Most people would agree that 2020 and 2021 were the years health and wellness catapulted to the forefront of everyone’s minds. As a result, wellness design has become one of the most talked-about topics. As a matter of fact, searches for the keyword “wellness” on Google Trends has gone up 850% this year!
As homeowners intend to spend more time in their homes, there has been a rise in designing for safe, secure and healthy indoor spaces that focus on enhancing mood, offering improved indoor air and water quality and ultimately working toward a healthy home experience. From a spa-like bathroom to an efficient kitchen, wellness ideas can encompass such things as avoiding toxic chemicals, fostering joy and togetherness through ambient music and smart lighting and adding new dimensions for comfort, functionality, connectivity and convenience.
Wellness Ideas for the Kitchen
Since the kitchen is where we spend a lot of quality family time, it’s crucial that it speaks inclusivity. For instance, an open-concept-plan kitchen that connects with the living and dining space will readily create a positive environment that allows ample engagement.
On the other hand, ventilation is another important aspect of a wellness kitchen. A powerful range hood must be selected, keeping in mind the fan size and quality to efficiently ventilate steam and strong odors while creating minimal noise. The exhausts must function in a way that allows as much pure air in the kitchen as possible. Other wellness aspects include minimizing exposure to germs, reducing VOCs, improving functionality, using ergonomics and enhancing the environment through convenience and comfort while conserving water and other resources.
In the world of safe and secured wireless connectivity, our kitchens have played a stronger role. Whether it’s the large appliances or small, wellness technology helps monitor the water use and temperature at all times. Other innovations include replacing refrigerators and pantries for climate-controlled cabinetry or herb-growing appliances that automatically produce all year-round. The integration of UV lights will help sanitize surfaces and cabinets and protect surfaces from harmful toxins and germs. It is equally important to understand that the use of UV lighting can omit ozone, which contributes to poor indoor air quality.
Journey to the Wellness Bathroom
Having the ability to control sounds, lighting, air quality and thermal comfort – along with hands-free technology – is something that wellness bathroom will offer. From choosing safer materials to smart lighting, wireless technology and advanced voice-activated devices, safety, comfort and convenience are the top priorities.
These spaces are also focusing more on calming and rejuvenating experiences and can possess qualities of water, scents, color, light and sound to play with the human mind positively. Incorporating the strong daylight-colored lights will help create a refreshing aura in the morning. Infusing aromatherapy and introducing nutrients like Vitamin C into the shower can help induce a healthy environment.
Today’s toilets are all about comfort and cleanliness, offering options for integrated washlets, nightlights, foot warmers and music playlists. Some also include self-cleaning systems that help create a clean environment.
Furthermore, cool drawers – once only used in the kitchens – are now making their way into the bathroom. These drawers not only keep your medications out of the main fridge, they keep organic body products and cosmetics fresh. Best of all, they are lockable and offer privacy and security. Biometric technologies are also finding their way into the bathroom and help measure weight and heart rate.
Addressing Acoustics
Sound and the integration of devices that offer soothing background music are often overlooked, and the right sound at the right time supports our well-being. Research identifies that sound strikes every cell and organ, vibrates our bones and activates our muscles. It has been proven to aid in reducing anxiety by creating a calming environment. Yet sound, or often referred to as noise, can have an adverse effect on our wellness and health, so understanding home acoustic design is an increasingly important topic with interior designers and architects.
It’s important to see our home as a haven, and with the latest wellness offerings, you can create a happy and healthy environment for your clients. By carefully choosing materials and equipment, you can blissfully transform their homes into wellness havens.
By Linda Kafka, WELL AP, CLIPP, CAPS, manager of the Livable Environment Inc.
Photo credit: ArchiVIZ/Adobe Stock
