Even though we’d love to believe spring is right around the corner, where we live there are still plenty of gray and gloomy days. So I thought it would be helpful to share a list of simple ways to brighten your space and instantly lift your mood.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt better.. or worse? Your environment affects your nervous system more than you realize, and when it’s dreary outside it becomes even more important to brighten things up on the inside. The good news is, you don’t need a full renovation or an expensive redesign to shift the energy of your home. A few intentional changes can make your space feel calmer and lighter.

Here are 9 simple and practical ways to improve your space and boost your mood, inspired by both design psychology and basic feng shui principles that I’ve been using for years.

1. Declutter the “Visual Noise”

Decluttering is one of the fastest mood-boosters you can do and it’s not just about getting rid of things. It’s about removing visual chaos, piles of paper, overflowing countertops, random cords and crowded shelves. Even if you’re not consciously noticing the clutter, your brain is still processing it. In feng shui clutter is considered “stuck energy” and in real life it’s mental overload.

2. Refresh Your Walls With Paint

A fresh coat of paint can completely reset the feeling of a room. It’s one of the most affordable upgrades with the biggest payoff. Soft neutrals and earthy tones tend to create a grounded, peaceful vibe and warm whites and muted colors feel cozy and welcome.

Mood-boosting paint colors to consider:

warm creamy white
soft beige or sand tones
sage green
dusty blush
muted terracotta

Check out some of our paint packages to see what colours are our go-tos!

3. Rearrange Your Furniture for Better Flow

Sometimes your space doesn’t need new furniture, it just needs better placement. One of the core principles of feng shui is “flow.” If you’re constantly squeezing between furniture, bumping into corners or navigating awkward layouts, your body stays subtly tense. A room should feel easy to move through.

4. Switch Your Light Bulbs

Lighting affects mood more than almost anything else. Harsh, bluish light can feel energizing in the worst way, like an office, hospital or big-box store. For a cozy and calming home environment, aim for bulbs under 4500K. Anything above that can feel cold, sterile and overstimulating.

An even better option would be to layer your lighting. Instead of relying on one overhead light, add table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and warm accent lighting.

5. Add Plants for Fresh Life

Plants are one of the easiest ways to make a space feel alive, vibrant and peaceful. In feng shui, they symbolize growth and fresh energy. In real life, they soften a room and can improve your overall sense of well-being.

If you don’t have a green thumb, faux plants have come a long way. However, they can be surprisingly expensive and nothing truly compares to the beauty of a real plant. Personally, I buy real plants from Home Depot because they’re extremely affordable. If they only last a year, I’m still spending less overall, even if I replace them occasionally.

6. Use Mirrors Intentionally

Mirrors can brighten a room and make it feel larger but it's important to be mindful of where they’re placed, because mirrors amplify energy. A mirror facing clutter doubles the clutter visually. A mirror reflecting light or something beautiful makes the space feel open and positive.

7. Upgrade Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first thing you see when you come home, and the last thing you see when you leave. In feng shui, the front door is considered the main “energy entrance” of the home. If your entry feels chaotic, your life can feel chaotic.

A clean entryway feels like a fresh start every day.

Simple upgrades:

add a rug or runner
create a spot for keys and bags
clear the floor
add a plant or candle
use a soft, welcoming scent

8. Create a Grounded Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat, not a storage unit or a workspace. In feng shui, the bed symbolizes stability and support. The most calming setup is one where the bed feels anchored, supported and secure. Make sure it’s centered on the main wall and has a solid headboard to create a sense of grounding.

Try to avoid working in your bedroom. Creating a clear separation between rest and productivity allows your mind to fully relax, helping you sleep more deeply. It may seem subtle, but the difference in how you rest and unwind is real.

9. Add Something That Feels Like You

The happiest spaces feel personal, not like a showroom. Your home should reflect your personality, your comfort and your identity.

Try adding:

art that makes you happy
cozy blankets and pillows
candles
meaningful objects
music or scent that makes you feel calm

Feng shui isn’t only about removing negative energy, it’s also about creating an environment that supports your life.

At the end of the day, your home should feel like a place that supports you, not drains you. Even small shifts can make a big difference in how you feel day to day. Hopefully these tips help you bring that sunshine feeling inside.

-Courtney

9 Simple Ways to Improve Your Space (and Instantly Improve Your Mood)

Spring Home Refresh