There’s something magical about the way the natural world heals us. During my recent trip to Italy and a few blissful days spent near the base of the Swiss Alps, I was reminded just how deeply our surroundings shape our sense of calm, connection, and well-being.
Everywhere I turned, there were pools, saunas, and quiet corners designed to nurture both body and mind. But these weren’t the typical hotel spas with sterile lighting and cookie-cutter finishes. Instead, each space felt alive, rooted in the landscape, intentionally designed to bring the outdoors in, and crafted to make you slow down and breathe.
As I wandered through these spaces, I couldn’t help but think about how much of this same philosophy, what we call biophilic design, also belongs in our homes.
My favorite experience was in a warming room, a tranquil space with a massive window overlooking the Swiss Alps and the gardens below. In front of me, a stunning modern fireplace flickered softly, its glow reflected in the glass. The warmth, the view, the quiet - everything was in perfect harmony.
It wasn’t about luxury for the sake of luxury. It was about intention: every material, every view, every texture chosen to create a sense of peace. The architecture and design invited stillness. It encouraged connection - to nature, to others, and to oneself.
That’s the heart of designing for wellness. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating something restorative.
Another favorite space felt like stepping into a treehouse. As you walked in, the scent of cedar filled the air, and a large window framed an unforgettable view of the mountains. The walls were wrapped in natural wood, the lighting was soft and golden, and you could almost feel your stress melt away.
That moment reminded me of why I love bringing biophilic design into residential spaces. When we use natural materials, organic shapes, and views of the outdoors, we’re not just decorating, we’re supporting wellbeing. Studies have shown that even a glimpse of greenery or natural light can lower heart rate and reduce stress.
And when you experience that firsthand, standing in a sauna with the Alps before you, it becomes so clear how powerful thoughtful design can be.
While we may not all have views of snow-capped mountains, we can bring the same design principles into our own homes.
Here are a few simple ways to begin:
When we design with wellness in mind, we’re creating more than beautiful spaces, we’re designing environments that heal us.
As I sat in that Alpine sauna, surrounded by natural materials and enveloped in silence, I thought about how this mirrors so many principles of feng shui, balance, flow, and harmony. Both traditions recognize that energy (or “chi”) flows through space and influences our emotions. A well-designed home is more than curated finishes and furniture, it’s an experience that uplifts your mood, restores your balance, and supports the way you want to live.
My time in the Alps was a reminder that great design doesn’t just look good, it feels good. Whether it’s the warmth of a fire, the sight of a mountain through the window, or simply the texture of a natural material beneath your fingertips, design has the power to reconnect us to what truly matters.
So the next time you’re thinking about a renovation or refreshing your space, consider how your home can serve your wellbeing. With thoughtful, nature-inspired design, even the simplest rooms can become your personal sanctuary.
Because, as I learned in the Alps, wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifestyle.
Ready to bring a sense of calm and connection into your home?
Let’s create a space that feels as restorative as those mountain views. Contact us to start your design journey.