Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2022 - 14

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
Getting in the Mood
Paying close attention to your clients' needs can improve the way they feel in their homes
IT IS A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL'S CHALLENGE to create a home that allows
its inhabitants to thrive. Beyond photo-ready rooms and drafting fl oor
plans, there is another layer to that challenge: Getting to know your clients
is deeper than familiarizing yourself with their aesthetic wants. A multihead
shower can be visually striking but ineff ective if your client is not into
a shower body massage. An open-layout kitchen is an excellent design
choice, but not if your client doesn't want the kitchen to be part of the public
space. Th e idea sounds complex but can be boiled down simply - people's
moods are determined by the spaces they inhabit. If the space benefi ts the
individual and their needs, you have a happy client.
ADAPTING THE WELL BUILDING PRINCIPLES
Of course, it is nearly impossible to gear your client's preferences toward
all aspects of home life. Th e WELL Building Standard, a process that may
sound intimidating, is a thoughtful and reliable approach. It is essentially a
checklist for mental, physical and emotional well-being in the space you are
creating. While WELL is intended to certify commercial and institutional
spaces with large amounts of inhabitants, its guiding principles can also be
used to inform residential design practices.
Th e method comprises seven equally important factors that aff ect inhabitant
well-being: air, water, nourishment, light, fi tness, comfort and
mind. Not every room or project will encapsulate all elements of WELL,
but a home in totality should make a point to accommodate all seven. Two
spaces where wellness is of particular focus in the home are, fi ttingly, the
kitchen and bathroom. Th e following are some tips for applying the WELL
Building concepts to your next residential project.
WELLNESS IN THE BATHROOM
Home professional or not, we're all aware of
the nuances that come with loving (or hating)
your bathroom. When a client is investing in a
bathroom custom to their needs, ensure you are
meeting them - even if it involves asking about
their showering habits.
" People's moods are determined
by the spaces they inhabit.
If the space benefits the
individual and their needs,
you have a happy client. "
BELOW For a bachelor's
penthouse on the Upper East
Side, the basement bathroom
features shower glass that can
be turned from clear to translucent
at the touch of a switch,
creating a spa-like experience
in the owner's home. Photo by
Travis Mark
Water. Determining the client's preference of
water pressure, water fi ltering and showerhead
style is essential to giving them an ideal experience
in their new bathroom. Bathtubs should
fi ll quickly and adjust temperature easily.
Air. A good exhaust system is key in a bathroom
to remove any humidity and smells. A window
for fresh air, if possible, is also important for
maintaining a healthy space.
Comfort. Your client may prefer a heated fl oor
in the bathroom to make getting ready in the
morning a bit more comfortable in the winter
or air conditioning for warmer months. Since
the bathroom is often the fi rst place we visit
in the morning, a positive or negative sensory
experience can aff ect the trajectory of a person's
mood for the day. Use design to facilitate
happiness and peace at home - radiant heat
in bathroom floors can signal relief, while
in-shower speaker systems can be used to lift
moods. Everything is related to the bigger
picture, and details matter.
Mind. While the bathroom may not be the obvious
choice for mental health, it is quite often
a place of mediation. Knowing your clients'
preferences can help make it a space that caters
to relaxation. Some prefer a steam shower,
massaging showerheads or even the addition
of a sauna in their bathroom.
Light. Your client may prefer a slightly darker
14
/ JULY-AUGUST 2022

Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2022

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