The culture of wellness is one that is becoming ever-more ubiquitous, with the UK wellness industry now being valued at around £9 billion. The concept of well-being and self-care, however, is not limited to health and beauty stores. In fact, it’s extending to a number of other areas, including interior design.
It is increasingly popular for residents to design their living spaces with well-being in mind. Alongside aesthetics and practicality, qualities such as comfort, mood, and restoration are being heralded, all with a view to making residential living spaces more associated with happiness and healing.
Connecting To Nature
The rise of biophilia, that is the love of nature, in interior design strongly coincides with wellness design. Homeowners are seeking to connect their living spaces with wild landscapes and, as a result, themselves with nature.
There are a great many ways this can and is being done. Natural light is, of course, the most effective way for residents to embrace nature’s benefits. Sunlight helps to regulate circadian rhythm and fills spaces with a warm, comforting glow. Those who design a space to welcome as much natural light as possible will be rewarded with a visually pleasant space that helps to improve sleep patterns and positive moods.
Homes can also connect with nature in other ways too. The visual presence of houseplants, dried flowers, and even floral designs, are reminiscent of restorative landscapes and have been shown to instill happiness more effectively than plain alternatives. Some homeowners also have the advantage of a garden space too, one that can be filled with exterior living spaces, such as log cabins, enabling residents to extend their indoor activities to the backdrop of a garden setting.
Sensory Therapy
Our senses are an important consideration when designing a living space. Sound, sight, smell, and touch are all key interpreters of an interior design and a space that takes this into account can help residents to feel great when at home.
Plush and soft textures, for example, are conducive to comfort, while relaxing aromas can help to create an atmosphere of tranquillity. Just these small additions can make a significant difference to a living space.
Colour is perhaps the most discussed element of visual character within a living space, and the effects of various tones on mood are, while often subjective, do influence individual mood and the association of identity with a room. Bolder colours are, for example, associated with high energy and empowerment, which can be appropriate in some spaces, but not others. Those who want to create a serene space should, as such, choose their colour scheme accordingly.
Facility And Function
One of the best examples of how a home’s facility is changing is found in the bathroom. No longer is the sole priority of a bathroom space functional. In fact, there is a significant shift toward these spaces becoming more spa-like, a movement known as spa-throom design.
Investments in comforting and luxurious facilities is one that is worthy. While such purchases may seem extravagant, the long-term benefits of self-care in the home is worthwhile, as is being seen in the growing popularity of well-being interior design as a whole.
