The word “anxiety” gets thrown around a lot these days, and I admit, I’ve been a little dismissive. I’d think to myself, “Don’t we all get nervous now and then? What’s the big deal?” Then, this year, I experienced a series of panic attacks that knocked me right off my high horse.

Even though the research is in its early stages, a growing number of architects, designers, professional organizers, and environmental psychologists believe the spaces we live in are as inextricably linked to our neurological well-being as sleep, diet and exercise.

Living in a calm, safe and relaxing place is decisive for greater life satisfaction.

Light, paint, patterns and other design elements affect your mood.

UNLV students design solar powered home for desert living meant to be a place of healing and respite for veterans suffering the adverse effects of wartime trauma; the home connects the resident to their environment through a carefully orchestrated procession of sensory experiences.

Having a panoramic view of the outdoors is pleasing on a biological level, according to Dak Kopec, associate professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It relates back to our desire to have “prospect refuge,” or the ability to see our surroundings from a single safe area.

“Property Brothers,” “Flip or Flop,” “Love It or List It” — the insatiable appetite for reality television home makeover shows continues. With their fresh ideas, incredible transformations and beat-the-clock plotlines, these shows are a driver for the home remodeling industry. Every year, millions of viewers, inspired by what they see on TV, move forward with their own projects.

Flowers are often reserved for special occasions and the part of our spending budget that we label frivolous. But what if you were told that flowers can actually bring health benefits? Would you purchase them more often? As more and more people move into cities away from nature, it could be important to invite more plants indoors and enjoy those fresh cut flowers.