As an interior designer, I am always looking for the latest, newest, and hottest trends. I love this about interior design. There is always something new to see and learn. It’s continually changing to reflect the ever-changing way we live.
I recently attended High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina, and it was clear that wellness was one of the hottest design trends. Given our experiences over the last few years, it’s not a big surprise. Our mood is easily influenced by our surroundings, and in turn, can affect our health, productivity, and quality of life. Spaces with clutter, poor air circulation, and harsh or not enough lighting are proven to cause stress. Good design is about the balance of aesthetics and functionality, and when done well, it can help promote a greater sense of well-being. Here are some of my favorite ways to create a more calming environment: nature, spiritual nook, lighting, decluttering, space planning, colors, and smart technology.
We continue to see and love the spaces that blur the line between indoors and out. Bringing the outside in and the inside out by using plants, natural materials like wood and bamboo, as well as colors that mimic nature, can easily be incorporated in every space. Rattan is having a moment, being used in everything from furniture to lighting. It makes the perfect accent to the lighter, brighter paint color we are currently seeing.
I love the idea of a Zen or yoga nook since it does not take up a lot of space and can be incorporated in an office, bedroom, or living room. A meditation pillow, crystals, and any other items that bring you joy are a simple way to carve out an area for you to go into every time you want to practice meditation, gratefulness, or just be still. In one home we recently worked in, we used beautiful baskets to store weights, bands, and a yoga mat.
Lighting is important and can take several forms, and most rooms would benefit from each. Natural light is the perfect mood booster, provided you’re not trying to sleep. I recently changed the location of my office to the room with the best morning sun. It’s been a wonderful way to start my day. Task and ambient lighting are also important to set the mood for work or relaxation.
Decluttering is an easy way to bring a sense of calm. Find a place for all your necessities and pitch what you don’t need. Consider using baskets and trays to beautify and organize. I like to label things as well, which makes it easier for others to help keep control of the clutter. In my kitchen, our toaster sits on a pretty tray which also serves as a crumb catcher, making clean up easy.
Space planning is vital to a room’s feeling and functioning right. It’s the very first step in designing a room. An inviting space is one with ample seating that gives a sense of comfort, relaxation, and increased functionality. Consider the traffic patterns and specific uses of the space. The more personalized you make your home, the more relaxed and restored you will feel from the stresses of everyday life.
Colors play a large part in how a space feels. Neutrals and natural colors are said to be calming, which makes them a great backdrop to add more intense colors and texture. Calming, nature-inspired colors like shades of green are associated with balance, renewal, and are currently very popular. Ready for some pizazz? Consider adding small doses of these colors: red is stimulating, yellow is energizing, and black is dramatic.
If you are planning a project like a kitchen or bath remodel, use this opportunity to level up your amenities. It may not add as much to the cost as you think. Take advantage of the new technology by adding modern appliances such as smart fridges and a charging station to increase efficiency and make your kitchen more of a sociable area. In your bathroom, consider a smart shower that allows you to set the water temperature, flow rate, and shower duration, and smart toilets have features like seat warmers, touch-free automatic lids, night lights, and even speakers for your favorite music. Rain shower heads, jets, and soaking tubs are additional bathroom amenities many homeowners desire for relaxing.
As we ring in 2023 with anticipation and excitement for all that may come, I hope you found some inspiration for lowering the stress in your home. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
