Design for the senses: the rise of wellness spaces

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are prevalent. Our homes have become more than just a place to sleep – they are sanctuaries that nourish our minds and bodies away from the pressures of modern life. Devoting time and space to personal health and wellbeing is essential to improving quality of life, and interior design has the power to facilitate this.

Wellbeing design has been around for centuries. Think Roman villas with their airy courtyards and water features, Eastern design traditions like feng shui and vastu, or the luxurious Hammams of Islamic culture. Beyond aesthetics, it is about creating spaces that foster positive emotions, from comfort and relaxation to inspiration and social connection. The key is to create a sensory shift. A combination of thoughtful lighting and interior design should encourage feelings of escapism and relief. You should know that you’ve entered a sanctuary.

Entering a contemporary public wellness space, such as a spa or gym, should be a holistic experience. Soothing features like running water, aromatherapy and cosy furnishings encourage us to relax and self-reflect, free from distractions. Lighting is another key element.

Vibia The Edit - Design for the senses - wellness spaces - Spa

A sleek design from Ramos & Bassols, Spa is the perfect lighting solution for public wellness spaces. Its simple linear diffusers project comfortable, uniform light with soft shadows and subdued highlights, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.

The collection’s graphic form is striking yet unobtrusive, accommodating both functional and decorative requirements. With a water resistance rating of IP44, the collection is ideal for high humidity locations that require plenty of illumination. Multiple luminaires can be positioned in a row to illuminate up to six metres of wall or ceiling space.

The bathroom is a private retreat; a space to surrender and unwind. When it comes to natural light, large windows and mirrors will brighten and energise, while blinds lend a sense of tranquillity. If you have a small space, a simple layout, neutral palette and minimal furniture create the illusion of spaciousness, while moody colours and soft lighting exude luxury and relaxation.

Particularly apt as a vanity light, Spa provides intense, glare-free illumination, tilted in the direction of the user. Thanks to its subtle fluting effect, diffuse light tapers out from the centre, creating an intimate experience that’s ideal for a spa-inspired bathroom.

Positioned vertically either side of a mirror, or rising up from a base near the floor, Spa is separated from the wall by a simple aluminium support that lends visual lightness to the design. Professionals can choose from various lengths and three elegant finishes that adapt to a clean and minimalist style.

Where a natural aesthetic is required, Dots offers a softer solution. Light is projected across the wall from a circular sconce, creating a play of light and shadow that emphasises the texture of its surrounding environment.

Vibia The Edit - Design for the senses - wellness spaces - Dots

The Edit - An Intimate Universe of Light: The Dots Collection

Likewise, Musa offers a poetic alternative that’s ideal for a residential bathroom. Cradled by the soft curve of its bowl-shaped diffuser, light pools within the luminaire itself, reflected by its silky veneer.