The Need for Healthy Spaces
The last couple of years have made one thing abundantly clear - your home is your haven. With so much time spent indoors, working, reflecting on ourselves, and trying to stay healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally, it's more important than ever to be in a space that helps us achieve all this and more.
As work-from-home has become the new normal, many people have begun shifting to suburbs and smaller towns and cities, so they can have larger homes to call their own. But how do you ensure that your home interiors remain healthy and supportive of your wellbeing? That's exactly what I'm here to help you with.
According to the experts at Foyr, the key is to focus on creating a personalized, peaceful sanctuary that caters to your individual needs. You see, most of us try to make our interior environments as pleasant as we can by inserting functionality into our living spaces. But true wellness design goes beyond just usability - it's about creating spaces that actively nurture our mental, physical, and emotional health.
10 Best Tips to Create Healthy Spaces
1. Let the Light In
Be it natural or artificial light, every home needs a good source of illumination. And did you know that lighting can greatly alter your mood? That's right - a lot of bright, warm light can keep your spirits lifted and your energy levels high.
Sunlight, in particular, has amazing health benefits, as it's a source of vital vitamin D and a natural disinfectant. So, try to build large windows and doors that can be opened daily to let the sunshine in. Opt for curtains and drapes in neutral or lighter shades to maximize the light flow. And for nighttime, install excellent sources of artificial lighting that mimic daylight, especially in your study, workspace, or reading nooks.
Remember, letting the light in can work wonders for your circadian rhythm and overall wellbeing. Trust me, you'll notice the positive changes in your home yourself.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Can't get to the great outdoors as often as you'd like? No problem - just bring the outdoors home to yourself! One of the best things you can do for your living space is to turn it into a small garden with the help of houseplants.
The great thing about houseplants is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so they're perfect for any interior, no matter how much (or how little) space you have. Not only do they help purify the air by removing impurities and dirt particles, but they also have an amazing power to lift your mood and keep you feeling positive.
According to the experts at Living Spaces, the key is to choose indoor plants that not only look beautiful, but also have air-purifying properties. This will help you breathe easier and keep those pesky toxins at bay. So, go ahead and give your home a natural makeover - your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
3. Harness the Power of Color
It's a known fact that colors can greatly impact a person's mood and overall wellbeing. That's why interior designers are so careful when choosing a specific color palette for a particular room. Each space has a different vibe, and playing around with colors can help you achieve the perfect atmosphere.
For example, if you're looking to make your bedroom a more relaxed, soothing space, you might want to go for calming hues like whites, pale blues, or greens. On the other hand, to energize your living room, you could opt for warmer tones like browns, rusts, and maroons.
Many people also use bright yellows to liven up their kitchen spaces, while using more neutral tones in their workspaces and study areas to help them stay focused. The key is to work with an interior designer who can help you understand how best to use color to influence your mood, wellness, and overall lifestyle. Trust me, it's a game-changer!
4. Encourage Energy Flow
Did you know that energy can get trapped in your home? Yep, it's true! Instead of allowing stagnant energy to linger, you want to encourage a free flow of energy, air, and light throughout your living spaces.
One way to do this is by keeping your interiors open and uncluttered. Avoid stuffing your rooms with too much furniture or decor that just ends up sitting there, dormant. Instead, focus on maintaining wide, open spaces that allow for easy movement and circulation.
As the experts at PubMed suggest, this helps create a more positive, soothing atmosphere, allowing you to feel calmer and more at peace in your own home. So, take a critical eye to your spaces and remove any objects that are just lying around, serving no real purpose. Your home (and your mindset) will thank you for it.
5. Harness the Power of Scents
Essential oils and incense are known for their amazing ability to create a calming, relaxing atmosphere in any interior space. Certain aromas, like lavender, mint, and chamomile, have a soothing effect that can help release negative energies and lift your mood.
