At Wausau Homes, we believe that a healthy and happy home is key to a well-rounded life. After a long day at work, school, or simply fighting traffic, you should be able to relax in your own home – not feel like you’re still on the clock. There are many trends that come and go in the world of home design, but we believe that these five tips will always help to promote a feeling of respite in your home.
And there's never been a more important time for your home to be your oasis. With greater turmoil and uncertainty in the world, now more than ever, homeowners are looking for their homes to be a source of solace. A place to relax and recharge after a long day or week. And while trends come and go, there are certain design elements and features that can help create a more serene and inviting space.
Here are 5 well-being home trends we believe will help promote well-being in your home for years to come. These ideas are simple to execute and may be scaled on any budget.
1. Let there be light.
One of the most important things you can do to improve your mood at home is to let in as much natural light as possible. If you’re able to, open up your curtains and blinds during the daytime hours to allow the sunlight to filter in. Not only will this help improve your mood and energy levels, but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re not able to let in natural light, consider investing in some higher-quality light bulbs that better mimic sunlight.
Making an improvement in lighting will make your home warmer and inviting, not to mention the benefits it has for your well-being. There is an entire area of study surrounding the effects of light on our moods, and it’s been shown that natural light can help improve cognitive function, increase productivity, and even reduce the risk of depression.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to make your home more inviting and promote well-being, let there be light!
2. Bring the outside in by adding greenery.
There's no doubt the past couple of years has been stressful. From the pandemic to political unrest, many are feeling burnt out and in need of a break. One trend that has always been popular is the idea of bringing the outside in. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from installing large windows to growing indoor plants. The goal is to create a space that feels airy and spacious, with a connection to nature.
Studies have shown that exposure to natural light and greenery can help reduce stress levels, improve focus and concentration, and boost overall mood. What's more, adding plants to your home can also help improve air quality. Indoor plants give out oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, which can help to purify the air and reduce harmful toxins. They can also help to create a feeling of calm and relaxation – something we could all use a little more of these days.
Imagine waking up each day to the sun shining in and fresh air circulating throughout your home. If you're hoping to create a more serene and peaceful environment in your home, consider adding some greenery.
3. Creating a peaceful retreat by adding a yoga space.
In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to find ways to slow down. One popular way to do this is by creating a yoga space or meditation room in your home. A yoga space can provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Dedicating a space to yoga can help you to feel more peaceful and calm, and it can also be a great way to get some exercise.
If you're thinking about creating a yoga space in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to choose a location that is quiet and free from distractions. There's no use trying to meditate in a space that is full of noise and clutter. Whether it is making sure to have doors that close or using a noise machine, do what you can to create a space that is free from distractions.
Second, you'll need to select the right type of yoga equipment. If you're not sure where to start, try adding a few simple yoga props, such as a mat, a strap, and a block. There are a lot of different yoga props available, so you can select the ones that best suit your needs.
Third, you'll need to make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably. No one likes to stretch out in a room that feels cramped and cluttered. So, make sure you have enough space to move around freely, without having to worry about knocking over any furniture.
Finally, you can also create a relaxing atmosphere by adding some soothing music or lighting some candles. Think of incorporating all five senses when creating your yoga space. How this room smells, feels, and looks will all contribute to how peaceful and relaxing it is.
With a little planning, you can create a yoga space that is perfect for your needs.
4. Avoid materials that bounce around noise for a serene environment.
One of the most important things to consider is the materials used in your home. Avoid using materials that tend to bounce around noise, such as hardwood floors or tile. Think about the legs of your dining room chairs screeching across the hardwood floor, or the sound of your footsteps as you walk across a tile floor. These are all sounds that can be jarring and disruptive, making it difficult to relax. If you're looking for a more peaceful environment, consider using materials that will help to dampen noise. A home that acts more like a harsh echo chamber is not going to be as calming as one that feels like a cocoon.
We understand that it's not always the materials in the home that create the noise, it's the people, especially the little people. Children tend to be very loud and can quickly turn a serene environment into a chaotic one. But eventually, the kids go to bed and the home environment can revert back to a calming one.
Here are five materials to be intentional about bringing into your home to promote a sense of well-being and a peaceful environment.
- Consider using natural fibers for your flooring. Materials like wool and cotton are great choices because they are soft and absorb sound.
- Prioritize furniture that is upholstered in natural fabrics like linen or cotton. These materials will help to muffle sound and create a sense of calm.
- Add some area rugs to your space. Rugs can help to reduce noise and create a cozy feeling in a room.
- Use window treatments to your advantage. Heavy curtains or blinds can help to muffle sound and make a space feel more peaceful.
- Incorporate sound-absorbing materials in your ceiling. This can help to create a more serene environment and reduce noise pollution.
These are just a few examples of noise that can be disruptive and cause stress. By using materials that help to reduce noise, you can create a more peaceful and serene environment in your home.
5. Keep clutter to a minimum.
One of the key components of a well-being home is keeping clutter to a minimum. Clutter can be both physical and mental, and both can have a negative impact on our well-being. Physical clutter can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find what we need. It can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Mental clutter can also be overwhelming and make it difficult to focus on what's important. It can also lead to stress and anxiety. So what are some tips for keeping clutter to a minimum?
- Get rid of anything you don't need or use. If you haven't used something in six months, chances are you don't need it. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or use.
- Create a system for everything. Have a place for everything and keep things organized. This will help to reduce the amount of clutter in your home and make it easier to find what you need.
- Set limits on what you bring into your home. Be intentional about the things you bring into your home and only keep things that you absolutely love.
By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of clutter in your home and create a more peaceful and serene environment.
Build Your Own Oasis
Creating a home that is focused on well-being doesn't have to be difficult. Just by being intentional about the materials you use and the way you organize your space, you can create a calm environment you can't wait to come home to.
At Wausau Homes, we've been building homes for more than 60 years. These homes have been built during times of peace and during times of war. They have been built for families and for individuals. They have been built for people who want to live intentionally and those who just want a place to call home. With more than 200,000 happy families later, we know a thing or two about building well-being into a home. So, whether you're looking for your first home or your forever home, we can help you find the perfect fit. No matter what your reason is for building a home, we can help you make it a reality.
If you are feeling the weight and stress of life, consider making some changes to promote a better sense of well-being. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.