Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to expert interviews and public health sources, including the National Institute of Mental Health.

As winter's shorter days and reduced sunlight take a toll on mental health, many homeowners are looking for simple ways to lift their spirits. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to decreased daylight. While light therapy and other treatments exist, interior design experts suggest that small home projects can also play a role in creating a more cheerful environment.

Yeharar Stephen, executive clinician and founder of Stephen Counseling Services, explains that as daylight decreases, the body's serotonin levels drop, while melatonin, the sleep hormone, increases. This hormonal shift can lead to irritability, sadness, and anxiety. Stephen emphasizes that although design changes aren't a cure, they can help balance these hormones by influencing mood and motivation.

Gala Magriñá, a holistic interior design expert and principal at Gala Magriñá Design, agrees. She notes that home is where we spend much of our time, especially in colder months, so its atmosphere can significantly affect our well-being. Below are five low-lift projects recommended by these experts to give your home a winter mood boost.

Curate an Intentional Color Palette

Magriñá suggests that wall colors can influence your mood. For spaces where you want to feel awake and productive, like home offices or breakfast nooks, she recommends bright colors. In areas meant for relaxation, tonal colors are better. A simple paint job on one wall can provide an instant mood lift, she says.

Add Cozy Textures

Incorporating cozy textures, such as high-pile area rugs, can create warmth and ground you, according to Magriñá. Soft throws and decorative pillows in rest areas invite you to curl up and relax, enhancing comfort.

Bring Nature Indoors

Both Stephen and Magriñá advocate for indoor plants. Magriñá notes that plants create a connection to nature, which can lower stress and blood pressure. She suggests easy-to-care-for options like snake plants and pothos for those without a green thumb, and mentions Lady Palms and Dragon Trees as her "air-filtering, superstar go-tos." Pairing plants with playful art can double the mood-boosting effect.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Light exposure significantly affects serotonin and melatonin levels. Magriñá recommends installing dimmers on light switches to adjust lighting throughout the day—brighter during the day and softer in the evening to promote relaxation.

Install a Skylight or Window

For a more substantial project, adding a skylight or window in dark corners or hallways can increase natural light, positively impacting your circadian rhythm and helping regulate serotonin and melatonin. This is especially valuable in areas where vertical space is underutilized.

Ultimately, Magriñá encourages homeowners to let their personality guide their design choices. She advises starting with a few pieces that hold personal meaning, as spaces that reflect your unique style are more likely to support your mental well-being. "Spaces are deeply personal and have a direct impact on the way we feel," she adds.