We’re living in an era where life’s pace seems ever-accelerating. In all the chaos, we barely find a moment of peace for ourselves. And that is why now, more than ever, investing in our homes, and ourselves, is crucial. Doing so will let us prioritize both our mental and physical health.
One of the best ways to do so is by creating a wellness sanctuary in our homes. From the colors we choose to the sunlight entering through the windows, the environment around us can impact our health and mental well-being. Keep reading as we talk all about designing for wellness. Let’s create a home that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
Embracing Natural Materials
There’s a rising craving for nature and simplicity in today’s tech-driven world. And interior design is really jumping around this trend! That’s why we see the use of natural materials in homes across the globe. These connect the interior with Mother Nature, creating a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience.
The Hidden Science of Wood
Wood is visually warm and inviting in the interior. But it also has some super cool benefits. When wood is minimally processed, it releases phytoncides. Exposure to these natural materials can lower cortisol levels, boost your immune function, and even help you sleep better.
This concept is deeply tied to Shinrin-Yoku, also called forest bathing. This Japanese practice promotes the healing power of nature. It was developed in the 1980s in Japan. Shinrin-Yoku encourages you to mindfully immerse yourself in nature, and absorb its physical and mental health benefits.
You can bring Shinrin-Yoku to your space with various products:
- Forest therapy-inspired essential oils can recreate the olfactory experience of walking through a cedar forest. For example, the Shinrin-Yoku Essential Oil Set from Mogutable includes cedar, cypress, and hinoki oils, all known for their stress-reducing properties.
- Try a Shinrin-Yoku handwash, like this one by Earl of East. It is infused with cedarwood, oakmoss, and black pepper, and brings a grounding essence of forest bathing to your daily routine. The handwash’s botanical formula cleanses while calming your nerves.
- Playing forest soundscapes (such as rustling leaves, birds chirping, and water flowing) while you meditate or read can recreate the tranquility of a forest in your home. Consider the Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine for playing natural sounds in your home.
If you’re craving a true Shinrin-Yoku experience, here are some of the best places in the U.S. to go forest bathing:
- Muir Woods National Monument (California)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
- The Adirondacks (New York)
- Olympic National Park (Washington)
Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Furniture
Conventional furniture pieces often contain volatile organic compounds, which are harmful for our health. Eco-friendly and non-toxic furniture eliminates these hidden risks. You want to look for solid wood (preferably FSC-certified), bamboo, reclaimed wood, or non-toxic metal alternatives. Medley Home offers some amazing hand-made and non-toxic sofas!
Clay and Lime Plasters
Clay- and lime-based plasters are trendy alternatives to paint. But did you know they’re also natural air purifiers? These plasters absorb toxins while regulating the humidity in your interior. Plus, lime has antimicrobial properties, which helps prevent mold from growing. So, instead of a drywall and paint, consider finishing your walls with lime or clay.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design connects residents with nature. This is done in an attempt to improve our well-being.
Add Indoor Plants
Being around plants has so many benefits for us. It reduces stress; improves our mood; and instills within us a sense of calm. Some of the best indoor plants that make your space look expensive include:
- Umbrella tree
- Dracaena Reflexa
- Fiddle leaf fig
- Olive tree
- Monstera
- Cactus
When adding small potted plants (like cacti) you can double their decorative presence with plant stands. We especially love the Verdant Vogue Tree by House Plant Paradise. Its golden metallic frame instantly adds luxury. If space is at a premium, a Wall Mounted Plant Stand will serve the purpose without taking up floor space.
Maximize Natural Light
Another important part of biophilic design is letting natural light seep into your home. This is important for us, but also for the indoor plants we’re growing. If your home receives limited natural light, nothing to worry about. Consider the Grove LED Grow Light by Soltech, perfect for wall mounting. It will keep your plants growing and make your room all the more aesthetic.
Kullsins’ Plant Grow Lights come with an automatic timer, so you don’t have to worry about switching it on or off. It’s great for plants placed on the shelf. For those luxury trees we mentioned, you’ll need a bigger light, something like the Yadoker Grow Light. You can adjust its pole according to the height of your plant.
Another cool idea is buying a Plant Stand with Grow Lights. You can just pop your favorite planters onto the stand, and the lights will be ready to help them grow.
Using the Right Colors
Colors have a profound impact on our moods. Some make us feel relaxed (great for bedrooms) while others energize us, which are good choices for entertainment areas like the dining room. Colors are one of the primary areas of focus in our interior design and decorating services.
