Have you ever walked into a space and just felt different? Maybe it was a cozy coffee shop where you could breathe a little deeper, or a spa that instantly made your shoulders relax the moment you stepped inside. That feeling wasn’t an accident.That’s the power of intentional design—where every detail, from the lighting to the layout, has been chosen to support well-being, creativity, and connection. And that, my friend, is what holistic interior design is all about.Whether you’re designing a hospitality space, a wellness studio, or even your own home, how a space feels is just as important as how it looks. Let’s talk about why holistic design is more than just an aesthetic trend—and how you can bring it into your own spaces.
What Is Holistic Interior Design?
Holistic interior design is an approach to creating spaces that considers the mind, body, and spirit—not just the way a room looks, but how it feels and functions. Unlike traditional interior design, which often focuses on trends and surface-level beauty, holistic design takes a deeper approach, ensuring a space supports your well-being, energy, and daily experiences.
It’s about:
✔ Designing with intention, not just aesthetics
✔ Creating a sense of balance and flow
✔ Using sustainable, natural materials that are good for you and the planet
✔ Incorporating light, energy, and sound in ways that support well-being
It’s more than just decorating—it’s about creating an environment that makes you feel good, think clearly, and move with ease.
Why This Matters (More Than You Think)
When a space is designed with intention, you feel it—and so does everyone who steps inside. For hospitality businesses, holistic design makes a space more inviting, which means customers stay longer, feel more comfortable, and want to come back. For wellness spaces, it enhances relaxation and energy flow, creating an environment that supports transformation and healing. And for you, a well-designed space can reduce stress, spark creativity, and make daily life feel more effortless.
Let’s break it down.
1. It Supports Well-Being
A holistic space isn’t just pretty—it’s designed to make you feel better. Think:
Good air quality that helps you breathe easier
Natural light to boost your mood and energy
Minimizing sound pollution so your space feels calm, not chaotic
2. It Encourages Connection & Community
The right design can make people open up, relax, and connect—whether it’s guests in a boutique hotel, clients in a wellness space, or friends gathered in your home. How? By creating intentional gathering spaces that feel warm, inviting, and easy to linger in.
3. It Elevates Productivity & Creativity
A well-designed space makes it easier to focus, think clearly, and get things done. By minimizing clutter, using the right colors, and organizing the layout for flow and function, you can turn any space into one that feels light, fresh, and inspiring.
Core Principles of Holistic Interior Design
So how do you actually bring holistic design into your space? Here are a few key principles:
1. Wholeness & Balance
A holistic space should feel harmonious—meaning everything flows together, from the furniture arrangement to the colors and textures in the room.
2. Nature & Biophilic Design
Bringing nature indoors instantly raises the energy of a space. Try:
✔ Maximizing natural light
✔ Incorporating plants and organic materials
✔ Choosing wood, linen, and eco-conscious finishes
3. Mindfulness & Intention
Every design choice should have a purpose—whether it’s the furniture you select or the way you arrange a seating area. Ask yourself:
How do I want people to feel in this space?
What experiences should they have here?
How can I enhance the energy and flow?
4. Energy Flow & Feng Shui
Energy should move effortlessly through a space. If a room feels stuck, cluttered, or chaotic, it’s time to rethink the layout. Small shifts can make a big impact.
How to Start Creating a Holistic Space Today
Want to bring this into your own space? Here are some simple changes you can make right now—no interior designer required.
Declutter & Simplify – Clear out anything unnecessary to instantly shift the energy.
Bring in Fresh Plants – But make sure they’re healthy and thriving! (Dead plants = stagnant energy.)
Maximize Natural Light – Swap out harsh overhead lights for softer, warm-toned lighting.
Create a Space for Mindfulness – A quiet corner with a candle, a cozy chair, or even just a place to pause can transform how a space feels.
Use Sound & Scent to Set the Mood – Background music, sound bowls, or calming essential oils can elevate the experience of any space.
Final Thoughts: Your Space, Your Energy
A space isn’t just a collection of furniture and decor—it holds energy.
When you design with intention, you create an environment that supports well-being, creativity, and connection—whether it’s a hospitality business, a wellness studio, or your own home.
If you loved this conversation, you’ll love the full podcast episode! Listen here:
🎧 Listen to Episode 2: What Is Holistic Interior Design?
And if you have a design dilemma or want expert advice on creating a high-vibe space, I’d love to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open—leave me a message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.
Ask Your Question Here
Have a space you’re working on? Try one of these holistic design tips and let me know how it transforms your environment—I’d love to hear about it!
