The Perfect Home Decor Hack for Stimulating Your ADHD Brain

Anyone else obsessed with home decor? 

I’m about to leave my apartment, and as much as I’m excited for what comes next I’m very nervous to leave this home in the past. 

This apartment is the first apartment that was all my own, where I was completely in charge of everything. I had grandiose dreams of my little apartment that could, but between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, extreme bouts of suicidality, working two jobs (sometimes three), and just learning how to be an adult, I never got to fully realize this space.

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While that makes me sad, I’m proud that this little one-bedroom, one-bathroom in central Florida was able to shelter and protect me in the ways I needed it to emotionally and physically.

Looking towards the future, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my brain, and different ways to work with my brain and my space in ways that benefit me, especially living alone. 

The biggest takeaway is the use of color and decor in certain spaces when it comes to turning my brain “on” and “off.”

The more there is to stimulate my brain, the harder time I’ll have relaxing. Meanwhile, if there isn’t enough to keep my brain busy, the easier it’ll be to allow my brain to wander, meaning I’ll be less productive. Now that I know this, I want to really utilize it intentionally.

Different rooms have different purposes that vary from person to person. A living room for some can be a place to gather, but for others, it may be a place to calm down and relax. If you live with different mental conditions (especially ADHD), the idea would be to decorate the space’s purpose in a way that resonates with your brain.

For example:

Let’s say you want a space’s purpose to be gathering and events – an altogether lively space that energizes you. Add more decor that would stimulate your brain.

You can do this by buying wall art, putting up funky and interesting decor, painting the walls brighter or bolder colors, and having furniture that keeps you moving versus furniture that you sink into cozily.

For my next apartment, I want my office space to be a brain “on” zone. I want to decorate it in pink lemonade hues of yellow and pink, and put all my favorite commissioned art and nerd stuff all around. I want a bookshelf and a little chaise lounge for a reading nook. There will be so many things to look at with a bright enough space that the hope is that my creative juices will be able to flow in ways they wouldn’t elsewhere. Maximalism will be my friend here!

On the contrary, let’s say you want a space to be more about relaxation. You don’t want to be overstimulated or overwhelmed. Instead, you want a space that allows your brain to rest. 

Think softer or darker colors and more muted patterns. Cozier furniture and maybe warmer lighting. 

For me, these will be the ideas behind my bedroom and living room. I struggle with having a good work-life balance, so I want these spaces to be “work-free” zones. Nothing in these spaces will contribute to productivity. I want to be able to fall asleep for hours in these spaces. Peace is the goal. I’m thinking of a beautiful powder blue on the walls and cream-colored furniture.

Playing to your strengths with ADHD is so crucial, and there are so many ways to work with it when you stop thinking of the “conventional” ways you’re “supposed” to do things. 

Make your home spaces work for you and your brain, not the other way around.