As an interior designer, I am always searching for the latest 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 is one of the hottest design trends. 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 poor lighting are proven to cause stress. Good design is about the balance of aesthetics and functionality. When done well, design has the power to help promote a greater sense of well-being. My favorite ways to create a more calming environment include incorporating nature, adding a spiritual nook, elevating lighting, decluttering, space planning, and color selection.
Incorporating Nature
We continue to see and love spaces that blur the line between indoors and out. Bringing the outside in and the inside out can be easily achieved by using plants, natural materials like wood and bamboo, and selecting colors that mimic nature. Rattan is having a moment and can be seen in everything from furniture to lighting. It makes the perfect accent to the lighter, brighter paint colors currently on trend.
Adding a Spiritual Nook
I love the idea of a Zen or yoga nook since it requires minimal space and can be incorporated in an office, bedroom, or living room. A meditation pillow, crystals, and other items that bring you joy are simple ways to carve out a retreat within your home in which to practice meditation, gratefulness, or stillness. In a recent project, we used beautiful baskets to store weights, bands, and a yoga mat.
Elevating Lighting
Lighting is crucial and most rooms benefit from incorporating natural, task, and ambient lighting. Natural light is the perfect mood booster, provided you’re not trying to sleep. I recently relocated 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
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. Labeling items is beneficial as it makes it easier for others to help control the clutter. In my kitchen, our toaster sits on a pretty tray which also serves as a crumb catcher.
Space Planning
Space planning is vital to ensuring a room functions correctly. It’s the very first step in design. An inviting space features ample seating that provides comfort, relaxation, and increased functionality. Consider traffic patterns and specific uses of the space. The more personalized you make your home, the more relaxed and restored you will feel.
Color Selection
Colors play a large part in how a space feels. Neutrals and natural colors are said to be calming, making them a great back drop for more intense colors and texture. Calming, nature-inspired colors like shades of green are associated with balance and renewal and are currently very popular. Ready for some pizazz? Consider adding small doses of stimulating red, energizing yellow, or dramatic black.
As we ring in 2023 with anticipation and excitement, I hope you draw inspiration from what I have shared and lower the stress in your home. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
Our mood is easily influenced by our surroundings, and in turn can affect our health, productivity, and quality of life.