In today’s fast paced world, the concept of home has evolved into more than just a place lay your hat. This is it’s become our own private sanctuary – a place of retreat and rejuvenation. With increasing awareness of the importance of health and well being, we are increasingly seeking ways to transform their living spaces into environments that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Creating a home that supports wellness involves thoughtful design choices and the integration of elements that promote a balanced and tranquil atmosphere. From the materials you choose to the ambiance you create, each decision plays a crucial role in enhancing your home’s ability to support a healthy lifestyle. Below are some things you may wish to consider in order to create a home that nurtures you and your family’s physical and emotional well being.
It All Starts With Energy – Feng Shui
The foundation of a wellness focused home begins with considered design, and Feng Shui takes this to a level above just creating a functional floor plan. The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui focuses on harmonising the energy, or “chi,” within a space to promote balance, health, and prosperity. It involves things such as the orientation of the home on the land, placement of doorways and windows and considered placement of furniture, the use of natural elements, and attention to the flow of energy within each room. By aligning the layout and design with the principles of Feng Shui, homeowners can create spaces that promote balance, peace and harmony.
Edgar Lok Tin Yung is one of Australia’s most highly regarded Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology consultants. With extensive training under traditional Feng Shui Masters, he carries the honour of being the 39th Generation Holder of the prestigious San Yuen Yuen Gua (SYYG) lineage. His focus is on providing personalised, practical guidance that meets the unique needs of each client.
According to Edgar common mistakes people make in Feng Shui are:
1. Confusing Good Interior Design with Good Feng Shui
Many people mistakenly believe that a stylish interior design or a well chosen colour scheme automatically means good Feng Shui, however Feng Shui is more about energy flow and balance that décor.
2. Placing the Kitchen, Staircase, or Toilet at the Centre of the Home
A floorplan with areas like the kitchen, staircase, or bathroom in the centre of the house can disrupt energy flow. The centre of the home should remain open and balanced to allow for good energy circulation.
3. Doors with Conflicting Angles for the View
Often doors are placed to capture a scenic view, but if these doors face different angles that conflict with the main entrance, it can create disharmony in the flow of energy through the home.
4. Misalignment of the Main Entrance and Internal Doors
If the main entrance or internal access doors are not optimally aligned, it can cause energy to move awkwardly through the home, leading to discomfort or instability. Proper alignment ensures smooth and harmonious energy flow.
5. Misunderstanding the Alignment of the Front and Back Doors
Some people assume that having the front door aligned with the back door is always bad Feng Shui. While it can be problematic in certain cases (causing energy to rush through the home too quickly), in some situations, this alignment can be beneficial depending on the doors’ location.
To book a consultation with Edgar, go to loktinfengshui.com.au
Toxin Free Window Treatments
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not only present in paint but can also be found in various window treatments, such as synthetic fabrics, adhesives, and finishes, creating exposure to toxic chemicals and potential health risks.
Knowing that around 30% of a home’s heating and cooling is lost through windows, the team at Vision Decor have always promoted choices that improve thermal efficiency within their client’s home leading to increased comfort for the occupants. But their passion for health and sustainability does not end there, they have a range of recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles.
Vision Décor also offers an extensive range of natural, non-toxic materials that are Oeko-Tex certified and have undergone testing to ensure they are free of harmful substances which make them much safer for you, your family and the environment.
Book an in-home consultation at visiondecor.com.au
Materials that Support Your Health
On a daily basis we are constantly coming in contact with the surfaces within our home making it crucial that we choose not only materials that are durable but also support our health. Organoid stands out above the rest. Crafted from natural materials like Alpine hay, flower petals, and various herbs, Organoid surfaces offer a truly sensory experience that engages sight, touch, and smell. These surfaces are ideal for decorative walls, joinery, and acoustic design. Organoid’s natural surfaces contribute to a positive atmosphere, promoting health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and boosting concentration. Additionally, Organoid emphasizes 100% sustainability, authenticity, and a strong connection to nature through the use of untreated natural materials.
Find out more about Organoid at austaronsurfaces.com
Whole Home Water Filtration
We all know the importance of clean water, but high-quality filtered water can significantly improve your health. Installing a whole home water filter system from Complete Home Filtration ensures all the water in your home – drinking, cooking, cleaning and showering, is free of harmful chemicals, bacteria, and microplastics. Benefits include softer, healthier hair with less breakage and hair loss, reduced skin irritation, and softer skin due to the elimination of chlorine’s drying effects. Additionally, quality filtered water helps to protects plumbing and appliances from hard water, improving their lifespan and efficiency. Filtered water also reduces the need for plastic bottles, contributing to sustainability. As Mel Burrell, National Business Development Manager, notes, “More Australian families are seeking the health benefits our system provides. Just like solar panels, whole-home filtration is becoming a standard feature in new homes.”
