In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout are all too common. With this in mind, creating a feeling of peace and wellbeing within our homes has become more important than ever. 

This is where the wellness design trend comes in – a holistic approach to interior design that prioritises physical, mental and emotional well-being.

What is wellness design?

The term “wellness design” is everywhere right now. But what does that mean for the way we design and decorate offices, public buildings and our homes?

Let’s start from the beginning. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is a non profit organisation on a mission to empower wellness worldwide. They do this by educating public and private sectors about preventative health and wellness.

They ultimately define wellness as: “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”

If we were to focus home renovations or property developments around this idea of ‘holistic health’ in all areas of life, the benefits to both occupants and wider society could be huge. Improving productivity, enhancing creativity and increasing happiness are just some of the reasons wellness design could be good for us.

In practice, this looks like intentionally considering how elements such as lighting, thermal efficiency, fresh air and a connection to nature could impact how a space makes us feel.

Is there a connection to Biophilic Design?

According to mental health charity Mind the benefits of spending time in nature include increased confidence and a greater sense of community. So it makes sense to try and somehow connect our homes with the natural world.

The concept of ‘biophilia’ means to bring nature indoors through plants, organic materials and calming water features. In addition to large windows and glass doors that let in lots of natural light. The idea is to reduce stress, promote relaxation and help us to feel closer to nature all year round.

To bring this all together, biophilic design and wellness design are intrinsically connected through this shared concept of creating spaces that help us feel healthier and happier.

What are the elements of wellness design?

Wellness design goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on creating spaces that actively nurture our wellbeing. Reflecting this, the key principles of wellness design are:

Mindfulness
Designing spaces that encourage activities like meditation, yoga or simply quiet reflection to create opportunities for inner peace and clarity.

Healthy Materials
Opting for non-toxic or FSC certified materials. Improving air quality and minimising electromagnetic fields to foster a healthier living environment.

Sensory Appeal
Engaging all five senses through textures, colours, sounds and scents to offer a more immersive and satisfying experience.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Designing accessible spaces that can be easily modified to accommodate different needs and activities to enhance comfort and promote a sense of control.

Trending Elements of Wellness Design

We spend around 90% of our time indoors which, of course, is enough of a reason to ensure our homes are an enjoyable place to be. But as wellness design complements several emerging 2024 interior design trends, now’s an especially perfect time to inject a little extra wellness into your living space.

Curved Shapes and Organic Flow
Move away from harsh lines and sharp angles. Instead, incorporate soft curves and natural forms to create a sense of fluidity and peace. Take inspiration from Japandi Design.

Earthy Palettes and Textures
Utilise nature-inspired colours like greens, blues and browns (along with natural materials like stone, linen and oak doors). This brings the outdoors in and fosters a sense of grounding.

Multifunctional Spaces
Design rooms that serve multiple purposes (think: living rooms that double as yoga studios or home offices with integrated relaxation areas). This maximises space and encourages mindful open plan living.

Smart Technology Integration
Invest in smart lighting systems, air purifiers and sound systems to create personalised atmospheres that support sleep, focus and relaxation.

Focus on Mental Health
Create dedicated spaces for mindfulness practices. This could be a reading nook or a cinema room. Also, bring out those cherished objects and any favourite artwork or photos to evoke positive emotions.

The best doors for wellness design

Install sliding doors that create an effortless transition (and permanent connection) to your garden. With their large panes of glass and sleek sightlines, sliding doors help to maximise natural light and increase the flow of fresh air. Complement this with glazed internal doors that allow light to flood throughout each room and white doors which help to achieve a light, bright atmosphere.

Create Your Own Wellness Oasis

The beauty of wellness design is that it can be adapted to any space and budget. Here are some tips to get started:

• Maximise natural light and incorporate plants. Let the sun shine in and add greenery to breathe life into your space.

• Declutter and personalise your space. Eliminate visual clutter and surround yourself with things that bring you joy.

• Choose calming colours and textures. Go for soft hues and natural materials that create a sense of tranquillity

• Dedicate a space for self-care. Settle into a quiet corner for meditation, yoga or simply reading a book.

• Invest in sensory experiences. Use essential oils, calming music or water features to engage your senses.

Start your wellness design journey

Wellness design is a journey, not a destination.

It’s about creating a living environment that supports your unique needs and aspirations for wellbeing.

Experiment, listen to your intuition and enjoy the process of bringing wellness design into your home.

By embracing the principles of wellness design, you could enjoy a home that not only looks elevated but nourishes mind, body and soul too, paving the way for a calmer and more meaningful lifestyle.

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