How to Live Well at Home
Spaces that nurture physical and mental health are quickly moving to the top of homeowners’ want lists. Interior designer Jenn Johnson, owner of local firm Indigo Republic, gives us the scoop on the latest trends.
Photo: Yana Iskayeva via Getty Images
Recovery and Revitalization
“We’re definitely seeing an uptick in requests for wellness spaces. Our athlete clients want things like cold plunges, infrared saunas and lap pools. And because infrared saunas are good for anti-aging, our mid to older clientele are looking to get those in their houses.”
Hot Products
“What’s driving interest are all the new products on the market, like the infrared saunas, which are more affordable and easier to put into residences than the old Finnish heat saunas. Even Costco sells infrared saunas now. Clients want them in bathrooms, so we’re redoing oversized showers and making half of it a sauna.”
Elevated Aesthetics
“If you have a large enough house, people love doing an exercise room or a yoga room or space. But they don’t want it to look like a yoga room, they want it to blend with the rest of the house. We’re currently doing a house with a full gym that has acoustic slats, a bar for drinks and smoothies, and full walls of mirrors, but it’s actually in a glass room. It just looks beautiful.”
Whole Home
Jenn Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Jenn Johnson
“Nowadays, it’s not just one particular space that clients want to feel calm, it’s the entire residence. We’ve seen an uptick in a style called Japandi, which blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality. That look is very calming and very Zen with lots of natural materials and neutral, earthy colors.”
Nature Nurture
“To create an indoor-outdoor feel, we’re incorporating lots of large pocketing windows and folding glass walls and doors that open to courtyards and landscaping, which have been getting more affordable. Whatever we can do to make that nature connection.”
Organic Touches
“Clients are liking more natural elements than the sleek, modern styles that were popular before. Now, it’s a handmade modern. Less metals and more wovens, ceramics, rustic coral and Zellige tiles.”
indigo-republic.com, @indigorepublichi
SEE ALSO: Home Inspiration: Feel Good Design in Portlock
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
