Re-decorating: better than sex? - Life - Stylist Magazine

Re-decorating: better than sex?

Study claims a revamp is as pleasurable as sex

If, like us, you’re struggling to get into the mood for spring cleaning, you’ll welcome the news that a spring-cleaned room can actually put you in ‘the mood’.

Following a recent study, researchers at the Mindlab International Laboratory claim that women find a re-decorated room just as pleasurable as having sex.

The study measured the immediate emotive responses caused by experiences such as kissing, driving a fast car, riding a rollercoaster, making love and eating chocolate. After testing the physiological responses of the 19 participants (12 of which were female), the researchers found that a newly-decorated room can create the same emotional reaction as an intimate encounter, and was more of a mood-enhancer than being with friends or going shopping, particularly for the women in the group.

Speaking about the study, psychologist Dr David Lewis, who conducted the research in collaboration with Dulux, explained, “It may surprise some people to realise that a newly re-decorated room can have such an impact on emotions,” he said, “however our environment plays a big role in the mood. Think of how you feel on a warm sunny day in comparison to a grey winter morning. Our homes are the same – a beautifully decorated room can significantly enhance your mood.” Not tonight darling, I’m redecorating.