How Your Flooring Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Family’s Mood (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Picture this: you’ve just spent a fortune redecorating the living room, chosen the perfect paint colour, and arranged the furniture just so. But somehow, the space still doesn’t feel quite right. Before you blame the cushions or start rearranging everything again, look down. The answer might literally be beneath your feet.
It turns out that flooring has a surprisingly powerful impact on our mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. And for busy parents juggling work, family, and everything in between, this could be the game-changer you never knew you needed.
The Science Bit
Recent research has revealed some fascinating connections between different flooring materials and our mental state. A study found that people walking on carpet showed significantly higher alpha-wave content in their brain activity compared to those walking on wood flooring. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation and reduced stress, i.e. your brain’s way of saying “ahh, that’s better.”
Even more interesting? The same study measured skin impedance (a fancy way of tracking stress through sweat production) and found that carpet walkers had significantly better readings compared to wood floor walkers. In plain English: carpet literally helps you chill out.
“I’ve been in the flooring business for years, and I can tell you that clients often don’t realise just how much their flooring choice affects their daily mood,” says Ben Herbert from Designer-Carpet.co.uk. “When I explain what the research says, they start to understand why they feel more relaxed in certain rooms of their home.”
Why This Matters for Busy Families
As working parents, we’re constantly looking for ways to create calmer, more harmonious homes. We invest in blackout curtains for better sleep, buy noise machines for the nursery, and spend hours researching the perfect family sofa. But we rarely consider how our flooring choices might be working for or against us.
Think about your morning routine. You’re rushing around, getting everyone ready, and your stress levels are already climbing. Now imagine starting that same routine on a surface that actively helps reduce your stress response. It’s not going to solve everything (sorry, the school run will still be chaos), but every little bit helps, right?
The Practical Parent’s Guide
So what does this mean for your home? It’s about matching your flooring to how you want each space to feel:
- Bedrooms and relaxation areas: Carpet wins here. The stress-reducing properties and cozy feel make it perfect for winding down after long days.
- Home offices and creative spaces: Hardwood can help you feel more professional and focused—ideal when you’re trying to squeeze in work between school runs.
- High-traffic family areas: Consider your lifestyle. If easy maintenance reduces your stress more than soft textures, modern alternatives like luxury vinyl or laminate might be your best bet.
Building a Brand as a Working Parent: The Bit Nobody Talks About (The Loneliness)
Building a brand as a working parent looks great on paper — flexible hours, doing something you love, creating a life that fits around family. But the reality is often messier. You’re juggling school runs and deadlines, client work and packed lunches, confidence wobbles and cash flow worries… and somehow you’re expected to show up online like you’ve got it all under control.
The Balance of Play
I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.
Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
Learning to let go – the empowerment edit with Sarah Jayne Dunn
Have you ever found yourself in a situationship that doesn’t serve you? You’re not sure why, you can’t quite put your finger on it, but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. Your gut is nudging you, your heart feels heavy, the energy is off, and somewhere in the background, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS
This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!
