How We All Have 'House Dysmorphia': Understanding the Psychology Behind Perceiving Our Living Spaces

Do you ever look at your home and feel like something just doesn't look right, even though you can't quite put your finger on it? Or maybe you've made a change to your living space, only to second-guess yourself and feel like it looks worse than before? You might be experiencing what's known as "house dysmorphia."

House dysmorphia is a phenomenon in which people perceive their living spaces differently from how they actually appear. It's similar to body dysmorphia, a condition in which people perceive their bodies as flawed or distorted, even when they're not. With house dysmorphia, people might perceive their home as cluttered or poorly designed, even when it's objectively clean and well-organized.

There are a few reasons why house dysmorphia might occur. For one, people are often their own worst critics, and this can extend to their living spaces. They might be overly critical of the way their home looks, even when it's perfectly fine. Additionally, we're bombarded with images of perfectly styled and decorated homes on social media and in home decor magazines, which can make us feel like our own living spaces don't measure up.

Another reason for house dysmorphia is that we tend to get used to our surroundings over time. When we first move into a new space, we might be hyper-aware of every detail and spend a lot of time adjusting and rearranging things until they feel just right. But over time, we become accustomed to our surroundings and might start to overlook things that could be improved.

House dysmorphia can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to combat it. One is to take a step back and try to look at your home objectively, as if you were seeing it for the first time. This can help you notice things that you might have overlooked before. Another tip is to get a second opinion from someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or professional decorator. They might be able to offer a fresh perspective and suggest changes that you wouldn't have thought of on your own.

Remember that perfection is unattainable, especially when it comes to our living spaces. No matter how much we tweak and adjust, there will always be imperfections and areas that could be improved. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on creating a space that feels comfortable and reflects your personality and style. House dysmorphia is a common phenomenon that many people experience when it comes to their living spaces. By understanding the psychology behind it and taking steps to combat it, we can create homes that we're proud of and that make us feel comfortable and happy. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect home, so focus on creating a space that feels right for you.