Nicolene Mausenbaum on Holisitic Home Design
Interior design traditionally focuses on creating visually appealing and functional spaces, but holistic interior design, one of the many facets of interior design, considers the wellness of the mind, body, and soul, emphasising the user experience.
It is literally all about you.
Holistic design considers not only the physical elements of the space, such as lighting and furniture, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects, such as the energy flow and the connection to the nature of the space. It aims to create an interior that is not only visually pleasing but also promotes relaxation, harmony, and a sense of well-being for you as the occupant, combining the practices of biophilic design (incorporating elements of nature in your interior), colour psychology, human biology, and ergonomics, to name a few.
Its application can help reduce stress and anxiety by creating calming spaces and improving your sleep quality by regulating temperature and ensuring adequate ventilation. Holistic design prioritises your comfort by ensuring you have a good flow within your home by considering the placement of furniture. It can also help enhance your focus, creativity, and productivity by including plenty of natural light, strategic use of colour, and considered artwork placement.
All of these work together to help boost your mood and overall well-being.
An added benefit includes creating a stronger connection to nature. Mindful material selection for furniture and finishes is also encouraged by aiding homeowners in committing to eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Opting for natural, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced materials like wood, cotton, and wool not only promotes better air quality and creates a healthier environment for you, but materials like these also reduce the impact on the environment.
Did you know that studies have shown that green can enhance your reading ability?
Plants and the colour green are very relaxing psychologically. When the brain is relaxed, the body tends to follow. Blue is good for calm, focus, and concentration, while the colour red has been found to enhance attention to detail. Orange is thought to be welcoming and mood-enhancing, and it improves neural functioning. Yellow increases creativity, attention, and positivity.
Despite the psychological impact of the various colours, albeit subliminal, we all have our own favourites.
It’s important to choose colours and items that speak to you and help you create a space that is uniquely yours.
Light also plays a crucial role in your environment. Strategically placed windows, skylights, and layered lighting can enhance the functionality of your space, and create a warm or energising atmosphere, depending on the lighting you choose and the ultimate function of the room. By carefully balancing colour, light, acoustics, and fragrances within your space, you can please the senses and enjoy a home that is harmonious and inviting.
So how does this help you as the end-user, and how can you apply holistic design to your home?
Firstly, consider the purpose of each space you’d like to renovate or makeover. Your budget will also determine if you can do a soft make-over or a major renovation.
If you have a limited budget, a makeover could include decluttering, painting, reupholstery, rearranging the furniture to suit your needs, and completing the look by adding a few plants and tasteful décor accessories.
A major renovation involves the makeover elements mentioned before and could go as far as removing non-load-bearing walls to create an open-plan space to improve traffic flow, installing skylights, and replacing heavy curtains with light sheers that maximise the natural light in your interior.
To minimise clutter, investing in cabinets and shelving (built-in or freestanding) and multi-functional furniture items, like ottomans with hidden storage, are always highly recommended.
If your budget allows for it, create dedicated spaces for your special me-time activities, like a meditation nook, yoga room, or a reading corner.
By applying these design principles, you can transform your renovation from a simple makeover into a holistic haven. Your environment has a direct impact on all aspects of your being; isn’t it time that you invested in yourself?
By Nicolene Mausenbaum
Nicolene Mausenbaum has worked for many years as an interior designer on both commercial and residential projects.
Nicolene specialises in holistic design, considering the wellness of the mind, body and soul. Nicolene combines the practices of biophilic design, colour psychology, human biology and ergonomics in her designs.
Nicolene’s holistic designs incorporate not only the physical elements of the space such as lighting and furniture, they also incorporate the emotional and spiritual aspects, such as the energy flow and the connection to the nature of the space.
