The psychology of feeling at home: My collaboration with House of Lexden

Have you ever noticed how some spaces make you feel instantly comfortable, while others leave you feeling unsettled?

Our homes are much more than somewhere to live. They can influence how we feel, how easily we relax and our sense of safety and belonging.

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in Langham, near Colchester, I’m particularly interested in the relationship between our environment, our emotions and the way our minds respond to everyday experiences.

I was recently invited by Michaela Clarke, founder of interior design studio House of Lexden, to contribute to an article exploring this fascinating connection.

Why does our home environment affect how we feel?

Our surroundings provide a constant stream of information to our brains.

Familiar sights, sounds and routines can create a sense of predictability and comfort. Equally, clutter, noise or an environment that doesn’t feel right for us can sometimes contribute to feelings of stress or overwhelm.

Of course, what feels calming to one person may feel quite different to another.

And that’s what makes our relationship with our homes so personal.

Why can moving house or renovating feel so stressful?

Even positive life changes can bring unexpected emotional responses.

Moving house, renovating or changing our surroundings can temporarily disrupt the routines and familiar cues that help us feel settled.

There’s also an emotional element. Our homes often hold memories, represent important stages of our lives and reflect our sense of identity.

Changing them can mean navigating much more than practical decisions.

The connection between our surroundings and emotional wellbeing

One of the things I particularly enjoyed exploring with Michaela was how interior design and psychology overlap.

Creating a home that supports our wellbeing isn’t necessarily about following design trends or achieving perfection.

It’s about understanding what helps us feel comfortable, connected and able to relax.

And sometimes, recognising the relationship between our external environment and our internal experience can help us understand ourselves a little better.

Read my conversation with House of Lexden

I’m delighted to have contributed to Michaela’s article, The Home You Return To, where we explore the psychology of home, emotional safety and the importance of creating spaces that feel right for us.

Thank you to Michaela for inviting me to share my perspective.

I’m Kate Hickmore, a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner based in Langham, near Colchester, working with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, overwhelm and life transitions.

If you’re finding it difficult to relax, struggling with anxiety or navigating a period of change, you can find out more about my approach to Cognitive Hypnotherapy and how we might work together.

Kate Hickmore, HPD DipCHyp MNLP MNCH, October 2026