Find out more about whole home filtration at completehomefiltration.com.au
Sleep on Organic Bedding
The importance of a good night’s sleep in your overall health cannot be overstated, and your bedding plays a significant role in the quality of your rest. Choosing organic bedding made from natural fibres like organic cotton and organic linen ensures that you are sleeping on materials free from toxic chemicals and pesticides. Organic bedding is not only softer and more breathable but also supports sustainable practices, making it a key element in a wellness-focused home.
BHUMI was born out of a desire to create a healthier, more sustainable world. After witnessing the devastating health and environmental impacts of conventional cotton farming, including pesticide poisoning and harmful dyes, BHUMI’s founder, Vinita sought to offer an alternative and formulated a mission to combine luxury, sustainability, and well-being in products that enhance both your home and the planet.
Bhumi’s organic bedding is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, free from toxic chemicals and pesticides, ensuring a safer, hypoallergenic sleep environment. By choosing organic bedding, you not only support fair wages and eco-friendly practices, but you also optimise your health with beautiful bedding that is gentle on the skin and free from harmful substances.
Order online at bhumi.com.au
No VOC Paint
Many conventional paints contain harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air as the paint dries. These toxins can contribute to indoor air pollution, causing headaches, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems with prolonged exposure. Choosing paints labelled as “No VOC” or “Low VOC” significantly reduces or eliminates these harmful emissions. No VOC paints release little to no toxic fumes, making them a much healthier option for both the environment and your living space, while Low VOC paints limit the amount of pollutants, offering a safer alternative without sacrificing performance.
Resene is known for its innovative, eco-friendly formulations, offering a wide range of vibrant, durable colours with low or no VOC paint options for healthier indoor environments.
See more at resene.com.au
Plants, Plants and More Plants
Abundant indoor plants and greenery are on trend and also a wonderful way to boost your health. A study by NASA in the 80’s proved that plants can filter benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, leading to cleaner indoor air and reduced respiratory issues. They also promote a peaceful environment, naturally reducing stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and elevate mood. A visually striking way to incorporate plants into your home is via a vertical garden. O2 Plantwalls specialise in creating impactful vertical gardens that are not only visually appealing but also contribute to a healthy, sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
See more at o2plantwalls.com.au
Install an Infrared Sauna
Saunas have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being, and with the advent of home infrared saunas, it’s now easier than ever to bring these benefits into your daily routine. Nook Saunas offers the new platinum standard in infrared sauna technology, with sizes ranging from compact 1 person saunas to larger 6-8 person units that can be integrated into any space. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas use light to heat the body directly, improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and aiding detoxification. Regular use reduces inflammation, eases joint and muscle pain, and speeds up post-exercise recovery. Additionally, infrared saunas promote stress relief, enhance mood, and are known to improve sleep quality. Some studies also suggest infrared saunas support cardiovascular health and boost skin tone by improving blood flow, making a sauna a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
See more at nooksaunas.com.au
Relax and Rejuvenate in a Massage Chair
Minimising stress is integral to your well-being, and a home massage chair is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Quality massage chairs relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promoting better sleep. Relax For Life offers Australia’s only Japanese made massage chairs from leading brands like OHCO and Fujiiryoki, the creators of the world’s first massage chair in 1954. The new OHCO M8 NEO is 2024’s most luxurious massage chair and combines Shiatsu expertise from Sensei Akira Okabayashi with Ferrari designer Ken Okuyama’s sleek design. Featuring built-in aromatherapy, ionizer, Bluetooth music, and chromotherapy, it enhances mind, body, and soul relaxation. This is not just an investment in personal health but one that benefits the entire family.
Find out more at relaxforlife.com.au
Creating Harmony and Balance with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy has the power to elevate and transform any space. With the right essential oils, rooms can shift from ordinary to extraordinary, creating harmony and balance within the home. Lemon Canary offers a beautiful collection of oils and luxurious candles infused with essential oils, designed to create the perfect mood for every occasion. From invigorating citrus notes to serene lavender, their beautiful scents breathe life into your surroundings, enhancing the atmosphere and promoting a sense of well-being.
Shop online at lemoncanary.com.au
These are just some of the ways you can promote a healthier home environment that nourishes your entire family’s body and mind. Every thoughtful choice you make can nurture harmony and peace, creating your own private sanctuary that revitalises and enhances your well-being.
See more ideas online – search Harmonising Your Home for Wellness at customhomesmag.com
