Beware of Grumpy Design!

Your mood has an effect on your impressions of the world around you, and your drive to re-design them.

When we’re in a good mood, because we just got a raise or were given a cookie, we have more positive opinions of wherever we find ourselves.  The paint colour seems a little more pleasant, the wall paper is much more acceptable, it’s harder to pick out the stains on the carpet or how badly mis-located the walls are.

Think of this as a “halo” effect or mood on evaluations.

Unfortunately, there is also a “pitchfork” effect.  When you’re not in a good mood, because you’ve been bored a long time or dinner got burned or any one of many, too many, undesirable life events, your evaluations of the world around you are not as positive.  The same walls that seemed to be painted lovely colours when you were in a good mood, now need to be re-painted as quickly as possible.  The wall paper has to go.  . .

Before you take dramatic design action in your home or office do a gut check, literally.  If you’re mood is foul, go on a walk, take a nap, etc., before you start to repaint, tear out, etc.  As all of those old-time sayings make clear, actions taken in haste are often regretted.