The Holistic Approach in Interior Design
Interior design is how we experience spaces.
Holistic interior design is the process of experiencing space beyond the surface level.
When we think of interior design we think of trends, furniture, colors, and generally what a space ‘looks like’. Holistic interior design goes much deeper than the initial look of a space.
Holistic interior design is a comprehensive approach that considers every aspect of a space, aiming to create environments that promote balance, harmony, and overall well-being. Going beyond aesthetics and functionality, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental dimensions of design.
What does holistic interior design mean?
We’ve all been to spaces, homes, hotels, even stores that look beautiful, but for some reason don’t feel ‘right’. That is usually due to the fact that the space is only taking into consideration the photographic elements of the space. Holistic interior design aims to nurture and take into account the habitants and souls that reside or occupy these spaces. It takes into account their needs, habits, health, personalities and how the environment affects their being.
The holistic design process starts by factoring in the overarching elements of a spacial experience: the environment, the physical, and the emotional elements. Then from here how overlaying those elements affects the space: the spiritual, functional, and of course aesthetic.
By taking all of these elements into play, we can create a space that harmonizes with the environment and the people who live there. The functional elements take into consideration furniture, storage, and features - thinking about ‘how’ a person interacts with the space. The spiritual elements involve a wide variety of meanings from cultural to personal - taking into account the ‘why’ a person interacts with the space. And of course, the aesthetic - ‘what’ is the person interacting with, what colors, shapes, textures, sizes, etc.
What are some principles of holistic interior design?
As holistic interior design takes a wide variety of factors into play, I’ll delve into just a few of my personal favorite principles:
1. Health and Wellness
Holistic design takes into account how your surroundings impact your physical and mental health. It focuses on optimizing natural light, ensuring good indoor air quality, and creating spaces that promote relaxation and stress reduction. These considerations can result in spaces that not only look good, but also make you feel the way you deserve to when coming home.
2. Energy Flow
Incorporating principles from practices like Feng Shui, holistic interior design examines the flow of energy within a space. The arrangement of furniture and elements is thoughtfully planned to encourage positive energy and balance. This approach can contribute to the overall sense of harmony within your home.
Take the ‘House in the Trees’ project for example. This home has the luxury of being nestled right within nature amongst the trees. When designing this home, we took into account the importance of the outside environment and how much the clients loved being close to nature, and in spaces that respected that.
We created a bright space that amplified the outside world, and chose not to obstruct the view whatsoever by covering these beautiful floor to ceiling windows. Rather than choosing furniture colors that would distract the attention from the environment, like bold pinks or dark greys, we chose a palette that perfectly harmonized with the space. The furniture selection gently balances the interior from the exterior by creating smooth and round edges, soft textures and colors and focuses on the wellbeing of the clients.
3. Personalization
Holistic interior design recognizes that each individual is unique. It's about creating spaces that are customized to the specific needs and preferences of the people who will use them. Your space should reflect your personality, creating an environment that resonates with your identity and lifestyle.
4. Cultural and Emotional Connection
Spaces designed holistically should also connect with occupants on a cultural and emotional level. Whether it's through artwork, colors, or design elements, the aim is to create spaces that evoke emotions and a sense of belonging.
When designing the ‘Belvedere Beauty’ a key focus for the clients was their love of travel and culture. Throughout the space, we made sure to incorporate elements of places they love and that bring them joy. You can see the Italian and European influence in these bedroom details, from the rustic overhead bed art and plaster walls, and the way the space gives room to the natural light and highlights the incredible view overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
5. Use of Natural Elements
Natural elements, like wood, stone, and plants, play a vital role in holistic interior design. They add a connection to the natural world, creating a calming and grounding effect. These elements can be used to evoke a sense of balance and tranquility in your living spaces
A common element in MBD designs is the use of natural materials. At MBD we love to showcase the beauty and strength of raw and natural materials like wood and stone. Rather than opting for processed materials like plastic or heavy metals, we focus on incorporating materials that are found within nature and will last a lifetime. Not only do these materials focus on quality, but they also create a healthy environment where toxins or dangerous VOCs are not released.
By considering all these factors, holistic interior design aims to create spaces that are more than just visually pleasing. It seeks to improve your quality of life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and their environment. In the world of interior design, a holistic approach can transform your living spaces into havens of well-being, reflection, and sustainability. If you’d like to learn more on how to create a more balanced and harmonized home, please feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation call! Remember, you come first in your home design, so make sure to design your home around you.
