Rethinking Interiors with Wellness in Mind for 2025

Hampstead, London, NW3

As we face a new year, many are re-evaluating their living spaces to align with wellness goals, acknowledging how our environments profoundly influence our well-being. While getting organized is a common New Year’s resolution, it’s equally important to reconsider the design of our surroundings, which can nurture mental and physical health in unexpected ways. A thoughtfully curated, wellness-focused home can inspire calm, provide respite, and boost daily energy levels—creating an environment that both soothes and uplifts.

For Olga Alexeeva, Creative Director of London-based interior design studio Black&Milk, wellness in interior design has evolved from a trend into a necessity. She believes that a well-designed space should “foster a positive and nurturing environment,” where every element contributes to a sense of well-being. Renowned for their cozy yet luxurious interiors that blend comfort and elegance, Black&Milk is now focusing on creating spaces where health and design intersect. Here, they share insights on how to elevate your home with wellness at its core.

Embracing the Natural World

A key trend in wellness-focused design is integrating the outdoors with indoor spaces, creating a seamless flow between nature and home. In a recent project, Black&Milk transformed a garden shed in Hampstead into a holistic sanctuary featuring a sauna, bucket shower, and plunge pool. Nestled among woodlands, the structure harmonizes with its surroundings, making nature an integral part of the design.

Thoughtful architectural and interior choices create this immersive effect. The studio designed the space around existing trees, ensuring the architecture blends organically into the landscape. Expansive windows and skylights open the cabin to the woodlands, enhancing tranquility. Traditional materials like timber and glass further connect occupants with nature while promoting a calming atmosphere. With multifunctional features, such as a retractable bed system, the garden retreat serves both as a guest house and a private hideaway, showcasing the harmony and flexibility that wellness design can offer.

Designing with Feng Shui and Japandi Principles

Incorporating philosophies like Feng Shui and Japandi—a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics—helps achieve balance and harmony within the home. Black&Milk’s Soho Loft project exemplifies this approach, transforming a one-bedroom apartment into a serene retreat amid London’s vibrant West End. The converted warehouse’s lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows optimize natural light, creating an openness that balances the apartment’s compact footprint.

By applying Feng Shui principles, Black&Milk designed the layout with sliding rice-paper screens to provide flexible separations between spaces, ensuring privacy while maintaining light flow. Low-level furniture enhances the airy atmosphere, grounding the space in Japandi’s minimalist, calming aesthetic. Their attention to color balance further fosters tranquility: neutral shades dominate the yang areas (kitchen and living room), while rich dark tones define the yin bedroom, promoting restful energy.

These intentional design elements create a tranquil haven that balances physical layout with the intangible energy within the space—demonstrating that small adjustments can significantly impact well-being.

Soho, London, W1D

Spa Rooms and Home Gyms for Personal Wellness

Home spas and fitness rooms are becoming increasingly popular as more people prioritize self-care within their homes. Olga Alexeeva notes that wellness spaces, from spa rooms to home gyms, are among Black&Milk’s most requested features. “Wellness culture is on the rise,” she states, “and creating spaces dedicated to self-care at home offers a luxurious, accessible solution.”

The pandemic underscored the need for home sanctuaries, accelerating the shift towards self-care spaces that provide comfort and escape. Beyond enhancing relaxation, these upgrades add lasting value to properties. In Black&Milk’s Euston project, they transformed a bathroom into a spa-inspired sanctuary using mood lighting and unique materials to distinguish it from the rest of the home. This spatial “sensory shift” allows occupants to fully disconnect, engaging their senses and promoting relaxation. The project embodies the essence of wellness-driven design: crafting spaces that support health and relaxation daily.

Creating Your Wellness-Centered Home in 2025

With wellness increasingly woven into the fabric of interior design, transforming your home with these principles is both achievable and enriching. Whether you’re embracing nature by blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries, achieving peaceful balance through Feng Shui and Japandi, or establishing dedicated self-care spaces, wellness-driven design ensures your home becomes a sanctuary of tranquility.

In 2025, let every room reflect your wellness aspirations. Black&Milk’s approach illustrates that by nurturing calm, enhancing functionality, and connecting with nature, your home can truly inspire and rejuvenate—supporting a healthier, happier you every day.

Experience unmatched refinement with Black & Milk, the leading premium luxury interior designer London.  Their portfolio proves persistent dedication to excellence. It features several projects that reflect creative design approach and meticulous attention to detail

Contact: Black and Milk