A few years ago, I was decorating my apartment and came across this quote by Alain De Botton of @theschooloflifelondon and it resonated with me deeply.

“Our Thoughts Shape Our Spaces, and Our Spaces Return the Favour”

Environments consistently show measurable effects on mood, stress, sleep, and even recovery from illness.

Living in poor-quality or very dense housing is linked with more psychological distress and worse mental health, while better-designed, calmer spaces support wellbeing. 

Green spaces (parks, trees, water) are repeatedly associated with lower stress, better mood, and fewer symptoms of depression when people live near them or spend time in them.

Studies using cortisol (a stress hormone) show that cluttered homes are associated with higher, more persistent stress levels, while more orderly spaces are linked with calmer states.

 Environmental noise and artificial light at night disturb sleep, and disturbed sleep in turn raises risks for anxiety, depression, and physical health problems like heart disease.

Research on hospital design finds that features like single rooms, natural light, good views, and easy staff visibility are associated with fewer complications and faster recovery after major surgery.

 Taken altogether, the evidence strongly supports the idea that the spaces we live, work, and heal in actively shape our mental and physical states.

An important thing to keep in mind as we plan, design and decorate the spaces around us, because we are not just shaping materials and matter, they actually shape us back.

Available in 4 hand numbered limited editions of 600, premium fine art museum-grade archival quality prints, from only $195.

100% of the profits from this project will be donated to brain cancer research.