Whether we are aware of it or not, our metabolism resonates with the sensations distilled by our habitats.
We already know feng shui, but research from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine confirms the discoveries of neuro-aesthetics, this young scientific discipline that explores the interactions between mental health and the beauty of natural or landscaped spaces.
A postulate taken very seriously by interior designers since the confinements linked to Covid.
“These have brought to light the extraordinary power of
home, sweet home.
The place of life imposes itself as a point of resourcing which we must take care of so that it can recharge us in return”, observes Anne Quérard, founder of the new brand of candles and energy fragrances, Hozho.
In video, ten tips for a tidy interior
Design, textures, colors, high-tech innovations are more than ever at the service of a
wellness touch
that enhances entire sectors of the economy: since the health crisis, when the construction sector fell by 2.5% , the wellness-oriented real estate market is growing by 22% and feel-good residential projects have tripled across the world (source: Global Wellness Institute).
The rush towards harmonizing arrangements has only just begun.
Major sources of expertise in this area: hotel spas and
health resorts.
“Well-being is not consumed, it is experienced.
Spaces that do good, even that "heal", must deploy a synergy, a coherent and holistic atmosphere, and this, from the entrance to the bathroom", explains Émilie Cresp, creator of
wellness
experiences for the finest hotel brands such as Four Seasons.
Prerequisite: a healthy environment with non-toxic materials and paints.
Then, it is essential to reintroduce the living, with a lot of plants, notes the French consultant who is currently working to soften the spaces of a hospital in New York.
A healthy and serene space
Designed to respond to our great thirst for nature that soothes, the biophilic design strives to diffuse
green power
in habitats.
As guest stars of the moment: fractals, these repetitive organic patterns, taken from the environment, staged in paintings or wallpapers.
Leaf veins, cracking of the earth... "The sight of them can reduce stress by 60%, have a restorative effect", says interior designer Olivier Heath in the book
Design bien-être pour la maison
(Editions Eyrolles).
Another effective visual action lever, the colors of the rooms are chosen according to the desired atmosphere.
It's not new, but the chromatic palette evolves with the times.
We bet on pastels to infuse tranquility;
dark red, to awaken energy and emotions;
shades of brown, earth tones, moss green and other organic palettes will bring the “healing” power of natural elements.
The place of life imposes itself as a point of resourcing which we must take care of so that it can recharge us in return
Anne Quérard, founder of Hozho
The expert also suggests promoting mindfulness by stimulating the other senses.
Vary, for example, the types of floor, walls or furniture in as many textures, hardnesses and temperatures felt under the fingers or feet.
Technological innovations come in support to sculpt the sound space of frequencies and rhythms conducive to meditation.
Dressed in natural wood or refined to the extreme, the speakers blend into the decor to leave plenty of room for personalized sound ecosystems.
Those from the Berlin start-up Endel are designed to help you relax, concentrate, fall asleep or, on the contrary, motivate yourself to start sports training.
positive vibes
The hygiene, fitness and beauty spheres also have the right to their technological optimization.
The toilets are equipped with Japanese models, with hand shower, jets and musical ambience.
Low-end air freshener sprays give way to real perfumes designed to "digest" bad smells, but also to diffuse a feeling of calm, such as Eau des Toilettes from Domaine Singulier.
On the bathroom side, contactless devices and other voice commands limit nests of germs and viruses.
Amenities once reserved for spas find their place to create a rejuvenating sanctuary.
More and more customers are daring to use the infrared sauna (special mention for the Italian-made EFFE Perfect Sauna models) and the sound & light shower,
Across the Atlantic, we no longer hesitate to dedicate a room to fitness, with a Pilates reformer, Technogym training mat, punching bag, smart mirror (even Decathlon is getting started), or even a massage table.
Among the new architectural configurations, the meditation cocoon is just as popular with a library oriented towards philosophy, spirituality or poetry.
Ultra-trendy on American Pinterest, the
emotional escape room
.
Immersive planting solution for sitting in the foliage, soft materials, panoramic landscapes… the atmosphere will have to be personalized according to our need to daydream, to welcome fatigue or anger in a
rage room
version with padded walls.
Immersion
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche takes a unique creative look at the world of well-being with the Japanese collective teamLab.
The Like a Fish in Water
exhibition
invites you to dive into a huge virtual, interactive and meditative aquarium to energize our bodies and soothe our minds – and vice versa.
From February 25 to April 23.
lebonmarche.com
Difficult to push the walls?
The recipe for a Zen space on the bedroom side, or even on the living room side, is simple, quick and effective: zafu (cushion) for meditation, informal altar, not forgetting the queen of relaxing interiors, the candle.
“This market has taken 170% in volume in four years, observes Anne Quérard.
Need cocooning, Scandinavian
hygge
..., everyone loves these little flames that soothe, comfort, but be careful what they diffuse.
The certified feng shui entrepreneur makes it a point of honor to offer natural waxes with beneficial plants that vibrate positively.
“We talk a lot about personal care, but we are also beginning to understand that feeling better requires being part of a universe, an energy that corresponds to us,” she says.
The decorative idyll continues with crystals, geodes, salt lamps and other energy devices supposed to purify the spirit of the place.
“Well-handled, energy helps restore harmony with the cosmos, like ancient structures, designed for well-being.
Temples, cathedrals, ancient baths were aligned with the stars, adapted to the seasons,” says Émilie Cresp.
Ambient esotericism has no limits...