When it comes to designing your home or workspace, it's not just about creating a visually appealing environment. Your home is so much more than that, it is a true reflection of your soul and inner yearnings. Your space should support your overall wellbeing and contribute to a positive and harmonious lifestyle. As a holistic interior designer, I believe that incorporating some simple yet impactful tools and elements can transform your space into just that, a supportive sanctuary. In this blog post, I will share with you some key considerations to help you create a space that promotes your physical and mental health.

1. Feng Shui & Crystals

Feng Shui focuses on the flow and layout of a space to harness positive energy and balance. By incorporating Feng Shui principles, you can create a harmonious, nurturing, and supportive environment that will positively affect your own energy or that of your entire family (you can read more about my approach here). A wonderful addition to Feng Shui is the use of crystals. Crystals are believed to possess unique properties that can influence the energy in a space. By strategically placing specific crystals, you can create an even deeper harmonious and supportive energy (check out here why crystals are an amazing addition to your interior, and here for my three essential crystals for the home and where to place them).

2. Lighting

Lighting has a profound impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing, affecting our mood, productivity, and overall health. When designing your space, consider the lighting design and specifications to optimise your wellbeing. Take into consideration both natural and artificial lights to create the most impactful approach. Natural light is particularly beneficial as it boosts vitamin D levels, regulates sleep patterns, and enhances mood. Incorporate a design that promotes optimal use of natural light during the day. Artificial lighting should only take over at night and not completely replace natural light. Aim to mimic the qualities of natural light as much as possible and think about how you use or intend to use your space. Avoid grid ceiling lights and favour intentional placement. Choose the right light bulbs in terms of light temperature (you can find more information here) and opt for energy-efficient options to reduce your energy consumption.

3. Connection To Nature

Bringing the outdoors in has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. Biophilic design focuses on integrating natural elements, such as plants, natural materials, and organic shapes, into your space. By incorporating biophilic design principles, you can create a space that reduces stress levels, improves mood, enhances creativity, and increases your overall productivity. Consider adding indoor plants, incorporating natural textures, and introducing earthy colour palettes to establish a strong connection with nature.

4. Acoustics

The acoustics of a space greatly influence our overall wellbeing. Excessive noise pollution can contribute to stress, impact our ability to concentrate, and disrupt sleep patterns. When designing your space, consider acoustic considerations and solutions to enhance its quality. Strategies may include incorporating sound-absorbing materials, such as carpets or curtains, installing acoustic panels, and implementing layouts that reduce noise transmission. By minimising unwanted noise, you can create a peaceful, calm and productive environment that promotes relaxation and focus.

5. Air Quality

Indoor air quality plays a significant role in our health and wellbeing. Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and a general feeling of discomfort. To support wellbeing, it's essential to consider measures that prioritise good air circulation and limit indoor pollution. Ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to promote fresh air exchange and consider using air purifiers. Choose low-emission materials and avoid products that contain harmful chemicals. Maintaining balanced temperatures and humidity levels further contributes to optimal indoor air quality. Additionally, consider adding indoor plants to improve air quality (check out the best plants to detoxify your home here). By taking these steps, you can create a space with clean and healthy air, supporting your respiratory health and overall wellbeing.

6. Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Materials

Consciously choosing sustainable materials for your interior not only benefits the environment but also contributes to your personal wellbeing. Not only sustainable materials are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and toxins, but by specifically looking for eco-friendly options such as reclaimed wood, natural fibre carpets or rugs, or recycled materials, you will create a healthier indoor environment for you and your loved ones. Consider upcycling rather than buying new, and think about the entire lifecycle of the products you bring into your space. By opting for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, you can reduce your carbon footprint and embrace a more responsible and conscious approach to interiors.

Whether it's optimising the flow of energy, maximising natural light, embracing nature, ensuring a serene soundscape, promoting clean air, or choosing sustainable materials, each decision you make contributes to a space that supports your overall health and happiness. Remember, it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Changing the way we approach things takes time and effort, but even making one conscious change can have a significant impact and bring you closer to your goals and optimal balance.

Julie