Tips for Making Your Home Feel More Considered

Photos: Sean Litchfield for Homepolish

It should come as no surprise that a well-designed, streamlined home can have a direct impact on our overall well-being, says Homepolish interior designer Liz Lipkin. “Furniture layout, light, air quality, and even color can influence how we interact with a space and, as a result, have an effect on our mood.” To create a wellness-oriented living space, she considers every detail, from the aesthetics to functionality. This got us thinking about our own spaces, so we asked Lipkin and fellow Homepolish designers Pippa Lee and Ana Claudia Shultz, to offer their tips for creating a living room, bathroom, and bedroom that promotes balance, harmony, and, most importantly, comfort.

The key to a wellness-oriented bedroom is to create an environment that is soothing, peaceful, and—most importantly—free from distractions and toxins, says Lipkin. “Your bedroom is a retreat–and when it looks and feels like one, it encourages rest.” Here, her tips:

Strive for symmetry: “If space permits, I recommend placing a bedside table and lamp on each side of the bed. This will also provide a place to stash clutter.”

Go dark: “Moody mid-tones or dark paint colors in the bedroom can have a cozy, enveloping effect.”

Layer textures: “Think thick rugs and cozy bedding, pillows, and throws.”

Rest easy: “It’s worth investing in a mattress that’s chemical-free to avoid potentially harmful off-gassing. I recommend one made from organic materials and natural latex foam.”

Set the mood: “Blackout shades or curtains provide complete darkness and a cocoon effect. Also, sound machines can work wonders for masking distracting noise.”

“Our indoor environments impact us on so many levels, including our stress levels, concentration, productivity, sleep quality, and mood,” says Pippa Lee, who strives to create spaces that are minimal and free of as many toxic materials as possible. “Like the bedroom, the bath should be a calming sanctuary.”

Reduce clutter: “Unnecessary furniture or accessories can get in the way of function–also, clear surfaces make for easier cleaning.”

Curtain call: “Replace PVC shower curtains with glass or an all-natural option, such as hemp, nylon, or organic cotton.”

Keep mold at bay: “Rectify damp issues by running your ventilation fan.”

Incorporate greenery: “Deck out the bath with an air-purifying, humidity-loving plant.”

When designing a space, Ana Claudia Schultz’s considers form, function, and her clients’ senses. “How you feel as soon as you walk in the door runs through my mind with every project,” she says. For the living room, the goal is to create a space that is relaxing, which can be achieved by zeroing in on the details:

Think proportion and scale: “If you have furnishings that are proportional and appropriate to your overall space, this will allow it to feel open–not like your walls are caving in on you.”

Remove any clutter: “Add streamlined storage. Clutter in the space is clutter in the mind.”

Consider the sense of touch: “Incorporate various texture types, like mixing linens and soft upholstery.”

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Add meaningful items: “Whether with flowers, a curated nook, or a particular color, make sure there are personal moments in each space that evoke happiness.”