Wellness design, a concept long established in Europe, is now gaining significant traction in North American homes, according to interior designer Reisa Pollard of Beyond Beige Interior Design. This approach moves beyond aesthetics to focus on how the elements you live with daily impact your overall well-being.
Crafting the Perfect Night's Sleep
Pollard emphasizes that one of the most immediate wellness upgrades you can make is improving your sleep. This involves creating an environment conducive to rest by addressing light, sound, and temperature.
She recommends using blackout drapery to eliminate external light and being mindful of small, intrusive lights from electronics like power bars or televisions. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a small piece of black electrical tape over the tiny orange-glowing lights, Pollard notes, highlighting an affordable solution.
Sound management is also crucial. Whether it's white noise or air circulation, the goal is to be intentional about the auditory environment. Furthermore, maintaining a cooler temperature in the bedroom and opting for all-natural bedding and linens can significantly enhance sleep quality. The use of aromatherapy, particularly lavender, is another simple yet effective tool.
Creating a Personal Decompression Zone
Pollard encourages every homeowner to establish a decompression zone—a dedicated space for relaxation and mental unwinding. This doesn't require a full room; it can be a simple corner with a large cushion.
If the client is lucky enough, they might be able to devote a whole room to meditation or yoga, she says. Such a space could feature warmer, softer lighting, sound barriers, and personal healing items like crystals. This area can also be a shared space for parents and children to decompress together after a busy day.
The Power of Natural and Tactile Materials
For those not undertaking a full renovation, Pollard suggests a simpler path to a calmer home: incorporating natural materials. Choosing woods, linens, wools, and cotton can instantly soften and calm a space.
For homeowners ready for a more substantial investment, she identifies the bathroom as the ideal starting point for a wellness-focused renovation. The philosophy at her firm, which has been their motto for 23 years, is feel good inside, focusing on a holistic design that engages all the senses—how a space looks, feels, smells, and even tastes.
The increased focus on home sanctuaries, a trend accelerated during the pandemic, shows that our living environments are more important than ever for our mental and physical health.
