Normally I'm not a fan of trends. I'm not a big gangster. I would never be called fashionable. I like what I like and I don't care if it's spicy or not. However, there is one trend that I am increasingly fascinated by and that is the increasing focus on wellness in interior design.
Wellness is a somewhat wishy-washy term that attracts charlatans and frankly irritates me, but for lack of a better word, we'll stick with it for now. Amidst all the wellness nonsense, there are some pieces of wisdom that have stood the test of time and are worth considering. For example, exercise is undeniably good for you. Getting enough sleep and eating foods that both bring joy and provide nutrients are smart measures.
There's tons of research that shows it's a good idea to spend time in an environment that has a positive impact on our mental and physical health. We spend most of our time at home, even though we sleep most of the time. Therefore, it makes sense that our homes have a profound impact on our well-being, influencing how we feel, how we move, how we eat, how we socialize and how we sleep.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to incorporating wellness into your home. It should reflect your lifestyle, needs and personal preferences. The most important thing is to remember that your home (or at least part of your home) should be a place that promotes your individual well-being. Here are some things to consider that might work for you.
In September this year I spent a week in South Korea (highly recommended) and was impressed by how well they incorporate nature into their interior design. Introducing natural elements like houseplants not only purifies the air in your home but is also proven to reduce stress.
If you're like me and have the opposite of a green thumb, try hardy plants that tend to be neglected, like the Kentia palm, which has somehow survived my care for over four years. If you're lucky enough to have a garden, consider setting up a dedicated seating area where you can enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by greenery.
In addition to green plants, other natural materials also help anchor your home in nature and create a calming atmosphere, such as wood, linen or natural stone. Many homeowners swear by aquariums and there are some claims that they cause less stress. However, you should be aware that fish require care and be prepared to do it properly.
Good air quality is good for our health. We are fortunate that the air quality in Ireland is generally good. However, if you live in a metropolitan area, you may want to consider investing in an air purifier. Opening the windows and letting in fresh air for a few minutes every day can help reduce indoor pollutants – what the Germans call “shock ventilation”.
Lighting is another critical factor. Natural light has a significant impact on mood, energy levels and sleep. Try to maximize the natural light in your home by opening curtains, using sheer fabrics, and strategically placing mirrors to reflect light around the room. In the evening, opt for warm, diffused light to create a cozy atmosphere and encourage relaxation.
Speaking of trends: Another current wellness topic is NEAT – thermogenic activity without physical activity. This is all the energy you use throughout the day that does not come from exercise – for example, climbing stairs or carrying shopping bags. Incorporating smaller bursts of exercise into your day can be as simple as making exercise more attractive in your home.
Clear paths and open spaces encourage activity, even if it's just walking back and forth during a phone conversation. If you work from home, consider using a standing desk or purchasing a walking pad to take a quick walk during breaks or during phone calls.
You don't need a lot of space to set up your own training corner. A few resistance bands, a few weights and a good yoga mat are enough, everything is easy to store.
Sleep is the foundation of well-being and your bedroom should be an oasis of calm. Invest in a good mattress, quality bedding made from natural materials, blackout curtains and a supportive mattress. Keep the color palette calm and neutral to promote relaxation. For optimal sleep, it is recommended that the temperature in your bedroom be slightly cooler than other rooms – between 15 and 18°C.
Consider banning technology from your bedroom at least after a certain time (e.g. 8 p.m.). Replace your phone with a good old-fashioned alarm clock to avoid late-night or early-morning scrolling, and in turn, add warm, diffused ambient light to wind down the evening.
Wellness is a multi-sensory experience and in our obsession with the right colors we often forget to incorporate smells, sounds and textures into our design. Candles or diffusers can fill your home with calming lavender or invigorating citrus. Soft music, nature sounds or white noise in the background can promote relaxation and concentration. Finally, think about the feel – fluffy carpets, soft linens and comfortable furniture make your home feel inviting and nurturing.
If there's a lot going on in your home, try to create a space that's just conducive to relaxing and de-stressing. This could be an armchair, a bathtub, a place to listen or play music, or even a home sauna (they're not as expensive as you might think!).