Holistic Interiors | Wellness by Design

Like so many, the focus at the start of the year often centres on health and wellbeing, an area that continues to grow as a priority for all of us. It’s no surprise then, that our clients homes are increasingly calling for a holistic approach to wellness too. Here at Oliver Burns Studio the environments we create go beyond the aesthetic: designing spaces that nurture wellbeing and inspire connection.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS INTEGRATION

True wellness embraces not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Our approach is to weave wellness seamlessly into every aspect of design, never treating it as an afterthought. Even the smallest details, like the sustainably sourced fabric chosen for a sofa are carefully considered: the colour sets the mood and atmosphere, whilst the texture ensures comfort and invites relaxation. These choices may go unnoticed at first, but they are part of a layered, intentional process where every element contributes to a harmonious and cohesive environment.

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MINDFUL SPATIAL PLANNING

Intentional layout and thoughtful flow are fundamental to creating spaces that work harmoniously with daily life. Efficient planning means ensuring that movement within a home feels natural and uninterrupted; for example, the walk from a bedroom through the dressing room into the ensuite should allow those living there to move freely without getting in each other’s way. Similarly, the placement of frequently used objects and daily rituals, especially in areas like the kitchen, must be designed to maximise time efficiency and ease of use. Mindful spatial planning carefully considers how people move, interact, and use each area, reducing friction and enhancing comfort. By prioritising function alongside beauty, design supports productivity, eases stress, and encourages purposeful living.

SENSORY INTELLIGENCE

Design that respects sensory intelligence harnesses the power of sight, light, sound, touch, and even scent to shape experience and mood. Scientific studies have shown that natural and well-considered lighting not only enhances mood but also improves focus and overall wellbeing. Thoughtful lighting choices, calming textures, soothing colour palettes, and acoustic solutions all contribute to spaces that nurture emotional balance. It is about engaging these senses, and awakening them through thoughtful layered design to create atmospheres that both stimulate and soothe.

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CONNECTION TO NATURE

In the midst of modern living, our homes become essential sanctuaries, offering calm and respite from the relentless daily rhythm. Through biophilic design, it has been proven that connecting with nature reduces stress, enhances wellbeing, and restores the mind. We design to create this connection, working across some of the most pioneering residences to foster a deep relationship with nature, whether in the heart of the countryside or among the most prestigious skylines. This seamless connection between indoors and outdoors allows us to deliver designs that move both the heart and the mind.

Our Founder and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, discussed this approach in a interview with Walpole, noting that our House of Walpole apartment project drew its inspiration from The Gardens at Buckingham Palace; ‘The palace gardens provided an endless source of inspiration, with flora and fauna abound. From floral and winged motifs to organic lines, the narrative is weaved through the design using the subtle geometry, abstract pattern and repetition found in nature.’ These subtle details can come together to create balance, infusing every moment with the quiet luxury of nature’s embrace, even within the hustle of the city.

All of our projects are approached holistically, shaping some of the world’s most prestigious commissions into places where beauty and meaning converge to enrich lives and enhance overall wellbeing.