The Role of Interior Design in Achieving Psychological Well-being for Residents

Abstract

Interior design is a fundamental component of the residential environment, as its role extends beyond fulfilling functional and aesthetic requirements to contributing to the sensory, perceptual, and psychological experiences of individuals within their homes. With the growing interest in psychological well-being and quality of life, increasing attention has been directed toward reconsidering the indoor environment as a factor that can support mental well-being and reduce daily stress, particularly given that individuals spend a significant proportion of their lives in residential environments. This study aims to explore the theoretical relationship between interior design elements and the psychological well-being of residential occupants through a review of relevant literature and scientific studies in the fields of interior design, environmental psychology, biophilic design, behavioral environment theories, and psychological restoration. The study adopted a theoretical descriptive-analytical approach through reviewing and analyzing a body of scientific literature and previous studies addressing the effects of the indoor environment and its various elements on the psychological, perceptual, and behavioral aspects of individuals. The study focused on several key design elements, including natural and artificial lighting, colors, ventilation and air quality, spatial organization, privacy, materials and finishes, natural elements and plants, visual and physical connections with nature, as well as sound and noise levels. The literature review indicates that interior design elements do not operate independently; rather, they interact to shape a residential environment that can influence psychological comfort, feelings of safety and control, residential satisfaction, the ability to relax and restore attention, and the reduction of daily stress. The literature related to environmental psychology, Attention Restoration Theory, Stress Reduction Theory, and biophilic design also highlights the importance of providing indoor environments that respond to individuals’ psychological and perceptual needs by ensuring appropriate levels of lighting, air quality, privacy, spatial organization, and connection with natural elements. The study concludes that interior design should not be viewed merely as a functional and aesthetic practice, but rather as a fundamental component in creating residential environments that support psychological well-being and quality of life. It also emphasizes the importance of developing design principles that integrate functional, aesthetic, and psychological considerations while taking into account the climatic, cultural, and social characteristics of Libyan society when applying principles of psychological well-being-supportive interior design in residential environments.