Health driving design

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Design has a profound impact on our well-being’

With health and well-being top of mind for so many, it’s no surprise many homeowners are paying attention to innovative design features that include lighting, kitchen ventilation, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

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“We are seeing a significant shift towards health and well-being as key priorities, especially as people are also increasingly taking a holistic approach to health,” says Lorenzo Poser, director of sales and marketing at Falmec, a leading brand of kitchen ventilation products.

“Design has a profound impact on our well-being,” says Philip Eeles, president and CEO of Laminam North America, which designs natural surfaces. “Think about how much time we spend in our homes. It’s where we recharge, connect with loved ones and simply exist. So, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and supportive of our overall health is crucial.”

Let’s look at how three design elements can enhance health and well-being.

VENTILATION

Many homeowners seek to improve their physical and mental well-being through environment-based solutions, such as choosing products that improve air quality and reduce pollutants, Poser notes. “The design and product choices homeowners make for their living spaces play a crucial role in supporting their overall health and well-being,” he says.

“At Falmec, we’ve responded to this demand by developing innovative ventilation systems that not only ensure clean air but also enhance comfort and well-being. Our advanced filtration technologies help purify indoor air, reduce allergens and eliminate harmful particles, promoting a healthier home environment.”

While good air quality is essential for a healthy home, many ventilation systems are noisy. Falmec’s Silent NRS™ (Noise Reduction System) enables range hoods to operate with minimal noise.

LIGHTING

When it comes to design, lighting “profoundly impacts our physical and mental health, influencing everything from mood to sleep patterns,” says Earl Ducharme, president and managing director of Häfele Canada.

“With options for adjustable colour temperatures and dimming, Häfele’s systems support circadian rhythms, helping the body align with natural light cycles,” he says. “Häfele’s customizable lighting can significantly impact the home’s wellness. Bright, cool

light in the morning helps energize, while soft, warm light in the evening creates a relaxing atmosphere to help unwind.”

SURFACES

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about the health and environmental impact of the products they bring into their homes,” says Eeles of Laminam. “This is especially true for surfaces like countertops and tiles, where choices can significantly impact overall well-being.”

Laminam, a porcelain surface made from natural materials like clay, feldspar and kaolin, is non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals. Its non-porous nature makes it highly hygienic, resistant to bacteria, mould and stains, and it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals for cleaning or sealing, he says.

“Laminam surfaces are incredibly tough. They withstand heat, scratches and even the demands of everyday life – indoor and outdoor.”

Wellness at home

From practising downward dog in a yoga studio and unwinding in a meditation space to detoxifying in an indoor infrared sauna or outdoor cedar sauna, more and more homeowners are investing in features that allow them to take care of their physical and mental well-being without ever leaving home.

“At-home wellness is definitely trending. I think that now, more than ever, our health is No. 1,” says Toronto-based designer Desta Ostapyk of Design by Desta (www.designbydesta.com), pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic as a source of motivation.

Though it may cost money to invest in features like a home gym, over time they can save you money, she notes. In keeping with at-home wellness, she’s seeing a growing number of homeowners investing in kitchens that feature plenty of storage and preparation areas, easy-to-clean materials, and large and small appliances to assist in making healthy meals.

“Cooking meals at home has lots of benefits like saving money, eating fewer calories, eliminating processed foods and many more,” Ostapyk says. At-home gardens, fruit trees and small backyard greenhouses are also on the radars of homeowners concerned about wellness.

The bathroom is garnering plenty of attention, with wet rooms complete with showers with steam and body jets as well as built-in soaker and jetted bathtubs on trend. Mindful design such as feng shui, earth tones and sensory components is also ramping up. “Think soft rugs, aromatic candles, soothing music and dimmable lighting,” she says. Ditto organic shapes and natural elements like crystals, plants and natural fabrics.

Want a better night’s rest? Blackout blinds and curtains might help. Individualistic interiors and capsule spaces – unexpected rooms that are unique to the rest of the house – allow homeowners to cater to their unique interests. Home storage and organization are also part of home wellness because ensuring everything has a place and knowing where to find it alleviates stress.

“We’re also seeing dog-washing stations now because a lot of us are invested in our pets and want to make sure they’re clean instead of always going to the groomer and it also doubles as a rinsing station for things like muddy boots,” Ostapyk says. “Overall, it’s about trying to make our lives easier.”