Interior Design for Wellness and Peace of Mind
I recently asked this question on my Instagram stories, “What does wellness and design mean to you in your home?” Here are a few of the responses I got:
Fresh air and natural light; beautiful workout spaces
Spaces set aside for reflecting, quiet zones, outdoor spaces, and plants everywhere
The feeling of spaciousness, peace, calm—a sanctuary
A cozy feeling that feels at home with no clutter
Now, I’d like to ask you the same question, “What does wellness and design mean to you?” We can also reframe it, “What does design for wellness and peace of mind look like to you?
If you’re not sure how to answer, this is what I would suggest—sit down in a cozy spot with a pen and paper, and give yourself 10 minutes to answer the following questions instead:
What room in your home causes you the most stress?
What room in your home helps you feel most at peace?
How does your home make you feel when you first walk in?
When we typically think of wellness, we’re probably thinking of things outside of the home—a gym, a spa, a hotel, you get it. But wellness doesn’t just have to be found outside of the home.
You have the ability to design for wellness and create a sanctuary and retreat within your home so it becomes a place you want to come home to and not a place you want to leave or escape.
Wellness and beautiful aesthetics can go hand-in-hand and they can work well together in your home. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to designing for wellness:
Biophilic Design—the concept of biophilic design involves incorporating natural elements like plants, natural materials, and water features. This approach can also work to improve indoor air quality and help reduce stress.
Sunlight and views—maximizing natural light in your home and adding views of nature can enhance your mood and boost energy levels.
Flexible spaces—create adaptable spaces that can serve multiple functions, like a living room that doubles as a yoga studio or a bedroom that is also a relaxation retreat.
Zoning—having effective “zone areas” within open-floor plans and spaces can create distinct areas for work, relaxation, and socialization. Plus, it's a great way to make your space work for you, offering a smart, cost-effective, and visually pleasing way to update your home and make it feel more organized and structured.
Aromatherapy and Sound—scents and sounds can affect your well-being. Using essential oils, natural candles, and soundscapes can help create a calming environment.
Tactile Comfort—textures can create comforting spaces. Having soft fabrics, warm rugs, and tactile finishes can really enhance the sensory experience in a room.
Healthy Home—using low-VOC paints, organic textiles, and eco-friendly furniture when possible can have a positive impact on your health. Even adding a water filter feature for your tap water can do wonders for your health and well-being.
Decluttering—maintaining a minimalist aesthetic can reduce stress and increase focus.
Mindful Spaces—having meditation corners, zen gardens, and quiet corners to retreat to can be so beneficial in helping to calm your mind.
Personal Touches—personalizing your space with items that bring you joy and comfort is so important. You can add family photos, cherished books, meaningful art your kids made, and items you picked up on your travels to spaces in your home.
While this list of suggested updates and recommendations can potentially feel overwhelming at first, just think about taking a room-by-room approach. Choose 3-5 items from this list that feel good and start making changes to one room in your home that currently feels the opposite of tranquil and zen, and see how these changes help to improve the space and your well-being.
