Renovating your home for wellness can transform your interiors into a soothing sanctuary that lowers cortisol levels and induces feelings of calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Awareness of the link between health and homes has surged in recent years, with 73% of buyers now prioritizing wellness features. Increasingly, people are concerned about the effect interiors have on their bodies and its responses, and desire homes that support health, happiness, and good sleep. Circadian lighting and indoor waterfalls, in particular, are two in-demand wellness features that can enhance mental, emotional, and physical health, potentially even increasing the value of your home by 10%-25%, Forbes reports.
Circadian lighting
Circadian lighting systems support your body’s circadian rhythm — the 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles — by mimicking the light of the sun as it progresses from day to night. By aligning your body with natural cycles, circadian lighting supports happiness, energy, productivity throughout the day, and good-quality sleep at night. Circadian LED bulbs, for example, can be installed throughout your home and adjust the shade of light emitted as needed. In the morning, cooler, blue-toned light is ideal for waking you up and promoting alertness and productivity, while warmer, amber-toned light in the evening signals to the body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Consider installing these bulbs according to how you use your home. So—for instance—if you work from home and don’t get much daylight, place them in your home office to boost your productivity and prevent sleepiness. Alternatively, dimmable ceiling lights or wall sconces can be installed near your bed and bathtub to create a peaceful evening ambiance. Although always important, the ability to relax becomes even more crucial during stressful life events like moving home. Circadian lighting can support mindful sleep during this high-pressure period, ultimately, helping you manage stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. As for the cost, a whole-home circadian lighting system will set you back anywhere from $5-$15 per square foot. Considering that LED bulbs also cut energy usage by 75% and slash electricity bills, it’s a worthwhile investment and an attractive feature to buyers.
Indoor waterfalls
An indoor waterfall functions as a unique focal point that pulls a room together design-wise, while also providing a multisensory experience that soothes the body and mind. The added visual and auditory ambiance can also create a welcoming and relaxing mood for interested buyers, therefore helping to give your home a competitive edge and potentially leaving the lasting impression needed to compel them to make an offer. Wellness-wise, the sound of flowing water instantly infuses your home with a Zen-like calm, with water features (also referred to as “blue spaces”) having been found to increase wellbeing and lower risk of depression. Waterfalls also double as sound insulators — so if you live on a busy road or have noisy neighbors, they can drown out unwanted noise pollution. Indoor waterfalls are also visual works of art, consisting of water trickling down an attractive surface material like natural stone, slate, marble, glass, or decorative tile. You can even choose to add lighting for added ambiance, while the flow of water can also be adjusted to suit the atmosphere you want to create.
Indoor waterfalls can also be custom-made to fit your space. So, if you’re looking to turn an entire wall into a waterfall, or if you just have a few square feet to spare, there’s always options. Just be mindful to work with a reputable design-build firm who can be trusted to create a quality water feature. It should also be tested before installation — otherwise, if you’re not careful, you can put yourself at risk of leaks and water damage. You’ll also need to take maintenance responsibilities into account. Some features may require regular cleaning to prevent mineral buildup and hard water stains, while others are more low-maintenance, allowing you to enjoy their beauty with minimal upkeep.
A wellness-themed renovation can transform your home into a relaxing sanctuary you’ll never want to leave. Circadian lighting and indoor waterfalls are just a couple of features that promise to increase home value, while also enhancing your overall wellbeing.
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