The spaces we call home hold untapped potential to become powerful allies in our pursuit of wellness and tranquility. Creating a truly restorative environment goes beyond incorporating organic cotton throws and essential oil diffusers. The secret lies in recognizing that homes are living entities rather than mechanical constructs for shelter.

 

Nature’s Blueprint

The human eye instinctively gravitates toward the soft curves and organic forms found in natural settings. Social psychologist Erich Fromm coined the term biophilia to describe an intrinsic affinity between living things. In architecture, biophilic design aims to create living spaces that foster well-being through a connection with nature.

One way to mimic nature indoors is through the use of curves and organic shapes, according to Lauren Riddei, a wellness interior designer and founder of Haus Holistics, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For instance, consider replacing angular coffee tables with round styles or swapping rectangular mirrors for curved versions.

Riddei recommends starting with one curved element at a time, making it “a goal that any new piece of art, furniture or accessory brought into the space has curves in them.” The recent trend toward rounded furniture reflects our innate craving for spaces where energy flows freely, unobstructed by sharp corners where it tends to get stuck.

Color psychology extends this natural approach beyond shapes. Rather than following fads, hues should be chosen based on current life needs, according to Lisa Morton, a holistic interior designer and founder of Pure Living With Lisa Morton. “Maybe the client doesn’t need calm. Maybe they’re in a rut and need revitalization, in which case they need oranges, yellows and pinks,” she advises, adding that if the primary objective is to create a soothing environment, blues, greens and creams should be considered.

Morton also recommends that homeowners follow the seasonal rhythms as a way to “remind our body of being outdoors even when we can’t be.” For example, during the fall and winter months she incorporates chunky rugs and throws crafted from natural fibers. As she explains, such textures resonate with the earth element of feng shui—the ancient Chinese practice of creating harmonious living spaces—thereby creating a sense of stability and grounding.

 

Intentional Energy Flow

The Bagua Map, a feng shui blueprint for energy centers, charts a path for establishing harmony throughout the home. “The centermost area of your home connects to every other important energy center,” Morton asserts. “By lifting the energy of your center area, it affects every other part of your home.”

This intentional care radiates outward. Identifying the home’s center point (imagine a bird’s-eye view of the floor plan) and showering it with attention involves replacing burned-out bulbs, thoroughly vacuuming, fluffing pillows and adding thriving plants or fresh flowers. “If your whole home feels stuck and stagnant, and you do work on this living area, it’s going to radiate out,” she remarks.

According to Morton, the front door deserves equal attention, because in feng shui, it is associated with new opportunities and fresh energy. “A lot of people don’t use their front door. They come and go through the garage,” she observes, recommending that people find ways to regularly use the front door—whether walking the dog or taking morning strolls—as a way to invite new, restorative energy into the home. Shaking out welcome mats, ensuring the smooth functioning of locks and adding seasonal wreaths all contribute to this goal.

Licensed therapist turned interior designer and author of Home Therapy, Anita Yokota takes this intentional approach further with her concept of “core desire”. Rather than making design decisions first and seeing how they make inhabitants feel, she flips the process by asking, “How do you want to feel and be in this space? What relationships do you want to thrive here?” This therapeutic approach ensures that every choice serves deeper needs, rather than following external trends.

 

Creating Sensory Sanctuaries

Another overlooked aspect of holistic home design is sound. While homeowners may obsess over visual elements, they often ignore how acoustic pollution affects well-being. “We are sensitive to loud noises and vibrations,” Riddei says. “We need an environment that won’t keep us on edge when we come home from a long day.” Her unconventional solution involves wind chimes tuned to the healing frequencies of 432 or 528 Hertz (Hz), which she asserts are associated with peace and love. This is particularly helpful for people that live on a noisy road.

Research published in the journal Health found that music tuned to the frequency of 528 Hz significantly reduced stress after only five minutes of listening. For those sensitive to auditory stimulation, Yokota suggests implementing additional insulation or sound-absorbing wall panels.

 

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

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