So, consider incorporating essential oil diffusers or scented candles into your home decor. Or, if you prefer, you can also use incense sticks that give off the calming scents of sandalwood, rose, or myrrh. Either way, you'll be surprised at how much of a difference these simple, natural elements can make in enhancing the overall vibe of your living spaces.
6. Keep it Clean
Let's face it - a dirty home can make you feel cluttered, stressed, and surrounded by negative energy. On the flip side, a clean, well-maintained living space is a welcoming, warm, and healthy one. After all, clean spaces help keep germs and toxins at bay, maintaining a good standard of hygiene.
At ILiving Homes, we understand the importance of cleanliness, especially in the wake of the pandemic. That's why we recommend using fabrics and materials in your home that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, like cotton and linen. Keep surfaces clear of clutter, too, so there's less opportunity for dust to accumulate.
Remember, a clean home is a happy home. So, don't skimp on the elbow grease - your wellbeing depends on it!
7. Purify the Air
We may have talked about the importance of houseplants in keeping your home's air purified, but when it comes to your overall air quality, you can't compromise. After all, breathing in toxins, impurities, and bacteria can have a significant impact on your physical health.
That's why it's crucial to invest in a high-quality air purifier for your living spaces. This will not only help you breathe easier, but it can also contribute to a less-stressed lifestyle by improving your sleep and mental clarity. Reduce the air pollution in your home, and you'll notice a direct, positive impact on your wellbeing.
8. Create a Dedicated Workspace
The pandemic has forced many of us to work from home, and ever since the start of 2020, people have found it difficult to convert their living spaces into functional workspaces. Instead of using your dining table or a makeshift setup, I highly recommend creating a dedicated home office for yourself.
When designing your home office, focus on using natural materials and minimalist elements to give the space a calming, focused vibe. Incorporate small shelves and storage solutions into the walls to keep your workspace clutter-free and organized. This will help you feel more productive and centered, even when you're working from the comfort of your own home.
9. Go Green and Sustainable
If your home design doesn't already incorporate eco-friendly or natural elements, it's time for a bit of a makeover. Adding greenery, using healthy building materials, and repurposing items instead of throwing them away can make a big difference in creating a truly sustainable, wellness-focused living space.
Look for opportunities to add more houseplants, use reclaimed wood or bamboo, and find creative ways to reuse and recycle. For example, you could turn an old wine bottle into a unique vase or upcycle it into a stylish lamp. The possibilities are endless when you start thinking outside the box!
As the experts at PubMed suggest, being mindful of your home's environmental impact is crucial for overall wellbeing. So, embrace your inner eco-warrior and give your living spaces a healthy, sustainable makeover.
10. Curate Your Spaces for Wellness
At the end of the day, the key to creating healthy living spaces is to curate each room in your home to cater to your individual needs and wellness goals. When you walk into your bedroom, you should feel calm and relaxed. Your living room should energize and excite you. And your workspace should help you stay focused and productive.
The secret is to choose a minimalist, clutter-free interior design that allows you to focus less on material things and more on your own mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Incorporate easy-to-clean fabrics, natural lighting, houseplants, and other wellness-boosting elements to make your living spaces highly functional and supportive of your overall lifestyle.
Remember, your home should be a sanctuary that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. So, don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is biophilia? Biophilic design is a philosophy whereby human beings possess an inherent instinct to connect with natural elements and greenery. For example, the desire to have houseplants or skylights in one's home.
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How can I reduce air contaminants in my home? An easy way to get rid of air contaminants in your home is to have air-purifying houseplants like the Chinese evergreen, peace lily, or spider plant. These plants remove pollutants from the air and help maintain good indoor air quality.
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How can I make my home design spaces more eco-friendly? To make your home design more eco-friendly, you can:
- Choose sustainable building materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and natural fibers
- Opt for recycled materials and repurpose items whenever possible
- Incorporate more greenery and natural elements into your living spaces
Ultimately, creating healthy, wellness-focused living spaces is all about striking the right balance between form and function. By incorporating the tips and tricks I've shared, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get started on your healthy home makeover!
