How to design your home for wellness and well-being, according to Singapore’s interior designers

Sulini Tjoeng, design principal of Sketchwork Design & Style, suggests using soft lighting for general illumination while avoiding overly bright lights “as these can disrupt relaxation”. To strike a perfect balance, she recommends dimmer switches, “an excellent choice to adjust lighting levels based on the time of day or mood”.

“We design spaces that allow light to flow freely and abundantly, responding to site-specific factors such as building orientation and sun exposure,” adds Ray Kok, founder and creative director of M.Interior. “For example, incorporating skylights, large windows and open layouts maximises daylight penetration, creating a sense of openness and a connection with the environment.” Another key consideration is incorporating enough storage space to keep clutter at bay.

“I think the living space needs to be as uncluttered as possible; a cluttered space makes a person feel claustrophobic, eventually leading to stress,” says Shermaine Ong, founder of Mosh Interior. She ensures there is plenty of clearance along walkways, thereby avoiding any physical encounters with furniture and other objects.

Lim Thong, founder of LA Design Studio, points out another consideration that is often overlooked: personalisation. “Incorporating colours, textures, and designs that bring you joy, as well as personal touches representative of your hobbies and memories, adds character to the home and fosters a sense of belonging in the space,” he suggests.

Designing a kitchen can be fairly technical, requiring careful spatial planning, optimal task lighting and a thorough material selection process for an efficient cooking zone. Ong places particular emphasis on the layout of key appliances and fittings.

“I have a rule of thumb when I design a kitchen; if possible, I will place the fridge next to the sink so that raw food can be handled more quickly, preventing cross-contamination,” she shares. “Placing any water dispensers, coffee machines or drink stations away from the main sink where raw food is handled is also advisable. This way, the homeowners won’t have to worry about getting sick so often.”

As for the material selection, Molina Hun, creative director of Sujonohun, recommends natural quartzite. “It is one of our preferred material choices for the kitchen, as it beautifully showcases the veining of the stone, adding visual interest to the countertop. At the same time, it’s durable and relatively easy to maintain, offering beauty as well as functionality.”

Just like in the living room—and many other spaces in the home—lighting plays an important role in the kitchen, too. “The way light interacts with a space matters just as much as its presence,” says Duffy. “Harsh fluorescent light, for example, feels clinical or industrial, and sometimes even oppressive. On the other hand, soft, diffused lighting at the right temperature changes the psychology of space by immersing it in a warm glow.”

Bathrooms tend to be relatively small, with specific requirements that make them challenging spaces to design. At the same time, the bathroom is often perceived as an oasis of relaxation after a long day out of the house, lending importance to the design.

“Three elements for the bathroom that can promote wellness and well-being are lighting, temperature and scent,” shares Jackie Lai, design director of Jia Studios. “Incorporate layered lighting and scenting to impact memory and emotion. Aromatherapy can evoke a sense of well-being. Gentle warmth in the temperature of the bathroom also helps muscles relax, reduces tension, and encourages a sense of comfort and tranquillity.”

Read more: 7 new luxury faucets and shower fittings to transform your bathroom into a wellness oasis

Duffy adds: “Materials, like scents, often bypass conscious thought and go straight to the emotional core. Design works best when it understands this and recognises how people feel rooms long before they think about them. That’s why the right material can make a space speak without saying a word.”

To ensure the functional side of things is taken care of, Ong highly recommends installing a good ventilation system in the bathroom to ensure that moisture and odours are extracted effectively. “The shower area should ideally be positioned where the window opening is to allow for optimal ventilation,” she adds. “If alteration of the toilet is allowed, I usually place the entrance away from the toilet bowl as well, to avoid that unpleasant sight.”

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Think of spaces designed for wellness, and you’re sure to picture a soothing sleeping environment. Designing for rest, rejuvenation and overall well-being is perhaps more important in the bedroom than anywhere else in the house, which is why carefully considering the location of your master suite should be the first step.

“Consider the room’s location in the home to ensure it is conducive to rest and relaxation. Bedrooms that face quieter areas—not directly overlooking a noisy street—provide a more serene environment, positively influencing sleep quality,” points out Tjoeng.

If a quiet bedroom is impossible to locate, she recommends making use of soundproofing materials along the walls and windows. “Heavy curtains, carpets or upholstered furniture can also help absorb sound and enhance privacy,” she adds.

Beyond its location, the size of the bedroom should also be considered when determining its design. “For large bedrooms, creating balance is key to avoid the room feeling empty or cluttered,” Tjoeng shares. “Break the space into defined zones, such as a reading nook, a workspace, or a relaxation corner. Use statement furniture pieces, such as a large headboard or a statement armchair, to fill the space without overcrowding it.”

Once the layout is established, it’s time to think about lighting, materials and colours. “Light, neutral tones, including white, pastels and light greys, are best applied in smaller bedrooms, as they reflect light and help the space feel larger. In more spacious rooms, deeper shades like navy, forest green or charcoal can add intimacy and warmth,” recommends Tjoeng.

Hun asserts: “Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right mood for relaxation and well-being. Focus on maximising natural light during the day, complemented by layered ambient lighting to create a calming atmosphere in the evening.

“We love working with natural options such as wood, linen and stone, which evoke a grounding connection to nature,” she adds. “We also introduce soft, tactile fabrics that enhance comfort and give the space a cosy, inviting feel. These layers help transform the bedroom into a sanctuary of peace.”

“Many construction materials and furniture pieces contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can adversely affect indoor air quality as they off-gas,” warns Justin Mok, co-founder of Bud Studio. “While materials with a low VOC content may be more expensive, investing in them is worthwhile for your long-term health.”

If there’s one intangible element that can instantly transform any room in the house into a peaceful, utterly soothing environment, it is without a doubt biophilia. Some homeowners may even consider these essential to a well-designed abode. Plants and water features, as Lai shares, “are some of the natural elements that need to be present to offer visual serenity.”

“In the context of our environment in Singapore, fostering a connection with nature within interior spaces is vital,” Mok agrees. “Research suggests that such a connection has a positive impact on individuals, leading to increased happiness and well-being.”

“In recent years, I have grown to include more biophilic designs, and I now find them crucial to improving wellness and fostering a sense of comfort. Integrating natural elements into our homes, such as stone-like features, greenery, and warm wood tones, creates a sense of calmness and relaxation beyond mere aesthetics,” Lim shares.

“Bringing outdoor materials indoors creates a sense of security. This approach calms the mind, reduces stress levels, and enhances overall well-being.”

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