When Interior Design Includes In-Home Wellness Design
(Photo courtesy of Body + Soul)
At this point, it seems almost inevitable that in-home wellness design has become a popular subject this year. From likely sources such as Houzz.com and KGA Studio Architects to somewhat less likely places such as USA Today or Body + Soul, designers are being strongly encouraged to consider health and wellness as a priority in their client’s homes and offices.
While it certainly seems counter-intuitive to even consider, one might be forgiven for thinking this year’s health crisis may have been a blessing in disguise, forcing all of us to consider how well or poorly we’ve been taking care of ourselves and our families. This is not meant to diminish the tragedies so many have suffered as a result of the worldwide pandemic; but rather, to note that had more of us been living a healthier lifestyle it may have prevented a significant percentage of such awful outcomes.
With that in mind, and perhaps as inspiration for the future, articles at the sites listed above (along with many others) offer lists of characteristics that any “healthy home” must possess.
Naturally leading the way, we are told that air quality, water quality, and natural light are the absolute minimum for designing a healthy home.
In support of this, Body + Soul author Caitlin Chander shares the thoughts of wellness expert Jessica Sepel…
“If you have a healthy environment, you’re more inclined to live a healthier life,” Jessica explains. “Having a home full of healthy triggers has a huge impact on your physical self.” (Conversely, a home filled with unhealthy triggers could harm all members of a family.)
In-Home Wellness Design Features
Beyond the need for clean air and water, as well as natural lighting, other areas may not jump immediately to mind when trying to design a healthy living or workspace (or both in the same home these days).
Air quality – Many wellness-focused designers make air quality a priority. Although houseplants such as spider plants and aloe vera can remove toxins, including formaldehyde, from the air, specific design features can clean the air in a home as well.
“Adequate filtered air in every room is necessary and a building code standard we abide by in every project. An HVAC system controlled and timed with an app like Nest is energy-efficient and allows for consistent airflow,” says Shelly Lynch-Sparks, founder and principal of the boutique design firm Hyphen & Co., at USA Today.
Water quality – “Water is essential to maintaining the function of every system in the body, including the heart, brain, and muscles. Use touchless faucets with built-in water filters throughout the home to encourage hydration.”
“A shower filtration system greatly reduces exposure to chlorine and other harmful chemicals that can dry out and damage skin and hair. A zero-threshold shower with an attractive grab bar ensures that shower will be accessible to everyone.” (KGA)
Natural lighting – As all designers know, light can make all the difference in any space. “Dark spaces impact your mood and also impact your ability to make healthier choices,” says Jessica. “For me, dark places make me unhappy. Not feeling happy of course, increases our chances of making the wrong health choices – like emotional eating.”
Beyond light-filled design features, “She recommends opening up the doors first thing in the morning and when you get home from work to allow the natural flow of air and light to stream in. While not everyone will have the luxury of loads of natural light, try and find patches of sun in your home that you can retreat to.” (Body + Soul)
Head health – “Caring for the mind is equally as important as caring for the body. [Incorporating] “I deserve it” features such as an in-home massage room or yoga studio are a great way to support mental and emotional health.”
“Provide space and opportunities for interaction with friends, family, neighbors, and the community. Homes with a strong indoor-outdoor connection, such as a living room with over-sized or corner-meet sliding glass doors that open up to a patio, create a cozy atmosphere that promotes socialization.” (KGA)
Heart health – Not in just the physical sense, but the emotional. “Jessica recommends creating a space in your home that manifests all those good feelings [and] acts as a destination for healing after a crazy day outside and using it as a retreat in times of stress. Also if possible, a place where you can work out when you don’t have time to go to the gym or exercise outdoors.”
“In my home, I have my own sanctuary which acts as a healing space I can go to in times of stress. I have a yoga mat and I burn candles. Of course, if you have a garden you can also create it there.” (Body + Soul)
Natural fabrics – Though not mentioned specifically in the articles referenced above, the use of natural and “organic” fabrics can add a sense of natural beauty that leads to a more peaceful and comfortable living space. (We put the word organic in quotation marks because not all organic products are as completely organic as we would like them to be. Check with your suppliers for true, organically produced fabrics where available.)
Just as with air, water, and building materials, eliminating chemicals like pesticides and artificial dyes will go a long way toward making any space healthier. Whether you are selecting and recommending fabrics for new furniture, carpeting, rugs, linens, or draperies, sticking to the natural side of things will add a greater degree of wellness to any home or office.
Design features like these will do much more than simply creating a healthier living and working environment for your clients. By making them conscious of such healthy choices in your designs, you will also be encouraging them to adopt a healthier mindset for themselves, their families, and in the case of office wellness design, their coworkers.
Granted, the areas we’ve listed above do not represent every area an interior designer can focus on to meet the growing need for in-home wellness of their clients. However, it should get you thinking in the right direction and, with a bit of research, you should be able to compile your own list of home-healthy characteristics.
Business Coaching and Consulting with Ted Fall
Are you struggling to implement new in-home health design protocols for your clients? Have your reactions to the crisis left you floundering for a practical response while foundering to stay afloat until things return to normal?
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