How Your Home Can Boost (or Harm) Your Health: The Science Behind Wellness-Focused Design
The Link Between Interior Design and Well-Being
Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a space that profoundly affects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From the air you breathe to the materials you touch, every element of your interior environment plays a role in your overall health. From my experience as an oncology nurse and now as an interior designer specializing in wellness-focused spaces, I understand how to thoughtfully design homes to enhance health, reduce stress, and support a holistic, balanced lifestyle. By the end of this article you should understand the basics of how to design a home that nurtures your health and energy rather than depleting it.
Five Key Elements of Wellness-Focused Interior Design
Optimizing Indoor Air Quality
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse on average than outdoor air quality (but can be up to 100 times worse depending on the quantity of off gassing materials in an interior space). Off gassing refers to paints, finishes, furnishings, and other materials that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air. A helpful example would be the lingering scent left behind after using standard paint or after unpacking a rug made of synthetic fibers. These VOCs contribute to poor indoor air quality and can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, and even long-term chronic health problems (especially in children). Opting for low or zero VOC products and incorporating air purifying elements ensures that the air in your home remains clean and safe to breathe.
See this systematic review in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
2. Minimizing Clutter through Simplicity & Thoughtful Organization
Disorganization can increase stress leading to rising cortisol levels. When cortisol rises we see an increase in irritability, anxiety, and an increased risk of chronic disease (since stress levels are one of the leading causes of chronic disease). It also can lead to decreased cognitive function, decision fatigue, poor sleep, emotional overwhelm, and poor self-esteem. Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganization drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus and to enjoy our surroundings. A paper published in 2021 reviewed 23 empirical studies researching the topic and discovered that they each reached the same conclusion - there is a “consistent positive relationship between voluntary simplicity and well-being.” Thoughtfully designed storage solutions and an organized approach to decor can create a more peaceful and functional space - allowing you more time and energy to enjoy the things you love. Thankfully this does not require that you conform to a specific interior design style like Japandi or Scandinavian - these principles can be used across all style preferences so you don’t have to lose your individuality or design aesthetic. A cluttered home leads to a cluttered mind - so it’s important to find ways to simplify it and make it beautiful for the sake of your mental wellness.
3. Incorporating Biophilic Elements
Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating natural elements into interior spaces to foster human connectivity to the natural environment. Research shows that exposure to natural materials, plants, and sunlight can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. They have also found that even the presence of a fake plant in an office space can improve work satisfaction and productivity by 15%. Adding houseplants, using natural wood finishes, and maximizing natural light can help make your home feel more harmonious and peaceful while also adding visual interest to a space.
If you are interested take a look at this article that discusses the particulars of the study completed by the University of Exeter and other institutions on plant life’s impact on workspaces.
4. Considering Color Psychology and Lighting
The colors and lighting in your home can influence your emotions and energy levels. Studies show that warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are stimulating and energizing; increasing heart rate, sociability, and appetite. Cool colors like blues and greens are calming and restorative; promoting relaxation, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing focus. Neutral colors are versatile and grounding; offering a backdrop of stability for other colors. Each of these color groups serves a specific purpose and it’s important to use these principles when making selections in order to optimize a space for its intended purpose.
Your lighting choices have a major impact on the health of your circadian rhythm. Incorporating lighting that mimics natural transitions—optimizing natural light in the morning and warm, soft light in the evening—can help support a balanced sleep cycle. Because quality sleep is one of the main predictors of longevity it is important that we make these simple shifts to support our health.
See this article in the National Library of Medicine describing the impact that home lighting has on circadian rhythms.
5. Using Organic & Sustainable Materials
Your furniture, flooring, and textiles can either support or hinder your well-being. Natural materials like organic cotton, wool, bamboo, and wood are free from harsh chemicals and don’t off-gas like the synthetic materials found in non-organic furnishings. Sustainable choices also benefit the environment, making them a win-win for both people and planet. Taking the time to understand vendors and prioritize investing your budget into companies that consider human health and environmental stewardship is paramount. A great example of a company that does this to the maximum is Ecobalanza, a Seattle-based boutique designer and hand-crafter of ethical and sustainable furniture. I have toured their studio and have seen just how seriously they practice what they preach. As a wellness designer it is my goal to find these rare companies within the industry and bring their commitment to the health of the community and environment into the public eye.
To see for yourself check out their story.
Organic materials featured by Seattle boutique furniture designers at Ecobalanza
Designing a Home That Supports Your Health
By making educated choices in your home’s design, you can create an environment that actively supports your well-being. Whether it’s choosing sustainable materials, improving air quality, or embracing a clutter-free lifestyle, small changes can lead to significant benefits.
Your home should be a sanctuary—a place where you feel both relaxed and energized, and truly at peace. If you’re ready to transform your space to support your well-being, I’d love to help make that process as effortless as possible.