- Blue. Calming, promotes focus, trust, and productivity
- Red. Energizing, stimulates appetite, passion, and urgency
- Green. Refreshing and balancing, associated with nature
- Purple. Luxurious and creative, often linked to spirituality
- Orange. Warm and stimulating, evokes enthusiasm
- Black. Elegant and powerful, but can feel heavy
- White. Clean and pure, enhances a sense of space but can feel sterile
- Gray. Neutral and sophisticated, but can feel dull
- Pink. Soft and nurturing, associated with femininity
- Brown. Warm and grounded, evokes stability
If you’re struggling to choose the colors that will promote wellness in your home, our team at CRAFT By Anika offers paint consultation services, too.
Ergonomic Design
If you work from home, you know how important it can be to focus on ergonomic spaces. This makes sure you’re comfortable and in the right position, even when you’re working. The end result is mental and physical peace (which long working hours in the wrong position can often take away!).
Ergonomic Desks
Long working hours often mean you’re glued to your chair for the same amount of time. And that can be really harmful for your knees. That’s where a sit-stand desk comes in handy. You can adjust the height of this piece so you can work while sitting, and then alternate to standing, and back, throughout the time you’re working. The Vernal L-Shaped Standing Desk is an affordable option. You can find plenty of amazing options at Uplift, too.
Ergonomic Chairs
Pair your desk with an ergonomic chair. We love the Herman Miller Aeron Chair for its unique suspension material. This divides the seat into 8 zones of (varying) tension. It keeps your body in a suitable posture, and the chair moves in harmony with your body’s natural posture. From the seat height to the armrest, everything is adjustable.
Spaces for Relaxation and Exercise
For relaxation, create cozy nooks or “hyggekrogs”, a Danish concept of small and comfy corners designed for relaxation. You can outfit these spaces with soft lighting and plush cushions. Don’t hesitate to add on what you love, like a scented candle. These are also great spots to sit back and journal your thoughts away.
For physical well-being, designate an area for activities (like yoga or Pilates). These exercises can improve your flexibility as well as mental clarity. They can strengthen your core and improve your posture. Such activities enhance muscular balance, which reduces the strain on your joints. In yoga, we often control our breathing techniques. This can help with detoxification and muscle recovery. Plus, these activities promote mindfulness and reduce stress levels.
Getting a quick yoga mat and some props will serve the purpose. The best part is that these activities are great to practice in small spaces, too. Here’s some equipment suitable for limited space:
- A pilates ring (like the URBNFit Pilates Ring) adds resistance to movements. This helps tone your muscles and improves core strength. For progressive resistance for strength training, you can use resistance bands.
- A small exercise ball engages your deep core muscles and helps promote stability. The URBNFit Mini Pilates Ball is perfect for targeting abs, glutes, and inner thighs.
- The Wahoo KICKR Core Smart Trainer allows you to do effective cardiovascular workouts.
Included in this picture: URBNFit 12″ Pilates Ring, URBNFit 9″ Small Exercise Ball, Gaiam Yoga Mat, Gaiam Dumbbell Hand Weight, AURUZA Pilates Grip Socks, Renoj Resistance Bands, AZURELIFE Resistance Bands, The DB Method Dreamlets Wrist and Ankle Weights
Pure Mulberry Silk Accessories
Pure mulberry silk accessories, like pillowcases, hair wraps, and eye masks, offer many benefits. The smooth surface of silk reduces friction on your hair and skin. This helps prevent hair breakage and also avoids skin irritation. Additionally, silk is less absorbent than other fabrics. This means your skin and hair can retain their moisture (i..e, they won’t dry out).
The Silk Collection offers a high-quality collection of such items. We also recommend the pillowcases by Blissy. Both brands offer products that can help enhance your sleep quality.
Enhancing Air Quality
Another important part of designing for wellness is…well, what we can’t see: the air. Air purifiers can help remove pollutants and allergens from the environment, which is essential for our health. If you’re looking for something high end, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP04 (Prussian Blue/Gold) is the company’s quietest and most powerful air purifier! It captures urban air pollutants while also cooling you. For a more affordable choice, the Levoit Core 300 can serve the purpose in a rather compact design.
Let’s Design for Wellness in Your Home
Our team at CRAFT By Anika is all about creating interiors that reflect your taste and nurture your mind, body, and soul. Let’s have a chat to get started 🤍
