facing a life-threatening illness to benefit from a living space that nurtures your well being. Mui shared some simple tips with The Post on how to turn your home into a healthier, happier environment.

Light it up

“When I go into space, the first thing I do is look at their windows,” said Mui, adding that she’s always striving to bring in as much natural light as possible.

Research suggests that natural daylight is more than just a mood booster — it’s a health powerhouse. It regulates sleep, increases energy, ramps up vitamin D production and can even give your immune system a much-needed boost.

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In another, participants exposed to high levels of sunlight during the day had a 20% lower risk of depression, with similar improvements in conditions like PTSD, anxiety and even bipolar disorder and psychosis.

In a city like New York, where many residents stare at brick walls or their neighbors’ apartments instead of the sky, getting that natural light isn’t always easy. If you’re not blessed with a ton of sunlight, Mui suggests using strategically placed lamps and sconces to make up for it – but make sure you’re paying attention to temperature.

“In the living room, I usually lean toward brighter, cool tones because they’re more energizing,” she explained. “In bedrooms, I tend to use warm, softer lighting because they’re calming.”

The power of color 

Color is more than just a design choice, it’s a powerful mood-altering tool. 

Warm colors like red, orange and yellow can ignite everything from excitement and warmth to aggression and irritability. Meanwhile, cool tones like blue and green have a calming effect on the mind, but can also lead to feelings of sadness or indifference. 

Color can even trigger physiological changes in the body. Take red, for example — it’s been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, likely because it’s often linked to danger or warning signs. 

For those battling illness, or anyone prone to stress or anxiety, Mui suggests keeping your color palette light and airy. 

“There isn’t a strict rule of thumb,” she said. “I really pay attention to the architecture of the space and listen to my clients and let that guide me.”

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Décor that heals

Believe it or not, the right decor can have a profound impact on how you feel — especially if you’re dealing with illness.

“Pictures of people that you love on the wall are definitely a universal healing factor,” said Mui. “It adds a sense of personality and reminds you of the faces that bring you joy. You want to survive for them, too.”

But it’s not just about what you see — it’s also about what you feel. Mui suggests surrounding yourself with textiles that feel comforting and soothing to the skin. Think cozy blankets, plush throw pillows and soft rugs, which create an atmosphere of comfort and security.

Clutter, on the other hand, is a no-go. It’s been linked to elevated levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and can lead to feelings of anxiety or even guilt. To keep stress at bay, Mui recommends opting for furniture with hidden storage — like cabinets or drawers — to conceal the chaos when things get a little messy.

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When it comes to furniture arrangement, Mui aims for an open, flowing layout whenever possible. It’s an approach that aligns with the ancient practice of feng shui, which emphasizes balancing energy and ensuring a positive, harmonious flow throughout the space.

For an instant mood boost, consider bringing some greenery into your home. Research suggests that indoor plants like peace lilies purify the air and improve sleep by releasing oxygen during the day.

Ultimately, Mui said the most important thing when designing your space, especially if you’re navigating illness, is focusing on what makes you feel good.

“When you’re going through it, you need to think about what really makes you happy and just stick to that, not trends,” she said. 

Mui recently brought her design expertise to Mount Sinai in New York City, where the Love House Foundation helped create a new pop-up space for cancer patients and their families. Unveiled on February 4 in honor of World Cancer Day, the exhibit features beautifully crafted trees where visitors can attach messages of love and support for those battling the disease.

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“It was an honor and privilege to welcome Diana Mui and the Love House Foundation. We thank her for creating such an impactful and healing space at our first annual World Cancer Day celebration,” said Alison Snow, PhD, LCSW, Senior Director of Cancer Supportive Services and Oncology Social Work and co-Director of the Center of Excellence for Cancer Support Services.

“Around 40% of men and women will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, so we know that cancer has touched everyone in some way, and Mount Sinai Cancer Supportive Services provides holistic support to help cancer patients navigate the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of cancer. Diana’s healing space encapsulated the vision of our community focused event”