Purposefully Designing for Wellbeing
Home is far more than a place to live—it can, and should, be the ideal environment to relax, renew and foster overall wellbeing. That’s integral to our work and something we believe every client deserves. Science confirms that physical health, emotional wellbeing and mental wellness are positively impacted by deeply mindful design. In addition to the aesthetic consideration, we believe we have an obligation to provide elements that support homeowners’ current and future wellbeing and sense of overall contentment. How a space feels and how it functions should nurture both the body and mind, promoting comfort, easy integration, and purposefulness.
Our approach begins with understanding. We ask our clients specific questions about their health, wellness, and lifestyle needs during onboarding and continue these conversations throughout the design process. We want to know what transforms a space into a retreat, what fuels comfort for the homeowner and how we can integrate those elements into every inch of their home. Beyond that, we listen for cues about other emotions—what sparks joy, calm, delight, creativity. As our senses subconsciously absorb and process our surroundings, we can ensure those spaces evoke positive emotions and physical responses.
For some, integrating healthy body practices is important. Take a current project as an example: our clients wanted a home gym. By diving deep into their fitness routines, we learned about their current exercise preferences, the equipment they use, and what might be useful for them in the future. They also mentioned an interest in having a sauna. Through further conversation we discovered that one of the homeowners envisioned their children wanting to share that experience. That simple insight allows us to ensure that the space would work for the whole family and still offer the private wellness retreat they initially envisioned.
Our clients are often willing to make adjustments in their homes to accommodate these wellness spaces. Some choose to resize public spaces, while others look to underutilized areas outside the main footprint of the home. In one case, we helped a client repurpose what would traditionally have been a pool house into a fitness retreat. Nestled adjacent to the pool, it offered a sense of seclusion and tranquility that complemented their exercise regime.
But not all wellbeing is focused on exercise. Every room should offer an envelope of calm, organization, and centeredness. Whether we’re designing a home office, a kitchen (indoor or outdoor), or even a living room, we want to create spaces that enhance both physical and emotional wellbeing. This requires a balance of organization, functionality, and design elements that bring joy and harmony.
A particularly innovative solution for one of our clients was creating a smoothie station in the pantry. The client, an avid smoothie-maker, needed an organized space to store all his ingredients and equipment. Having cool storage for fresh fruits and veggies, along with dry storage powders that were all within arm’s reach made the space incredibly functional. To maintain a sense of visual harmony—essential to his wife’s sense of calm—we designed beautiful doors to conceal the smoothie station, allowing him to enjoy the convenience of a dedicated space while keeping the kitchen uncluttered. For another client, relaxation and pleasure came in the form of a gift-wrapping room—a place to retreat, where she could store and wrap gifts for loved ones, with her supplies beautifully organized, offering her joy and focus throughout the process.
Other clients may prioritize spaces for meditation, music, or even pets. One recent project included a playroom specifically designed for the family’s many four-legged friends. Another space, for a long-time vinyl record collector, was acoustically enhanced for discerning listening while also visually highlighting his expansive collection. It’s in these deeply personalized spaces that we see the magic of wellbeing-focused design come to life.
Working closely with top architects and builders, we help refine room layouts to improve how they are experienced. It’s not just about how a room looks—it’s about how it feels. By understanding how families live and move through their homes, we make decisions that enhance every function. For instance, no one wants to soak in a luxurious spa tub only to stare into the closet. Sightlines matter, as do transitions between spaces. Every detail is intentional.
I recently experienced this firsthand during a restorative retreat in Tuscany. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, inspiring architecture, and intentional design, I felt more open and present. My awareness and creativity were heightened. That experience reinforced my belief in how design can profoundly influence our wellbeing. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about how our environments affect our mood, our health, and our overall quality of life.
Leading experts agree that good design improves our health. Susan Magsamen of the Pederson Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins said, “Our brains and bodies are always sensing and interpreting the world around us… the design of spaces impacts our biology.” This knowledge is the future of design, and at Glenna Stone Interiors, we integrate it into every project. Whether it’s air quality, circadian lighting, sustainable furnishings, or mood-enhancing color palettes, we create homes that support physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.
Our work is rooted in research, innovation, and a commitment to continually improving the lives of our clients. We’re proud to be members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, and we remain at the forefront of new methods to provide homeowners with healthier, more fulfilling living environments. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to come home to a sanctuary designed with their wellbeing in mind.
Glenna
Want our weekly blog post delivered right to your inbox? Click here to sign up!
________________________________________
Glenna Stone Interiors is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!