Small Changes in Your Home to Improve Wellbeing and Beautiful Space
Wellness Design
Today I wanted to introduce you to wellness design, a design trend and philosophy that has only continued to gain popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Credit: Seattle Spheres
If you haven’t heard of it before, wellness design takes a holistic approach where architects and designers prioritize creating environments that foster well-being and vitality, in both commercial and residential settings. Central to the philosophy are elements that minimize stress and enhance relaxation like natural light, effective ventilation systems, and abundant greenery.
While you may not be able to exactly replicate Amazon’s Seattle Spheres (pictured above), an urban office where over 40,000 species of plants surround workers, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate some of the principles of this design movement into your own space. You never know, making some of these small changes might just improve your happiness, health, and overall quality of life.
How To Incorporate Wellness Design Into Your Home
1. Natural Materials
One of the easiest ways to incorporate wellness design into your home is to use natural materials in your furniture and decor choices. This could be anything from choosing timber furniture to add warmth to your room or using bamboo fabric for your bedding as it is an up-and-coming sustainable fiber.
Using natural materials will instantly create a connection to the outdoors within your space which has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance wellbeing. I also find that these materials tend to have a grounding effect that can make a space feel more tranquil.
Credit: Design Files - Nicole England
2. Maximise Natural Lighting
Natural light is integral to wellness design as it helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boosts your mood, and also can enhance productivity. Here are some easy ways that you can maximize natural light in your space:
Employ A Light Colour Scheme
Light-coloured furnishings and walls reflect natural light which can make your space feel brighter and more open. Choose whites, creams, and light pastels over dark colors if you’re planning on updating your space. Notice how bright, light, and airy these spaces look because they have used light color schemes!
Credit: Design Files - James Geer
Credit: Studio McGee
Clean Up Your Windows
Make sure your windows are clean and unobstructed. Cut down or trim any branches that overhang your windows so more natural light floods in. Also, clean up any clutter you have sitting on your window sills!
Use Mirrors & Reflective Surfaces
Get more mirrors and be strategic about where you place them so more natural light is bounced around your room. A great spot is placing them opposite a window as this can make it look like you have a portal to another world in your space!
Notice how they have used mirrored upper cabinets with an antique finish in this small kitchen to create the illusion of a larger space!
Credit: BCDF Studio
3. Plants
Plants purify air and reduce stress, so it’s no wonder that they’re a vital component of wellness design.
Choose Low Maintenance Plants
Plants such as snake plants, pothos, and succulents are really easy to care for. They’re great for beginner gardeners or people who swear that they can’t keep a plant alive as they are really hardy and don’t need much attention.
Create A Green Wall
A green wall is a really interesting way to incorporate greenery into your space, especially if you have a small backyard or balcony and feel like you don’t have many options for gardening. It’s also a great way to cover up an ugly wall.
Lush rooftop balcony with grapevine growing on wires, ficus tree (far right corner), and creeping rosemary (bottom right corner).
4. Ergonomic Furniture
Another way to incorporate wellness design into your own home is to invest in some ergonomic furniture for your office.
Ergonomic Chairs
You may consider getting an ergonomic desk chair as it will provide you with better lumbar support. This will promote good posture and reduce the risk of neck and back pain.
Keyboard and Mouse Placement
This tip doesn’t require you to purchase any new equipment. Just make sure that your keyboard and mouse are positioned at elbow level and close to your body so there is less strain on your arms and shoulders.
Adjustable Desks
You could also consider getting a height-adjustable test so you can spend some of your working days standing instead of sitting all the time. This can greatly improve comfort, especially if you work long hours at a desk.
Beautiful Space
Written by Alyn Griffiths | Photography by Rory Gardiner
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