How to use interior design to be happier, feel calmer, and even boost your health

In the post-pandemic world, where we’re all spending more time indoors, your home could be more than just a roof over your head — it might be the secret weapon for better health. Just ask interior designer Diana Mui, the New York City-based founder of the Love House Foundation, who’s on a mission to turn cancer patients’ homes into healing sanctuaries that ease the mental and emotional strain of treatment.“We all know things can happen, but you feel invincible until it does,” Mui, who recently entered remission herself after a five-year battle with breast cancer, told The Post.“I think the emotional toll is really what takes a lot of healing.”For Mui, transforming her own home into a wellness haven was one of her most powerful tools for managing her mental health during her battle with cancer: “I learned how important it was to create a space that wasn’t just pretty, but really spoke to the personality of who I am.”The best part? You don’t have to be facing a life-threatening illness to benefit from a living space that nurtures your well being.

Mui shared some simple tips with The Post on how to turn your home into a healthier, happier environment.“When I go into space, the first thing I do is look at their windows,” said Mui, adding that she’s always striving to bring in as much natural light as possible.Research suggests that natural daylight is more than just a mood booster — it’s a health powerhouse.It regulates sleep, increases energy, ramps up vitamin D production, and can even give your immune system a much-needed boost.In one study, people with more natural light indoors not only slept better but also felt more energized throughout the day.

In another, participants exposed to high levels of sunlight during the day had a 20% lower risk of depression, with similar improvements in conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and even bipolar disorder and psychosis.In a city like New York, where many residents stare at brick walls or their...