TRANQUIL TRENDS “ Today , clients are looking for their homes to promote their healthy lifestyle and to provide a respite from their daily lives outside the home ,” Michaelsen Yahn says . “ People are searching for a balance between their personal well-being while respecting and protecting the natural environment . The importance of lifestyle — diet , exercise , sleep , managing stress , etc . — have come to the forefront .”
Brophy says that while effective wellnessfocused design must take all five senses into consideration , her firm always starts its projects with mindful planning . Spaces that are designed to flow well — and for how a person actually lives — promote a sense of calm and order .
“ In today ’ s fast-paced lifestyle , wellness-focused design has become a vital necessity for all of us ,” Brophy says . “ Modern life can be overwhelming and stressful , and we all need places that allow us to escape and unwind . Mental health has become a pressing concern , and our homes play a crucial role in supporting our emotional well-being . Our physical health is also profoundly influenced by our surroundings . Wellness-focused design ensures that the air we breathe is cleaner , the
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Whether it ’ s a yoga and meditation space or a spa-like bathroom , Brophy says wellness-focused design is about nurturing the body , mind and spirit . lighting is more natural and our furniture promotes better posture , ultimately contributing to improved overall health and productivity .”
Michaelsen Yahn says clients request spa-like elements in their bathrooms , like saunas and steam showers . She has also designed outdoor showers , weather permitting , and says some plumbing lines can even have wellness systems that incorporate water , light and sound .
Brophy agrees that while hot and cold therapy is not a new trend , it seems to be growing in popularity . “ The number of client requests to include steam rooms , infrared saunas and dedicated cold plunges in their homes has risen sharply ,” she says .
Michaelsen Yahn adds that views looking out to private gardens and fountains are on the rise . “ The interior ’ s connection to nature is key . Natural light and views to the outside are very important [ as well as ] natural construction and furnishing materials ; colors that reflect nature ,” she explains . “ Adding a small wellness space can be as easy as choosing a special corner with good natural light and adding a rug of natural fibers , some trees and / or plants and a few objects that are meditative for you .”
Indeed , “ biophilic design is all the rage right now ,” Brophy says . “ It ’ s all about bringing the beauty of nature indoors by incorporating plants , natural materials like wood and stone , and maximizing natural light . It ’ s about fostering a strong connection with nature to promote a sense of tranquility and serenity .”
Michaelsen Yahn says her firm also gets requests for design of yoga and meditation rooms or spaces within other rooms for these practices . Brophy agrees , noting the pandemic shifted our focus on health , carving out a spot for fitness and wellness is now a must-have element . “ People are transforming their homes to include dedicated workout areas , meditation spaces and yoga studios ,” she says . “ Prioritizing fitness and well-being has never been more essential .”
EMBRACE THE CALM To achieve a Zen-like atmosphere in the home , Brophy recommends incorporating soothing colors such as soft blues and greens as well as light earth tones in gray , brown and tan . “ To strengthen the impact of biophilic design principles in your home , you might draw inspiration from the surrounding natural environment when developing the color palette for your project ,” Brophy says .
She also suggests installing good lighting that is layered — including ample natural light during the day . Combined with calm colors , the right lighting can help to create a space that truly reflects yourself and promotes functionality .
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