The Summer of Wellness and Wellness Design

Time to focus on all that feels good and does good - including biophilic design

I'm calling it: this Is the Summer of Wellness...because WE ALL NEED IT. This is not the juice-cleanse, yoga-retreat kind (although we do approve all those efforts). I'm talking about creating environments that help you breathe deeper, think more clearly, and feel more grounded every time you walk through the door. Because we ALL need that, right?

I know design can and should enhance your well-being — not just visually, but emotionally and physically. As summer brings in more light, warmth, and time at home, it’s the perfect season to look at how your space supports the way you actually live. Let's break it down.

Biophilia : A Natural Connection

Bringing nature indoors is more than a styling trend — it’s a biological need. Biophilic design helps reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall comfort. Here's how to accomplish maximum biophilic impact:

• Use natural textures and materials like linen, wood, wool, and stone (the more aged a natural material looks, the more wabi sabi, another connection to nature via acquired character)

• Layer in greenery — real plants when possible, and views to the outside where we can (proven to reduce stress and improve air quality). Buy those fresh flowers!

• Choose organic shapes that soften the geometry of a space and ease visual tension - think rounded edges- a round bowl on a table for example or a soft shaped vase for those fresh flowers.

A room doesn’t have to feel rustic to feel natural — even the most modern home can benefit from grounding elements.

Ideas:

Above: Orson Grey Terracotta Vase, Mix and match chroma napkins, Monstera Swiss Cheese Kokedama

Calming Colors

Summer often makes people crave lighter, fresher interiors. Color selection in my opinion is one of the most impactful decisions we can make when setting the mood of a space. You can do this by painting a room, changing the bedding of a bed, or via accessories like throw pillows. Some of our favorite wellness-forward palettes:

• Soft neutrals to bring lightness and clarity

• Earthy greens and warm grays for a subtle connection to nature

• Deep, grounding tones in personal spaces like bedrooms or home offices

The goal isn’t trend — it’s timelessness that feels good, year-round.

Favorite calming colors:

Above: Farrow & Ball Tailor Tack, Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green, Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light, Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

Room Flow & Furniture That Feels Right

Wellness is also about how a space flows — and how you move within it.

• Look at and even obsess over your furniture scale and proportion- what is blocking, what is inviting?

• Space-plan for natural flow: open sight lines, intuitive paths, and a sense of balance are key

• Avoid “overfilling” rooms — negative space is as important as the objects themselves. Yes, that means less clutter because it's just too much in a world where we need less.

A well-laid-out room can change how you experience your day — it can reduce friction, promote calm, and make everyday living feel lighter. Am I pushing you to clean up the mess? Yes, yes, I am. Look to avoid:

Image above is triggering for yours truly.

Lighting for Mood & Good Looks

Summer brings more light — but lighting design still plays a huge role in wellness. And in vanity - because who doesn't appreciate how amazing they look when the lighting is just right?

Think about :

• Layered lighting: overhead, task, and mood

• Warm color temperatures that mimic daylight (2700 is the ideal color temperature)

• Dimmers and smart controls for flexibility throughout the day (dimmers are a necessity!)

Good lighting supports your circadian rhythm and makes your space feel like a sanctuary from morning to night and make you feel your best. Promise.

Note no recessed cans in the above formal living space. Warm glow globes overhead with picture lights on the ledges. Designed by us for a client in Studio City. Photo by Noah Webb.

Design That Grounds You

At 22 Interiors, wellness isn’t a checklist. It’s a design lens we bring to every project — whether we’re refreshing a single room or managing a full-home renovation. We design for real life: for the moments, the moods, and the daily rituals.

And with that, thank you for reading. Wishing you and yours a lovely summer full of wellness.

-- Lucie

PS: If you’re receiving this, chances are you’re a client, collaborator, or a fan of what we do — and for that, thank you. Our best projects have come through the thoughtful referrals of our community. If someone in your world could use a little more beauty and wellness in theirs, we’d be honored if you sent them our way.

Forever Summer Mood.