In researching what makes people happy, I discovered that "Planning" makes us happy. Therefore, why should a homemaker turn over planning to an interior designer who creates homes to make money and impress others? Furthermore, most designers ignore the important outcome of creating a home, which is to support the emotional well-being of the residents.

Most of us enjoy looking for that perfect accessory, daydreaming about colors for our rooms, and planning a new look for our home. You know yourself best. Don't give all the happy moments of planning and choosing decorating details to paid professionals. Reserve the enjoyment of designing your home for yourself.

Homes decorated to support desired emotions create happy spaces for joyful living. Design Psychology, a new method for residential exterior and interior design helps you choose home improvements and furnishings for your happiness and productivity.

Follow the first and only rule of decorating for happy living: "Design happy spaces." Choose design ideas for your pleasure as well as individual needs. Design spaces to give you and others comfort, reassurance, and merriment.

For instance, take the use of a room and ask yourself how you need to feel in this space? Did you answer calm and serene or awake and energized?

Beyond issues of style, elements of color, textures, patterns, and lighting influence the way we feel both physiologically and psychologically. This means that your body reacts to the design details in your home; and, your emotions react as well.

Home decoration is not a permanent state because our rooms evolve as our lives change. Don't be afraid of making mistakes -- enjoy the process and focus on your goal of providing pleasurable daily moments in your home.

(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.