How your home layout affects mental heath
When we talk about mental health, we often think about exercise, mindfulness or taking time away from work. But our homes - and the way they’re designed - can quietly shape how we feel every single day.
From the moment you wake up and see sunlight pouring through a window, to the ease of moving through your kitchen on a busy morning, to whether you have a cosy corner to unwind in at night, the layout of your home plays a big role in your overall wellbeing.
We’re lucky to live in a place where the lifestyle celebrates light, space and connection to the outdoors. Whether it’s enjoying a sea breeze from the Fleurieu, relaxing under a gum tree or making the most of Adelaide’s long summer evenings by the beach, our homes can be designed to reflect and enhance the way we live. With thoughtful planning, they can be more than just functional - they can be places that restore, energise and inspire us.
Let the light in - natural light is one of the simplest ways to lift your mood and improve your daily rhythm. It helps regulate your body clock, supports better sleep and brings an undeniable sense of warmth and openness to a room. In South Australia, where we’re blessed with plenty of sunshine, smart orientation can make the most of it. By carefully positioning windows, doors and skylights, and considering how the sun moves across the sky from season to season, you can make light a daily mood booster.
Flow that works with you - a cluttered or awkward layout can make life feel more stressful than it needs to be. Good flow in a home makes everything easier, whether you’re entertaining friends for a Sunday barbecue, getting the kids ready for school, or simply moving from your laundry to the backyard without weaving around obstacles. In many Adelaide homes, heritage character and modern extensions meet - and when done well, they create spaces that feel connected without being cramped. The right flow helps you feel calm and in control, even on the busiest days.
Connection and retreat - our homes need to balance togetherness with privacy. An open-plan kitchen and dining space in a coastal house might encourage conversations over coffee, while a shady veranda in the Adelaide Hills could offer a peaceful spot to sit with a book. The best designs give you places to come together - and equally, places to retreat and recharge. In our local climate, even an outdoor area can serve as a quiet retreat, especially if it’s protected from the hot northerlies or the cooler southerly winds.
Nature as a daily companion - there’s something inherently calming about being surrounded by greenery or having a view of the outdoors. That could mean looking out over grapevines, a native garden in the suburbs, or the shimmering blue of the ocean. You don’t need a huge block to enjoy the benefits - a courtyard filled with potted citrus, or even a view into a leafy street can make a world of difference. Bringing nature indoors through timber finishes, earthy tones and indoor plants can help create a soothing atmosphere all year round.
Comfort without compromise - a home that’s too hot, too cold or too noisy can chip away at your wellbeing. SA’s weather can be extreme - blazing hot in summer, crisp and cool in winter - so comfort comes from good insulation, effective shading and ventilation that keeps the air fresh. Double glazing and soundproofing can help in busier city areas, while ceiling fans and wide eaves are invaluable in country and coastal homes. When your environment feels stable and comfortable, your body can relax and your mind can follow.
Designing for joy - while comfort and practicality are essential, joy matters too. In South Australia, that joy might come from a sunny courtyard where you can sip Clare Valley wine with friends, or a family room with folding glass doors that open to the backyard for an impromptu cricket match. Personal touches — from art picked up at SALA Festival to a favourite colour palette that reflects our landscapes — make a house feel alive and connected to you.
Why a building consultant can help - designing a home that supports your wellbeing isn’t something that happens by chance. It’s the result of careful thought, experience and a deep understanding of how spaces affect people. A building consultant can guide you in making decisions that go beyond appearances, ensuring your home’s layout supports both your lifestyle and your mental health - now and into the future. Where building conditions, climate and lifestyle are so closely linked, having local expertise makes all the difference, so make sure to contact the Association of Building Consultants.
