Interior Design for Wellness
Beyond designing picture-perfect homes, today’s consumers want homes that prioritise the physical and mental health of homeowners. While beautiful aesthetics are important, the impact of the space matters. Does it calm or energise you? Your home isn’t just your living space, it is your sanctuary and oasis that nurtures your health and relaxes your mind. As someone who is pursuing an interior design course in India, it’s important to know what designing for wellness is. It’s a new vertical that is gaining swift recognition as people want to live in tranquil environments.
What is Wellness Interior Design?
As the name implies, the focus of wellness interior design is creating environments that promote overall well-being. While the look and feel of the space matters, it’s also about the functionality, the vibes it gives and the elements around the home. Wellness interior design prioritises comfort, lays emphasis on natural materials and ensures sustainable practices are used in making of the home.
Interior Design & Mental Well-being: Follow these Core Principles
Ergonomics
For those unaware, ergonomics refers to the science of designing spaces and products that are suited for the human body and its capabilities. For instance, you’ve probably heard of an ergonomic chair. The key role is reducing physical strain, preventing injury and enhancing overall comfort. The first and foremost rule is designing for comfort.
Start by selecting furniture that offers proper support. It significantly impacts posture. You must also design spaces keeping circulation in mind. Accessible features ensure ease of movement. If you have a home study, make sure the workstation design is ergonomic.
Embrace the Principles of Vastu Shastra
In our country, the science of Vastu has been integral when it comes to designing a home. It’s been an important part of architecture for centuries. New homeowners especially want their homes to be Vastu-compliant. When cues from this science are taken to align spaces, it ensures prosperity, good health, ventilation and tranquillity. Whether it’s the position of your door, desk, mirror or bed, everything matters in Vastu. Every little thing you do can make a difference. The best practice is to make a Vastu expert sit with an interior designer.
Embrace Natural Light
Natural light enhances air flow in a home. It promotes both physical as well as mental well-being. The aesthetic of a home also depends on how much natural light comes into a home on a regular basis. While it aids in ventilation, it also improves mood, regulates sleep, and boosts productivity. If there is too much natural light in your space, use sheer curtains. Light-coloured walls amplify natural light. In order to maximise exposure, it’s best to place windows strategically. You can also install skylights to brighten dim areas. You can also incorporate biophilic sensibilities in your interior design. The most obvious way to do it is by installing tons of greenery. Choose from a variety of indoor plants.
Choose Non-toxic Materials
Paint contains harmful chemicals. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to paint your home. Instead, go in for non-toxic finishes or paints that do not contain harmful chemicals. As far as materials are also concerned, go in for materials such as bamboo or reclaimed wood. You can also opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials. This can impact air quality and health. You can also go in for energy-efficient building materials. This reduces the reliance on artificial heating and creates a comfortable indoor environment.
Incorporate Sound scaping
When you’re creating a home centred around wellness, noise pollution can disrupt sleep and enhance stress levels. Thus, managing sound is crucial for well-being. Select materials that absorb and diffuse noise. You can also use rugs and upholstered furniture. You can also consider using window treatments that block external noise effectively. Your home should be an oasis that supports relaxation and concentration.
Designing for Mental Health
Mental clarity usually begins with the spaces we inhabit. While you can shape your interior design in a particular way, you must also declutter regularly to gain a sense of control. Each day, designate a space that promotes mediation, reading and relaxation. Ensure your bedding and other furnishing is soft. You can also install various modes of aromatherapy to create a relaxing ambience.
How Interior Design Students Can Bring Wellness into Their Work?
If you’re a budding interior design student, it’s important to start weaving wellness into your work now only. When you’re designing your portfolio, try to include as many biophilic elements as you can. Take wellness design as your niche and focus on it. There are many takers for interior spaces that are wellness centric. It’s also important to stay curious about things such as Vastu Shastra, colour psychology and human behaviour.
At Vogue, we believe that designing with wellness and well-being in mind is not just meaningful but also marketable. Our interior design course curriculum includes specific modules on designing with wellness in mind.
