Holistic design is all about creating spaces that promote well-being, balance, and harmony by considering the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit. It is also about considering the whole home, and the desires and needs of the people who occupy the space. People-centered design is another big component of holistic interior design. Here are some tips on how to make your home feel and function better using holistic design.
1. Be intentional.
Let it be written, let it be done. Write down your goals, ideas, and intentions for your space. This is a great time to get the whole family involved, with their suggestions and wants too! When you write down your thoughts, you are more likely to achieve your goal. Before you can make your home feel good you have to identify how you want to feel and create a plan for achieving it. Setting clear intentions and goals for your space is a great place to start, it helps you eliminate unnecessary purchases, wasted time, and not creating a space that you desire.
2. Choose Meaningful Materials.
When selecting meaningful materials for your home in holistic interior design, it's important to consider the impact of these materials on both your physical space and your overall well-being. Choose materials that are natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Look for materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, stone, clay, and recycled materials. These natural elements not only add warmth and texture to your space but also promote a connection to nature. Also, consider the life cycle of the items that you choose, where was it made, how it's made, and whether are you in alignment with the circumstances of that life cycle. People-centered design is about the people who occupy the space but also consider the people and lives that are affected when making these products.
3. Create a lighting plan for your space.
Optimize natural light in your home whenever possible. Natural light has numerous benefits for mood and productivity. Additionally, consider installing full-spectrum lighting to mimic natural light in areas with inadequate sunlight. Think through how the space will be used and function and plan for lighting to accommodate the uses. Task lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps are great ways to be flexible with your lighting and give you the option to not have to hard wire overhead lighting everywhere. Play with warm, cool, and daylight exposure on the lightbulbs to see what type of mood you want in each space.
4. Improve indoor air quality.
Use air purifying plants and an air purifier, Keep your home organized and clutter-free to promote clarity of mind and reduce dust and stress.
5. Designate storage areas.
Create storage systems for items to maintain a clean and harmonious environment. Take notice of what your daily habits are and create storage and organization systems around your habits and not the other way around. If you kick your shoes off at the back door and not the laundry room then place a shoe storage at the back door. You are more likely to keep up with storage systems when they work with your habits, instead of creating all new routines.
6. Arrange furniture and decor mindfully.
This will create a flow within your home that promotes ease of movement and energy circulation. Consider the principles of Feng Shui or Vastu to ensure optimal energy flow in your space. Think about how you use the space and if the way items are placed makes you happy and is not hindering anyone’s view, use of the space, or overall well-being.
5. Create a use for each space in your home and stick to it.
If you have an office, use it! Your bed or dining table occasionally turns into a home office, but this is a bad habit to start. Try to keep the original function for your spaces up to date. If your space is no longer working for a particular function then go back to the drawing board and recreate a space for that function. This way the activities and items used during certain activities have a home. This helps to minimize clutter and overwhelm because each space has been well thought out and used for its original function. So, clothes go in the closet, not the living room, and paperwork in the office, not the kitchen, etc.
6. Think about the emotional response that different materials evoke.
Certain materials may bring a sense of comfort, calm, or energy. Choose materials that resonate with you on a personal level and align with the mood you want to create in each room. Your emotional wellness is always a priority when designing a space to promote harmony. If you choose décor or pieces that disturb you in any way, this can be huge in how you show up or function in life. Pick wisely, when designing your space and always consider your emotional response and influence to items.
7. Consider materials that hold cultural significance or have personal meaning to you.
Whether it's incorporating traditional textiles, artisanal ceramics, or heirloom pieces, these materials can add depth and storytelling to your home. Your home is telling your story and YOU should be reflected in your space in many different ways.
8. Choose energy efficient upgrades for your home.
LED lighting, smart thermostats, eco-friendly materials, and proper insulation go a long way. A sustainable home not only benefits the environment but also contributes to a healthier living environment. Choose materials that promote energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Look for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, natural insulation materials, and energy-efficient appliances to create a healthier living environment.
9. Think Outside the Box..
When it comes to your space and designing a holistic home, this is your chance to color outside the lines. Utilize all the nooks and crannies in your home even the awkward spaces. Make them work for you and elevate you in some way. Ultimately, this will improve your well-being when you can have fun in your space and create a home that’s like no one else and it sparks joy in you. Under-stair spaces, quirky attic space, secret rooms behind walls, hidden libraries, reading nooks, and “Adult Only” spaces are on the rise this year. Who wouldn’t want a secret space in their home that looks like a bookshelf?
By incorporating these holistic design principles, you can create a home that nurtures your well-being, enhances functionality, and fosters a sense of balance and harmony.
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