Comfort, Wellness, and FEEL-Good Design

We want our living spaces to be comfortable, beautiful and healthy. The essence of good design is defined by environments that accomplish this and more: they envelop the senses and feed the soul. 

The way we live (and work) in our homes has changed markedly in the past decade. We recognize the importance of good natural and artificial light for our well-being. We understand the power of rooms that connect us rather than divide us. And finally, we realize that our spaces can nurture us or defeat us depending on whether they are peaceful or cluttered. 

We live in a highly stimulated world. While open concept design is great for gathering people together, it is important for our well-being that we create sanctuary spaces where we can be alone, rest and recharge. That may mean including a yoga or mediation area that can be closed off to the noise and activity of the household. Or, having a separate home office, study or library where one can go to concentrate on a task when socializing isn’t the primary goal. 

LIGHT

Renovating your home? Any opportunity we have to bring more natural light into our homes is worth the investment; adding skylights, transom windows, or enlarging windows. Adding elements that reflect light help as well: high gloss ceilings, mirrors, and glazed tile. Primarily using warm bulbs that mimic daylight helps to alleviate the blues that one can suffer at darker times of the year. Making sure there is good task lighting and enough light for reading, yet that can be changed to enhance ambiance is another smart design strategy. Layers of lighting – recessed, lamps, under-cabinet, spotlights – all contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

COLORS

Earth tones (think sand, grass, wood) and blues (think sky and water) are the most prominent colors of nature. They are both energizing and soothing. There are myriad ways to incorporate these hues into home design: walls, floors, furniture, artwork and accessories. 

CLEAR CLUTTER

I’m not one for unnecessary accessories that sit around and take up space in our lives. It’s important to surround ourselves with only items that make us happy and bring us joy. Keep treasures from your travels, meaningful family heirlooms, a painting that you had to have, and yes, comfortable furniture. Donate unwanted items that serve no real purpose and collect dust. Put them to good use at local fundraising organizations, such as Boomerangs, that provide much-needed outreach while bringing extra income to a worthy cause.

TECHNOLOGY

Not all technology is bad for us. Choosing tech that enhances our well-being and incorporating that into our environments can aid us in living healthier and longer lives. Apps that encourage us to stand up and exercise, count our heartbeats and let us know that our loved ones are safe, are all beneficial. Using NEST or other smart thermostats is great for personal climate control, with the added benefit of being good for the environment.

HEALTHY ELEMENTS

Surrounding yourself with greenery throughout the year is another way to incorporate healthy elements. House plants filter the air and bring us closer to nature. 

Another key to healthier living is incorporating products that omit toxic ingredients. If anyone in your family is sensitive to chemicals, using low VOC products and paints is one way to mitigate their harmful effects.

JOY

The bottom line is creating spaces that make us feel good. Remember, comfort is the ultimate luxury.