Hello!
I was recently interviewed on a podcast and asked about my journey to holistic interior design. I’ll spare you, because it’s long 
. Let’s just say it began 7 years ago. And with each certification and application on projects or at a consult, I’ve refined my definition about what a holistic approach to design is, what it means and why it’s so damn important.
And this month, I’d love to share it with you.
And as always, if you have questions, want to share your story, or need support with your space, I’m here—just comment below. And if this message resonates with someone you love, feel free to share 🙏.
Sending you lots of 💛,
WHAT IS HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN?
If traditional interior design focuses primarily on beauty and function, holistic interior design takes a much deeper approach. We acknowledge the tremendous effect our spaces have on us and consider the entire being—mind, body, and soul—in addition to the planet. Overall, holistic interior design is a more mindful, intentional, and profound way to approach designing your space.
GOING DEEPER: THE HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION
In a typical design kick-off session, questions might be surface-level, like “What’s your favorite color?” or “How do you like to entertain?”
With a holistic interior designer, we still cover those bases, but we go significantly deeper with questions designed to uncover your true needs and pain points:
- “Do you suffer from anxiety or stress?”
- “What do you struggle with the most on a daily basis (at home)?”
- “Do you ever feel tired for no apparent reason?”
- “What was your childhood home like?”
- “How do you want your new home to feel (calm, energized, safe)?”
These deeper questions allow us to understand our clients on a much more profound level, and then design a space that supports their well-being. Think of it as designing for the soul—creating a truly supportive environment.
WHY IS HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN IMPORTANT?
Holistic interior design is important because studies now show that “Our homes, communities and surrounding environment directly affect our daily motivations, behaviors and lifestyle and these factors determine 80-90% of our health outcomes.”- The Global Wellness Institute.
Our spaces matter and are an underutilized wellness tool we need to pay closer attention too. In fact, I think that we should be giving them the same care and attention we do sleep, diet and exercise.
Additionally, I believe holistic interior design is crucial because the world and pace of life have gotten quicker and much more chaotic. And the quicker we move, the more disconnected we become.
Disconnected from what you might ask?
Back in the day, when we lived in Nature and depended on her to provide for us through natural materials, there was a deep connection and reverence for her. We were much more in tune with Nature’s natural rhythms and cycles and only used what we needed. With the development of the modern urban world, we’ve become totally disconnected from Nature and the natural rhythms of life. We’ve bypassed her. And in doing so, we’ve left some really important things behind and suffer because of it.
When I look at the NYC skyline, I think it’s beautiful, but I also think it’s absolutely crazy that millions of people live in these boxes made of all synthetic materials, hundreds of feet in the air, disconnected from Nature, fresh air, and the Sun. But this has been normalized, so no one thinks twice about it or questions it. And you can’t change the status quo, unless you begin questioning it.
HOW YOU CAN PRACTICE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DESIGN
The best way to get started is to begin tapping into how a space makes you feel. We’re so accustomed to going in and out of our homes and living in them we actually stop seeing them.
If you want to delve deeper, you can apply some tools from my Beyond Spaces Methodology™ where I use twelve different tools that make up a holistic approach to interior design. The best place to begin is by trying one or two out that call you. After implementing one or two I suggest living in your space and really tapping into how you feel and moving on to incorporating more.
- Feng Shui and the Language of Space: The ancient practice of Feng Shui provides a philosophy for understanding your physical environment, what it’s reflecting back and how to create spaces that are supportive instead of draining.
- Air: The air you breathe impacts your respiratory health, mood, and overall well-being. We assess HVAC systems and recommend air purification solutions to ensure fresh, high-quality air throughout your space.
- Light: Natural and artificial light influence mood, sleep, and productivity. We thoughtfully design lighting plans that enhance energy levels, create ambiance, and support your body’s natural rhythms.
- Biophilia: Incorporating natural elements into your space can lower stress, boost focus, and improve overall happiness. From living plants to natural textures, we seamlessly blend Nature into your environment for a calming, rejuvenating effect.
- EMF’s: We take steps to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to create a healthier, more balanced space that supports your long-term well-being.
- Energy: Every space holds energy. We work with professionals to remove stagnant or negative energy and infuse your space with intention through meaningful rituals—ensuring your space feels aligned with your vision and purpose.
- Color: Color profoundly impacts mood and productivity. We carefully select hues that enhance the function of each space while supporting your personal goals and well-being.
- Less is More: Part of being in alignment with Nature is all about using just what is needed. We approach design from a place of “less is more” ensuring each space has just what it needs to feel good.
- Sociability + Community: The way a space is designed shapes interactions and relationships. Whether it’s a cozy home or a collaborative workspace, we prioritize layouts that foster meaningful connections and community.
- Heathy Materials: Your home should be a sanctuary, not a source of indoor pollution. We select non-toxic, sustainable materials to ensure a safe, clean environment for you and your loved ones.
- Sustainability: A holistic approach considers not just the present, but the future. We prioritize eco-friendly materials and conscious sourcing to create a positive impact on the planet while designing a timeless, sustainable space.
- Sanctuary: In today’s fast-paced world, your space should be a refuge. We design with intention, creating peaceful pockets of tranquility where you can disconnect, rest and recharge.
THE KEY BENEFITS OF HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN
Being intentional about all design elements yields an end result that looks great and promotes true wellness and a person benefits on a number of levels:
🏢 Holistic Interior Design Benefits for Commercial Spaces
When your business space supports the whole person, you drive success:
- Boosted Productivity & Wellness: Your employees are more productive, experience fewer sick days, and have a sharper focus, contributing to overall workplace wellness.
- Reduced Stress & Improved Moods: Those who use your space experience reduced stress, better moods, and an overall improvement in health. This is a critical factor in office environments that often suffer from poor lighting and sterile design, and lack biophilic design.
- Higher Customer Engagement: Your space fosters a sense of inspiration, belonging, and safety. In retail and hospitality, this means guests stay longer and visit more often, leading to higher sales and loyalty.
- Greater Business Success: Experience greater success through a more mindful approach to business, enhanced by practices like energy clearing and intention setting within the space.
- Competitive Differentiation: You stand out from competitors by demonstrating your commitment to run your business in a way that truly cares for the well-being of the whole person.
🏡 Holistic Interior Design Benefits for Residential Spaces
Transform your house into a truly restorative home and sanctuary:
- Renewed Energy and Inspiration: You’ll have a sense of renewed energy, lightness, inspiration, and possibility within your daily life.
- Lower Stress & Better Health: Experience improved concentration and mood along with significantly lower stress levels as we maximize your access to natural light, fresh air, and vegetation.
- Clarity and Growth: A decluttered space will make room for new growth and opportunities, literally and metaphorically, entering your life.
- Deeper Self-Awareness: Our inner life is connected to our outer world. As we work on your space, you’ll gain more awareness and insight into any personal issues you may be facing.
- Improved Rest and Immunity: You’ll sleep better and become sick less often, supporting your long-term physical health.
- Mindful Living: You’ll take an important step towards living with more intentionality and mindfulness.
- Love Your Home Again: Your home goes from being an energy drain to a place that supports happiness and well-being.
READY TO DESIGN HOLISTICALLY?
In a world that constantly pulls us outward, holistic interior design offers an essential pathway back to ourselves. It is about creating more than just a beautiful room; it is about crafting a supportive environment that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit every single day.
If you’re ready to move beyond fleeting trends and design a home that genuinely makes you feel better—a space that reduces stress and supports your health—it’s time to explore the power of mindful, holistic, intentional design.
