Home as Temple
/The Harmony of Holistic Interior Design.
In the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in today, our homes have become more than just places to sleep and eat; they've evolved into sanctuaries where we seek comfort, relaxation, and connection. Holistic interior design is a transformative approach to creating living spaces that go beyond aesthetics, embracing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its occupants. In this blog post, we will explore the principles of holistic interior design and how they can help you cultivate a balanced and harmonious home environment.
Holistic Home Designer/ photo: emily gilbert photography
As an interior designer, my goal is to create better lives by designing healthier spaces-and in turn, cultivating happier lifestyles.
The way we design our homes deeply influences the way we live, feel, and function. Holistic interior design is about more than styling a space—it’s about honoring the deep connection between our environment and our well-being.
At its core, holistic interior design is a philosophy rooted in balance, intentionality, and soulful living. It invites us to look beyond the surface and consider the unseen layers of a home: the energy that flows through it, the emotional tone it sets, and the way it supports us in our daily rituals. It’s where design meets wellness—and together, they create sanctuary.
The Essence of Holistic Design
Holistic design encompasses the idea of unity and balance. It considers not only the visual aesthetic of a space but also its energetic flow, functionality, emotional resonance, and impact on physical health. It's the intersection of beauty and well-being, where every design choice is made with mindfulness.
Let’s delve into some of the guiding principles that bring this soulful approach to life:
1. Balancing the Elements
Holistic interior design often draws inspiration from ancient philosophies—Ayurveda, Feng Shui, and traditional Indigenous wisdom—all of which emphasize the importance of balance between the natural elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air.
Earth brings grounding stability through raw textures like stone, clay, and wood.
Water soothes with flow and softness—found in fountains, curves, and cool color palettes.
Fire ignites passion and transformation, symbolized by candles, lighting, and warm hues.
Air promotes lightness and movement—think open windows, soft fabrics, and good ventilation.
When we weave these elemental energies into our homes, we create a deeply rooted, energetically balanced space—one that nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit.
2. Mindful Material Selection
In holistic interior design, the materials you choose matter—not just for how they look, but for how they feel, where they come from, and how they affect your health and the planet.
Opt for natural, renewable resources like bamboo, cork, rattan, and FSC-certified wood.
Use non-toxic finishes and low-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality.
Choose organic textiles—cotton, linen, wool—that breathe well and feel good on the skin.
These materials carry a subtle but powerful energy that invites comfort, wellness, and a sense of connectedness with the earth.
3. Biophilic Design: Nature as Healer
Biophilic design—our instinctive connection with nature—plays a central role in holistic spaces. From indoor plants to natural textures to abundant daylight, bringing the outside in is one of the most effective ways to foster peace and vitality in your home.
Include lush greenery like snake plants, monstera, or even small herb gardens.
Maximize natural light to sync with your circadian rhythms and boost mood.
Incorporate nature-inspired motifs like leaf patterns, botanical artwork, or river-stone tiles.
Nature has a remarkable ability to regulate stress levels, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being—and when it lives in your home, so does that healing energy.
4. Energetic Flow and Space Layout
In holistic design, the arrangement of your space isn’t just about function—it’s about how energy flows through the home. Feng Shui, for example, teaches us that the placement of objects can either enhance or block the movement of "Chi" (life force).
Ensure open pathways and uncluttered corners to allow energy to circulate freely.
Position furniture to promote connection and comfort, especially in shared spaces.
Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and expand perceived space.
A well-aligned layout not only creates visual harmony—it fosters a sense of ease and emotional spaciousness.
5. Emotional Well-being Through Personalization
Your home should feel like you. Spaces that reflect your values, passions, and personality contribute directly to emotional well-being. When you surround yourself with meaningful objects and intentional design, you reinforce a sense of belonging and joy.
Decorate with heirlooms, travel keepsakes, and handmade items that tell your story.
Choose colors based on how you want to feel—not just what’s trending.
Design sacred spaces for restorative rituals: a cozy nook for journaling, a meditation zone, or a bath area that feels like a private spa.
When we align our interiors with our inner world, we create spaces that nourish us on every level.
Holistic home designer/photo: emily gilbert photography
Implementing holistic interior design principles in your home can have a profound impact on your overall well-being:
The Benefits of a Wellness-Focused Home
Implementing the principles of holistic interior design can have a transformative impact on your day-to-day life. Here are just a few of the profound benefits:
🌿 Improved Physical Health
Using non-toxic materials, improving ventilation, and adding air-purifying plants all support better indoor air quality—which can reduce allergies, respiratory issues, and fatigue.
🧘♀️ Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well-being
A thoughtfully designed space can help calm the nervous system, support mindfulness, and promote a sense of safety and rest.
💡 Increased Focus and Creativity
By minimizing clutter and choosing harmonious colors and layouts, your home becomes a supportive backdrop for deep thinking, productivity, and creative flow.
💞 Harmonious Relationships
A peaceful home promotes better communication, emotional regulation, and togetherness—making it easier to nurture relationships with family and guests alike.
🌍 A More Sustainable World
Every sustainable design choice—from recycled tiles to energy-efficient lighting—helps protect the earth. Mindful homes equal mindful living, and your space becomes part of a much bigger ripple effect.
Holistic interior design goes beyond superficial aesthetics to create living spaces that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. It's a philosophy that embraces the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, creating harmony within your home and the world around you.
By considering the principles of balance, sustainability, and emotional well-being, you can transform your living space into a sanctuary that supports your holistic health and well-being. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance your existing space, holistic interior design offers a path to a more balanced and harmonious home.
Your Home as a Sacred Sanctuary
I like to think of the home as a temple—a sacred space that reflects our inner world. Tending to our homes can be a spiritual practice in itself. When we clear clutter, cleanse the energy, and bring in elements of beauty and balance, we are not just changing our surroundings—we are shifting our vibration.
Think about it: just as we nurture our physical bodies with healthy food, movement, and rest, we can nurture our homes with cleansing rituals, intention-setting, and high-vibrational design. Light sage or palo santo, open a window to invite in fresh air, play soft music, and set a clear intention for the kind of energy you want your space to hold. When you’re raising the vibraion of your home, you are raising the vibration of everyone who walks in the door.
Looking Ahead: Exploring the Four Elements
In upcoming posts, I’ll be diving deeper into the four natural elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—with weekly guides on how to thoughtfully incorporate each one into your home.
From grounding textures to flowing water features, warming candlelight to breezy fabrics, we’ll explore how elemental balance can create truly transformative environments.
A Final Note of Gratitude
Before we close, I want to share a moment of gratitude. For those of us who have a safe, warm place to call home, we are deeply fortunate. May we hold space for the millions who don’t have that basic necessity—and may our own homes become places of peace and compassion not just for ourselves, but for others, too.
Take a deep breath. Light a candle. Honor the space you call home. It holds you, supports you, and is a living reflection of the energy you choose to cultivate.
Check out the recent Rent. article we were featured in:
Finding peace at home can be a daunting task, especially when balancing priorities in today’s fast-paced world. Decorating your home with a calm aesthetic can help you relax, but sometimes, getting started can be a challenge.
In this Rent. guide, experts share their best ideas for creating a calm aesthetic in your home to promote relaxation, whether you own a home in Denver, or rent an idyllic Las Vegas apartment.
Read the full article here: Promote a Calm Aesthetic In Your Home | Rent.
