We all try to create our dream house by bringing in our favourites – from colours and textures to artworks and gadgets. But are your eyes happy with them as well? Follow the home décor tips below to create a living space that is comfy for your body, eyes and mind.

Walls Colours: The Simpler The Better

The walls make up more than half of the interior surface area and set the tone of your house, therefore the choice of wall colour is not to be taken lightly: no more than 3 colours should be used in the same room to avoid making it too busy.

To make the space easy on the eyes, avoid bright and overwhelming warm such as red and orange-yellow, or wallpaper that are too busy or with strong contrasts. Combinations such as red patterns on black and white, red and green, or blue and bright yellow can be hard on the eyes.

To add a special touch to your home, create a feature wall by using bright colours or patterns on one of the walls (preferably one that meets the eyes less often, such as the one against the couch that is behind you when you're seated, or a wall in the dining room that you don't see except during meals).

Neutral and harmonious hues such as cream colour, pale grey or light brown will be perfect for the study. Colours that are too dark or too bright are distracting and hard on the eyes, and therefore undesirable for a work environment.

The all-important bedroom should be painted in serene colours: neutral or pale pastels will be ideal. Tones such as white with a tint of pink, or cream with a hint of apple green will enable the eyes to rest without appearing boring. They will help you relax, calm your mood and get you ready for sleep.

Eye Lighting: As The Eyes Please

Lighting helps set the general ambience of the space. Apart from the design, the intensity and distribution of light are just as important.

If you want your home brightly lit, the living room or dining room can be lit with ceiling pendant lamps or spot lights, whereas cove and foot lighting can create a soft and sensual ambience.

As for the study, where the eyes are used most intensively, there are a few things to bear in mind:

1. The desk and computer monitor should not face the window as this will cause a strong reflection they should not be placed with the back towards the window either as this will cause a shadow on your desk, or your monitor will appear dark.
2. LCD screens and monitor filters help reduce radiation and the flicker on the screen, and therefore may minimise damage to the eyes.
3. Use a ceiling-mount lamp for overall lighting and a table lamp for work; for right-handed users the desk should be lit from the upper left and vice versa for left-handed users, so that your writing hand doesn't cast a shadow on your work; direct light is harsh on the eyes so make sure light bulbs (especially the table lamp that you work right next to) are well angled and covered by lamb shades.

Avoid Dry Air: Keeping Your Eyes Moist

Many people find the air-conditioner their best companion both in the heat of summer and in the chill of winter. However, air that is too cold or too warm carries little moisture and may cause the eyes to feel dry. The room temperature should therefore be maintained at around 25 degree Celsius. Placing a glass of water and a pot of leafy plant (it releases water vapour) next to you, or install a humidifier will help increase the humidity.

Remember: The air-conditioner filter or air outlet of the heater should be cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dust and germs that cause eye allergy.

Green Plants: Your Eyes' Best Friend

Surround yourself with plants in the study. Green is your eye's favourite colour and looking at green plants will help relief eyestrain resulted from working on the computer – it works even better than eye drops. Phytoncid released by plants will also help clear your head and keep your eyes and mind sharp.

What you see affects your mind and your mood, and if your eyes are restful and relaxed, so will you be. So homemakers, keep your eyes happy, and they'll thank you for it.