8 Soothing Homes Designed for Health and Wellness

These peaceful dwellings are a refuge for the body and mind.

The sofa in the living room is vintage and the Innate coffee table is by Jon Goulder. The painting is by Australian artist Simon DeGroot.

The field of neuroaesthetics teaches us about our biological responses to beautiful design. The thoughtful homes below showcase how lighting, colors, textures, and shapes can coalesce to become bona fide sanctuaries. Whether it be a focus on outdoor connection, aging-in-place, or accessibility, these projects are designed to promote wellness in mind and body.

An Architect Riffs on Chinese Design For Her Grandparents’ Aging-in-Place Retreat

A remote-controlled kitchen island rises and lowers to accommodate wheelchairs.

A remote-controlled kitchen island rises and lowers to accommodate wheelchairs.

Ema Peter

Set within the East Asian community of Richmond, BC, Curio House allows two Chinese scholars—the architect’s grandparents—to age in place. “I have a very close relationship with them,” says Haeccity Studio Architecture cofounder Shirley Shen, “and it was kind of a family endeavor.” The resulting design integrates principles from feng shui, a set of spatial laws meant to direct energy, and siheyuan, a historical courtyard house.

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A Chic Georgia Abode Focuses on Nature and Wellness

White walls allow for the natural light to really illuminate the space while soft colors prevent the space from looking one-dimensional. The living room features a Minimalist Nordic hearth by Gault Designs

White walls allow for the natural light to really illuminate the space while soft colors prevent the space from looking one-dimensional. The living room features a Minimalist Nordic hearth by Gault Designs

Ali Harper

Located on the rural outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, Serenbe is a picturesque community comprising four hamlets that focus on arts, agriculture, health, and education. Designed to be a center for quiet living for creatives and their families, the newest development, Mado, wants to focus on bringing the outdoors in, but in a modern setting. This is exactly the vibe that Iowa– and Serenbe–based designer Rebecca Cartwright achieved with The Naturally House, a tree house-inspired haven.

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An Ethereal Glass House in the Brazilian Forest

Floor-to-ceiling glass allows light to freely flood the interior and illuminate its jewel-like structure.

Built for a scholar, Casa Biblioteca is a sanctuary for reading, stargazing, and enjoying a cigar or two. Floor-to-ceiling glass allows light to freely flood the interior and illuminate its jewel-like structure.

Photo by Gleeson Paulino

See the full story on Dwell.com: 8 Soothing Homes Designed for Health and Wellness
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