Holistic design might seem like an interior design trend that is taking the internet by storm, but it is far more than a passing design fad. It's a movement that many people are loving, as this way of designing your home has some serious benefits to your space AND yourself.
As an interior designer who made the transition to holistic design (before it became popular), I get a lot of questions about it. What is it? What are the benefits? Is it more expensive than traditional interior design?
If you've been asking these questions yourself, stick around! I'm answering the top questions I get asked about holistic design.
What is a holistic design and how does it differ from traditional interior design?
Holistic design is a version of creating a home, space, or environment that considers and incorporates the health and wellbeing of the individuals inhabiting it. Taking design a step further, beyond aesthetics and functionality, holistic design addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic needs of the people within that space.
Humans have a deep relationship with their spaces/environments, both built and natural. Holistic design strengthens that relationship so that one can have a more positive experience and reap the most benefits from the spaces they reside in.
Where does holistic design come from?
While the term, holistic design, is a newer term that has gained popularity through social media, holistic design principles have been around for centuries, some even as far back as 2,500 years ago.
Holistic design is influenced by various philosophical, cultural, and architectural movements, all that focus on an interconnected approach to the design of spaces. While there is no defined origin, some of the practices that incorporate holistic design include the following -
Feng Shui
Vastu
Biophilic Design
Wellness Architecture
Sustainability
Conscious Living
Spiritual/Cultural Influences
User Experience
Holistic Medicine
What are the benefits of living in a holistic home?
Having a home that incorporates holistic design can benefit every aspect of your health, life, and wellbeing. Through certain choices in color, material, pattern, and shape, you can influence your mental and emotional health, achieving more peace, comfort, and reducing your stress. The layout of your home can create a better day-to-day experience, helping your overall daily flow. Conscious and healthy low-tox and sustainable options can improve your indoor air quality, help you sleep better, and alleviate certain health issues and diseases like respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer.
There really is nothing holistic design cannot do! It can even help other aspects of your life, like greater focus working from home or even creating more abundance and prosperity in your life with the help of Feng Shui.
What are some common features of a holistic home?
Some common features of a holistic home include natural and organic materials such as wood, stone, and clay, as well as eco-friendly products such as non-toxic paints and cleaning supplies. Holistic homes may also incorporate natural light, plants, and water features to create a sense of connection with nature.
Since holistic homes connect and support the end user, it may look different for every person. A person suffering from depression and living in a one-bedroom apartment is going to have different holistic design needs than an ADHD person living in a 5-bedroom home with kids.
How do I create a holistic home?
There are many ways to create a holistic home, depending on your budget and the resources available to you. Some simple steps you can take include using natural and organic materials wherever possible, incorporating plants and natural light into your space, and using eco-friendly products for cleaning and maintenance.
You can also try incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga into your daily routine, and creating a sense of balance and harmony within your home.
What are the principles of holistic design?
While every designer has a different approach to holistic design, I personally incorporate interior design, design psychology, sustainability, feng shui, astrology, biophilic design, organization, and intentional living into my design work with clients.
This will look different for every client I work with. Certain clients aren't as interested in the manifestation magick that Feng Shui has in attracting things like romance and wealth into their lives, but I still will incorporate basic Feng Shui principles into the design and layout, making sure there is good flow and balance in the space.
Since it is important that you benefit the most from your space and truly unlock its potential, I like to send a design questionnaire when first working with new clients. This way I can evaluate their functional and lifestyle needs for their space and gain a better understanding of who they are. Remember, good holistic design incorporates the functional needs, lifestyle needs, and style/personality of you into your home!
Is having a holistic home expensive?
Not at all! One of the great benefits of this design practice is that it can be achieved on any budget. Just like with any interior design work on your home, holistic design can be simple and easy decor enhancements, like picking out new paint or improving a floor plan/layout, or it can be a full-on room remodel.
I always suggest to reach out, send an email, or book a connection call so we can chat and discuss what your dreams are for your space, your budget, and the options that would best work for you!
What are some common misconceptions about holistic design?
See above. Aside from the common misconception that holistic design is something only the 1% billionaires can afford, here are a few other misconceptions about holistic design and its principles...
It's the same as Feng Shui - while holistic design often incorporates Feng Shui, it focuses on more principles than just this practice.
It's only about the aesthetics - like already mentioned, holistic design looks at the wellbeing and health of the end user, incorporating elements to support your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
It's only for homes - not true! Holistic design can be (and should be) used in any type of built space, from restaurants to corporate offices. Remember, all of these spaces impact and influence us.
It's woo-woo - this is mainly due to the use of Feng Shui in Holistic Design. Holistic design has research and data to support its choices. For example, we know that certain colors have physical and psychological effects, and this can be used to influence your experience in a space.
If I want to make my home more holistic, where can I start?
If you're new to holistic design, I would check out my other blog posts on how to create a holistic home for yourself! You can also check out my social media platforms, where I share tons of information and free education on ways to create a holistic and healthy home for yourself.
You are also always welcome to book a connection call and reach out if you are wanting more in-depth and professional help in creating a space where you can thrive.
I hope this article helped you in understanding holistic design more and the power it has in positively influencing your home and your life!
Your Holistic Home Helper,
Marissa
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