In recent years, our homes have taken on multiple roles. While they serve as our workplaces, they are also where we unwind and entertain ourselves. With the ongoing stresses of modern life, our homes have become sanctuaries where we find peace. The pandemic accelerated this transformation, turning living spaces into multifunctional areas such as home offices, exercise rooms, and creative hubs. A new trend is emerging that focuses on personal well-being, known as the “wellness room.”
Interior designer Gonzalo Bueno, from the design firm Ten Plus Three in Dallas, notes that wellness spaces—like small, elegant home gyms, meditation zones, and Zen gardens—are gaining popularity. For a recent project in Austin, Texas, Bueno’s team integrated an outdoor Zen garden with a meditation room and a luxurious bathing area, all positioned to overlook a calming green space.
Technology is playing a significant role in enhancing these wellness rooms. One popular trend is “soundbathing,” where people relax by listening to calming sounds, a feature previously found in many spas. Now, with some essential oils, yoga mats, and dim lighting, anyone can create this experience at home. Moreover, there are tech-empowered beds and mats that use low-frequency sound and vibrations, offering a more affordable option for personal sound therapy.
For those seeking a spa-like experience, infrared saunas can be a practical addition to a wellness room. These saunas are easier to install indoors compared to traditional steam saunas, with the option for Bluetooth and ambient lighting for a luxurious retreat. Cutting-edge shower units further elevate the in-home spa experience by integrating customizable features such as water jets, steam, lighting, and music.
Designer Jack Ovadia, based in New York, crafted a unique Japanese-style soaking tub for a client in Phoenix, which includes a tranquil atmosphere enhanced by terrazzo pebbles and a delicate chandelier. His designs often include a combination of relaxation and invigoration, with features like saunas alongside cold plunge tubs. Ovadia emphasizes the importance of a private space dedicated to wellness, suggesting that it should be free from external distractions to truly let individuals unwind.
For those who prefer a more dynamic wellness space, music rooms are becoming increasingly popular, setting an energetic tone. Bueno mentions that designing spaces for clients with specific passions, including music or art, brings those interests to life at home. For clients with extensive vinyl collections or those who love hosting large gatherings, music rooms provide the perfect space for relaxation and enjoyment.
Materials and lighting choices can heavily influence the mood of a wellness room. Ovadia suggests using natural materials and neutral tones to create a calming environment, while Bueno advises using vibrant lighting to infuse energy into the space. Art pieces can further enhance the ambiance, whether it’s a striking neon light in a music room or serene nature artwork in a quiet relaxation area.
Not everyone has the space for a dedicated wellness room at home, but there are public wellness spaces becoming social hotspots around the country. These “social spas” offer traditional spa treatments alongside areas for communal activities, turning self-care into a shared experience and becoming popular gathering spots. As Ovadia says, these venues are emerging as the “new nightclub” where self-care mixes with social interaction, evolving from a private activity into a collective trend.