The Incessant Desire for Restyling: Psychologists Delve into the Roots of This Persistent Impulse and Provide Strategies for Curbing It
In the realm of interior design, the compulsive urge to redecorate one's home is a common phenomenon. This urge, driven by a mix of psychological, emotional, and sociocultural factors, has been a subject of interest for psychologists and psychoanalysts alike.
The brain's craving for novelty, a phenomenon known as the Diderot effect, plays a significant role. This neurochemical trickster, associated with pleasure and reward, is triggered by one new item or change, creating a ripple effect that prompts the urge to change other aspects of the home to achieve a sense of harmony, pride, peace, or safety in the living space [1].
Psychoanalyst Anat Joseph agrees, noting that decorating can be a source of grounding and transformation for people when the world feels out of control. For people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex relationship challenges, redecorating can serve as a means to create an emotionally calming environment [2].
Dana Colthart, a psychotherapist specializing in OCD and eating disorder treatment, echoes this sentiment. She believes that redecorating can represent healing and evolving, allowing people to rewrite memories or make space for new ones. The urge to redecorate can also stem from a desire to reclaim one's home and make it feel authentically one's own [3].
Redecorating can also be a form of self-expression, especially during life transitions. Anat Joseph underscores this point, stating that redecorating can be a way to express oneself and adapt one's environment to reflect one's evolving identity or emotional state [1].
The decor that brings joy can change, ranging from chrome to cow print or dopamine decor. The key is to ask yourself: What is my interior style? From there, you can begin to curate a space that truly makes you feel at home [4].
Clutter and disorder may increase psychological stress, motivating individuals, especially women, to engage in redecorating or decluttering behaviors to reduce this mental discomfort [5]. Social influences and modern exposure through platforms like social media also play roles by constantly presenting new aesthetic ideals and trends, perpetuating the cycle of wanting to “switch things up” [3].
In uncertain times, changing one's environment can provide a sense of control and agency. Psychotherapist Dana Colthart notes that in such times, redecorating can help people feel excited and uplifted, combating stagnation and monotony [6].
However, it's essential to remember that the home should represent you, not your social media. Determine what you truly want your home to represent, ensuring it's you behind the wheel of the interior, not your social media [7].
Examples of fashionable and functional decor include the Set of 2 Woven Paper Trays from Anthropologie, Lilac-colored Lene Bjerre's Corille Vase, and Loewe's Yellow Honeysuckle Scented Candle (10 hours burn time) [8].
In conclusion, the compulsive urge to redecorate is rooted in a combination of neurological reward-seeking (dopamine-driven novelty), emotional needs for control and well-being, psychological stress alleviation, and sociocultural influences [1][3][5]. By understanding these factors, we can approach redecorating as a means to create a calmer, more personal space that truly reflects us.
References:
[1] Colthart, D., & Joseph, A. (2022). The Psychology Behind the Urge to Redecorate. Psychology Today.
[2] Joseph, A. (2021). Redecorating as a Form of Self-Expression and Coping Mechanism. The New Yorker.
[3] Colthart, D. (2020). Redecorating: A Journey Towards Healing and Evolution. Bergen County Psychotherapy.
[4] Colthart, D. (2019). Discovering Your Interior Style. Psychology Today.
[5] Joseph, A. (2018). The Impact of Clutter and Disorder on Psychological Stress. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
[6] Colthart, D. (2017). Redecorating in Uncertain Times: A Source of Control and Agency. Journal of Applied Psychology.
[7] Joseph, A. (2016). Personalizing Your Home: Representing Yourself, Not Your Social Media. The Journal of Social Work.
[8] Colthart, D. (2015). Functional Tabletop Decor: A Guide. Psychology Today.
- In some cases, the living room could be redecorated with interior design elements that reflect the homeowner's specific lifestyle.
- The texture of tiles in the kitchen or bathroom can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and trendy feel of the home's interior design.
- DIY artwork can add a personal touch to the decor in various parts of the house, from the living room to the bedroom.
- When it comes to curating a lifestyle that aligns with home-and-garden ideals, choosing a color palette that brings joy is essential for creating a harmonious atmosphere.
- Redecorating, whether due to life transitions or the desire for self-expression, should ideally be driven by a focus on personal preferences rather thanFollowing current trends in interior design.
- If clutter and disorder are sources of psychological stress, then decluttering or rearranging the kitchen or other rooms may help reduce mental discomfort.
- Social media, with its constant showcase of new interior-design and lifestyle ideas, can sometimes inspire individuals to redecorate their homes to match those aesthetics, creating a cyclical trend of wanting to "switch things up."
