Table of contents:
- Introduction
- Nod to nature
- Soundproofed interiors
- Selecting sustainability
- Flexibility factor
- Digital game-changer
- Airy appeal
- Fresh ‘n’ filtered
- Corners of calm
- Nature connect
- Bathrooms of bliss
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Embracing nature
There is an increasing preference for organic modern interiors that exude a natural feel. Elements like wood, cane, and natural stones are emerging as strong elements of design. For example, many home buyers now opt for art and decor inspired by nature, use natural materials and even natural objects (a stone bench, for instance) when designing their home. Earthy palettes and natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and jute are also becoming more popular. Natural elements add texture and depth to a home, apart from fostering emotional well-being and a calming environment.
Acoustic wellness
Noise pollution is an inevitable bane of urban living. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), any noise above 65 decibels is defined as noise pollution. The main sources of sound pollution in cities include road and air traffic, construction activities, pubs, bars, and restaurants, and even stray dogs. Excess sound can disrupt our focus, communication, and sleep, and cause a range of physical and psychological health issues, thus impacting our overall well-being. Now, acoustic wellness is a part of many home designs. People choose sound-absorbing materials, acoustic wall and ceiling panels, soundproof windows, thick curtains, rugs and carpets to reduce the impact of outside noise. Proper insulation plays a significant role in sound management. Creating living walls is also an excellent idea, as they are effective sound absorbers.
Sustainable Homes
An increasing number of people are now choosing sustainable living. Sustainability in wellness homes goes beyond using sustainable materials. It also means upcycling, recycling, and reimagining old items to give them a fresh appeal. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances, using solar power, and opting for low-VOC paints are all sustainable home design 2026 ideas. Reducing water wastage is also key. Many modern home buyers choose dual-flush toilets, sensor taps, low-flow showerheads, and even digital shower controls. Smart homes are also ‘smart’ at reducing energy consumption.
Flexible furnishing
Space is the biggest luxury in modern city homes. So, many home buyers are now choosing their furniture thoughtfully, focusing not just on visual appeal. There’s an increasing preference for furniture that can be folded, expanded, and used for multiple purposes. For example, beds that can be folded and used as sofas during the day, tables and chairs that can be folded after use. This allows space optimisation and lends the house an open feel without making it too cluttered or crowded. Concealed storage is another pivotal element. Along with practical convenience, this is also a step towards mindful spending and minimalist living.
Digital visualisation
Imagine these scenarios: The wall paint you chose doesn’t give the exact ‘look and feel’ you had imagined, or the furniture you carefully selected looks totally out of place in your living room. In earlier days, the only solution would have been to repaint your home, buy new furniture, or simply live with it. But today, with digitalisation, there’s no need for trial and error or the wastage of time, money, and materials. Modern home buyers can plan their homes from the word go. From wall paint and curtain fabric to furniture placement, you can visualise everything well in advance. In short, all you have to do is create your perfect home digitally first and then turn it into a physical reality.
Sunlit spaces
Biophilic design trends are not new and will remain in demand in the coming year. Most buyers now ensure that their homes have maximum sunlight, airy, well-ventilated rooms, and open spaces. In a bid to boost their connection with nature indoors as well, many people grow gardens on terraces and balconies, turn their homes into green sanctuaries with multiple indoor plants, and also choose organic textures and patterns. Introducing water elements inside the homes – small fountains and aquariums – is a hallmark of biophilic designs. Patterns inspired by natural objects like tree branches, mushrooms, and honeycombs, incorporating natural shapes—curves and irregular surfaces — are also becoming common in modern homes.
Filtered air systems
Worsening air quality is emerging as a major concern in urban India. With poor air quality posing many health hazards, air purifiers are a common fixture in most homes. While many townships boast lush green spaces outside, centralised air-conditioning systems fitted with advanced indoor air filters are also becoming popular. Other ways to improve air quality include ensuring adequate ventilation, regular cleaning, reducing indoor chemical use, installing green/living walls, and growing indoor plants.
Mind matters
Today, the definition of fitness isn’t confined to physical well-being. It includes emotional and mental wellness as well. As a result, most modern housing societies have amenities such as yoga decks and multiple green spaces, including separate parks for children and senior citizens, and gazebos for some quiet moments of introspection and also community bonding. Many people also create a small oasis of peace — like a meditation corner — indoors. This will be a significant aspect of Wellness home trends 2026, too.
‘Natural’ bonding
Over the years, the concept of workout spaces has also changed. While many people hit indoor gyms, an increasing number are also opting for open workout spaces to enhance their bond with nature. Walking and cycling tracks surrounded by greenery, and outdoor sports facilities – tennis courts, cricket pitches, skating rinks, etc. — are also becoming more common these days.
Spa bathrooms
Bathrooms play a pivotal role in wellness homes and are evolving into personal spas. Along with the rest of the house, modern bathrooms also tend to lean towards colours inspired by nature, including moss green, muted blues, and aquas. Other popular elements include indoor plants that thrive in humid environments (snake plants, ferns, etc.), unrestrained use of natural materials like wood, raw stone, and limestone. If space allows, many people also add an artistic, glamorous touch to their bathrooms with freestanding tubs, unique-shaped basins, seamless walls, etc.
Conclusion
Are you planning to buy a house or renovate the current one in the coming year? If so, make sure to incorporate some of these healthy home design ideas. When it comes to wellness, if you want to know about the fitness equipment you can install at home, read this blog.
FAQ
What are some of the factors that impact air quality?
Apart from outdoor pollutants such as vehicular and industrial emissions and pollution from construction activities, there are many indoor factors that affect air quality. These include insufficient ventilation and mould growth, pollutants trapped in carpets and upholstered furniture, poor maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, chemical compounds in some household cleaning products, and even activities like cooking.
What are low-VOC paints?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are harmful chemicals that evaporate over time at normal indoor temperatures. They have been proven to cause various health hazards, including fatigue, headaches, breathing difficulties, blurred vision, and even cancer. While oil-based paints have a high concentration of VOCs, most household paints today are water-based, meaning they have very little or no VOCs.
What are some of the benefits of exercising outdoors?
The benefits of exercising outdoors include reduced stress and anxiety, increased motivation to exercise, improved sleep and Vitamin D levels, enhanced memory and self-esteem, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Some of the best outdoor exercises include walking, jogging, cycling, and bodyweight exercises.
Sources:
News 18 | Gustafs | Times of India | Iberdrola | Acoustics Asia | Window World | Core Craft Infra Solutions | Magic Bricks | The Economic Times | Indian Institute of Art and Design | Electrolux | Asian Paints | Everyday Health |
