Nowadays, a home serves more than just a space to bond with loved ones, rest, or store cherished possessions. It can also be transformed into a sanctuary for promoting wellness. With 30 years of experience as a designer focused on residential and commercial interiors, I’ve noticed some valuable insights on crafting a healthy home. Although it’s not a precise formula, it’s worth exploring and can be adapted to your own living space!”

Eating better at home

When clients have smaller pantries and fewer visible food items, they often report decreased snacking habits. To discourage the storage of processed foods, prioritize fresh food with ample space for refrigeration. This may include investing in a larger fridge, additional freezer for frozen vegetables in the garage, or a separate crisper drawer unit in the kitchen island. Fresh food can still be easily accessible by placing a fruit bowl, such as apples, on the counter.

Enlarged windows

During your renovation or window replacement project, think about increasing the size of your windows. Enlarge the window opening if feasible, or choose a window manufacturer that offers slimmer frames or mullions to maximize light entry. Canadians tend to underestimate the size of their windows and how much additional natural light could brighten up their living spaces if they address this aspect of their renovation. Increased sunlight exposure can boost mood and enhance overall well-being.

Now, cover those new windows!

“Despite the previous advice, it’s crucial to keep windows covered in certain areas of your home. For instance, make sure your bedroom windows are equipped with operational blackout drapes to completely block out light at night. Drapes are the optimal choice for darkening a room, as they can be fully opened during the day to allow maximum light in. Sleeping in a cool, dark environment is recommended for restful sleep, which can be achieved with drapes. Blinds are not as effective at providing full coverage, as they may allow light leaks around the edges unless equipped with a track. This is especially important for children who have exposure to street lighting through their windows, as poor sleeping habits can lead to various health issues, including lack of focus.”

Enhance creative thinking space

For those who enjoy creative activities such as writing, painting, or beading at home, consider situating your desk or workspace in front of a window with a long and scenic view. Research has shown that a high, vaulted ceiling or an expansive view can foster creative thinking. On the other hand, if you require a workspace for tasks that require focus and concentration, such as bill payment, a smaller area with no extensive view may be more suitable to minimize distractions.

Lighting for all occasions

As someone who values lighting, I believe it plays a crucial role in creating an optimal living space. When winding down for sleep in the evening, it’s recommended to use warmer-colored lighting to set the mood. To achieve this, consider changing pot lights in bedrooms or lounge areas to no more than 3000k. Dim the lights slightly to create a warm color temperature of around 2700k, akin to the soft light emitted by a table lamp with a beige-cream shade. In the evening, use dimmed pot lights, table lamps, or wall sconces instead of bright overhead lighting to emulate a sunset-like atmosphere and regulate your body’s circadian rhythms.