Each chapter of ‘Happy by Design’, out on RIBA Publishing, covers a specific area of design and interior design that needs to be considered, such as light, nature and materials. The lessons and advice inside are applicable to everyone, from big-time property developers to homeowners, interior designers and those interested in wellbeing and happiness. Happy by Design’ has already been endorsed by some of architecture’s key figures including Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud who says that “anyone building a house should read this first. Packed with inspiration and advice, The Happy Design Toolkit will breathe new life into your projects and help you create a happier and more inclusive built environment for everyone. As Mental Health Ambassador and senior architect at London architectural practice Assael, Channon’s relationship with mental wellbeing in design is both personal and professional.

In his 2018 book, Happy by Design, architect and mindfulness practitioner Ben Channon notes how ‘colour can be used to create a mood or an atmosphere at very little cost, and can even encourage socialising, evoke calmness or improve our focus.

Admittedly, most of us can’t be at one with nature all the time, but studies have found that simply being able to view greenery, water or trees from our homes can do us the world of good. Invite health and happiness into the heart of your home with practical ideas for decor, organization, and mindfulness that will transform your living space—and create an uplifting atmosphere that looks after you from morning to night!

I’ve noticed dramatic changes in my mental wellbeing and positivity when I’ve had to live or work in an unpleasant space.Although artificial lighting is becoming more advanced in how it can mimic the effects of daylight, it is still no substitute for the real thing. Pandora was great to work with, she quickly understood our requirements and turned around a whole new brand for our event with incredibly tight deadlines.