A Lifestyle of Wellness

Among the greatest marks of luxury is intention: in self-expression, in style and craftsmanship, in the way you move through the world—and of course, in the way you care for yourself. There are countless ways to promote wellbeing, and even more when one considers that there’s far more to health than the body: there’s also the mind and spirit to care for.

Interior design, in the home or otherwise, has the potential to positively shape every aspect of wellness. “Interior designers have a huge responsibility to create environments that enhance human well-being,” says Colletta Conner, managing principal of ForrestPerkins. “The spaces we design should contribute to a person’s wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally.” Creating a restorative experience at home is crucial, and it’s also key in Conner’s hospitality projects.

“The spaces we design should contribute to a person’s wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Clinton Cardinal, Director of Shower Product Marketing for Brizo®, also considers wellness a primary goal of design. “Interior design affords a homeowner the opportunity to experience an array of wellness options tailored specifically to their desires of form and function,” he says.

Setting an intention

As with any design project, Cardinal believes wellness-oriented design starts with an open dialogue. “Wellness can mean different things to different people, so we always recommend making the client the starting point,” he says.

When designer and client share a wellness goal from the project’s inception, they can maintain that focus throughout the design process. Conner, whose firm works mostly on luxury hospitality and residential projects, believes that wellness should always be a priority—especially since many people spend a vast majority of their time indoors. “In my mind and practice, wellness is an integral part of design,” she says.

A place for restoration

Since there are so many aspects to wellness, there are several ways to achieve it—especially when it comes to design. Cardinal believes that the appearance of the place itself can be a key factor: “Wellness can be as simple as the peace of mind one finds in the comfort of a space designed specifically for them,” he says.

From artwork to furnishings, from a room’s layout to the minutiae within it, every choice an interior designer makes can improve the mindset of its occupants. For example, Cardinal says, “one can create sanctuaries within sanctuaries by adding stylish plumbing fixtures to an already spa-like space.”

At its core, a shower space provides a doorway to greater well-being overall: greater hygiene, improved circulation, and an enhanced mental state are just a few of its most fundamental benefits. But transforming a bathroom into a spa-like atmosphere allows for an elevated experience that provides solace, serenity, and personal restoration.

“The spaces we design should contribute to a person’s wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

A multisensory experience

Of course, the power of design extends beyond aesthetics. Engaging with multiple senses can create a deeper, more fulfilling experience. According to Conner, incorporating Brizo® in her design projects “nurtures the senses by connecting people with the foundational element of water.”

For those seeking a multisensory element, Cardinal suggests adding holistic solutions, such as the Mystix™ Steam System, to soothe both body and mind. 

“Steam is a great option for those wishing to add wellness to their home,” he says—and Conner agrees. “The bathing experience is such an essential part of our wellness routines,” she says.

“The bathing experience is such an essential part of our wellness routines.”

The Mystix™ Steam System invites users to experience the many therapeutic benefits of steam—which address wellness on multiple levels. Steam showering can relax muscles, nourish skin, and foster deeper, easier breathing. 

The Mystix™ Transcendent Experience also offers additional spa options, which Conner especially appreciates: “guests are able to create their own elevated experience,” she says. This makes the wellness journey more personal than ever: chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and audiotherapy settings allow users to choose the light, scent, and soundscapes for their shower, which Conner says supports circadian rhythm and enhances one’s sense of well-being.

Connecting with nature

Another path to wellness in design is to foster a deeper relationship with the surrounding nature. Spending time outdoors in general offers a variety of benefits for the mind and body—and so, too, does inviting that nature into the space. 

“The spaces we design should contribute to a person’s wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Furthermore, Conner recommends incorporating elements of biophilia, natural lighting, and fresh air to invite the benefits of nature inside the space. 

Brizo draws on that principle in its own approach, too. From infusing organic materials like wood and mother of pearl into designs to drawing inspiration from waterfalls for shower sprays, nature plays a key role in guiding the design process.

In Conner’s eyes, it’s the most crucial element of all for creating a lifestyle of wellness: “connection to nature,” she says, “is the most foundational element to bring peace, balance, and tranquility to any person.”