Interior Design Suggestions for ADHD: Creating a Calming and Focused Space

Living with ADHD can be challenging but your home environment can play a significant role in supporting your focus and well-being. Here are some interior design tips to create a calming and focused space for individuals with ADHD (and we kept it under a sweet 250 words!).

Clear the Clutter

Minimalist monochrome office desk with black cabinetry and brown chair

Start by decluttering your space to reduce visual distractions and promote a clear mind.

Create Zones

Monochrome victorian home with contemporary warehouse interior and luxury furniture — *Image Credit: Interior Design Ideas*

Divide your space into dedicated zones for different activities, such as work, relaxation, and hobbies.

Calming Colours

Olive painted brick wall with wooden geometric side table featuring red and green decor — *Image Credit: Fenton & Fenton*

Use soothing colours like soft blues, greens, or neutrals to create a calming atmosphere.

Task Lighting

Modernist Round dining table featuring red industrial chair, and industrial black lamps — *Image Source: Light 11*

Ensure you have proper task lighting in your workspace to reduce eye strain and enhance productivity.

Sensory Elements

Curved boucle white sofa, Orange velvet armchair, Retro travertine side table with glass vases and candlesticks — *Image Source: Urban Road*

Incorporate sensory elements like textured rugs, soft cushions, or weighted blankets to promote relaxation and grounding.

Minimise Distractions

White contemporary interior with bookshelf wall, loft study desk and stairs leading to courtyard — *Image Source: I Love Ugly*

Organise your space effectively, use visual barriers when needed, and create a tech-free zone to minimize digital distractions.

Ergonomic Furniture

Three Different images of home office setups using ergonomic chairs — *Image source: Kos Workspace*

Invest in comfortable and supportive furniture, such as an adjustable chair and a desk with proper support.

Limit your rearranging capacity

Modernist interior architecture with split level wooden walls, travertine floor and built in storage — *Klein House, Selkirk (Architect Peter Womersley) Image Source: The Architect’s Journal*

Where possible, use large or built-in furniture pieces to minimise layout options and reduce decision overwhelm. This is ideal for storage furniture like bookshelves and entertainment units.

Flexible Furniture

Bright orange plastic utility trolley used as side table — *Joe Colombo’s Boby Trolley. Image Source: Kor Home*

On the flip side to the above suggestion, if you have a multi-purpose space or a mix of hobbies, consider assigning a few flexible pieces that move around as you do, such as trolleys, drawers on castors or side tables. We call these HFFF (Hyper-fixation friendly furniture)!

Personal Touches

Woman in blue suit reading magazine lying on pink couch, with angels and monks mural and contemporary decor — *Sumo Sofa by Fatboy. Image Source: Made in Design, Denmark*

Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and inspiration, like artwork, photographs, or motivational quotes.

Remember, these suggestions can serve as a starting point, and it's important to tailor your space to your specific needs and preferences. By creating a supportive and organised environment, you can enhance focus, reduce distractions, and improve your overall well-being.

Note: If you'd like to explore these ideas further or require more detailed guidance, consider consulting with an interior designer experienced in creating spaces for individuals with ADHD.