3 Wellness Trends in Architecture

3 Wellness Trends in Architecture

While architectural “sustainability” continues to be a driving force in protecting the planet, emerging trends have refocused on the occupants’ “wellness.” This is not to say these ideas are mutually exclusive. Sustainability and wellness are two sides of a well-balanced home or commercial building. Our Vail Valley, CO and Hendersonville, NC architectural firm delivers architectural balance that enhances wellness!

1. Life-Enhancing Rooms

Consider the trends of the 1950s when modern conveniences were all the rage. Although that may strike you as materialism, those trends had a certain wellness lining. Wellness was not as popular a catch-phrase in those days. However, advancements in stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and others reduced the workload of full- and part-time homemakers. That reality credited everyday people with more time for their wellness.

Living in today’s technology era, architecture has increasingly included smart technology, built-in coffee stations, and other lifestyle enhancements. Simply put, improved wellness is a byproduct of reduced in-home labor.

2.Rethinking Building Materials

The average consumer enjoys a heightened awareness of risky and toxic materials. From traces of asbestos to unsavory chemicals used in paints, waxes, and cleaners, homeowners are avoiding even an inkling of a health hazard. That’s an excellent wellness philosophy and one trending in the architectural discourse.

Today’s designs lean more toward natural materials such as hardwoods, stone, and bamboo, among others. Crafting buildings that are more connected with the natural world has become increasingly popular for health reasons.

3. Embracing Nature

Another trend that has been embraced is designing rooms that connect directly with nature. Open-air spaces are becoming popular among parents that want their children to get more fresh air. With this popularization, plant life is increasingly being incorporated into architectural designs. It’s no longer uncommon to see indoor gardens, a living tree, or a home that strategically employs skylights and full-wall windows for the purposes of growing plants and bringing the outside in.

If you are considering a design that favors architectural balance and wellness, contact our Vail Valley, Colorado and Hendersonville, NC firm and schedule a free consultation!

Interior Features to Add Architectural Flair to a Rustic Home

Interior features that add architectural flair to a rustic home

When working with Vail Valley and Smoky Mountain architects to design your dream home, picking out the interior elements that will eventually make your home stand out is part of the fun. If you’re going with a rustic-style home, the interior features you should consider may be a little more traditional, but they are sure to give your home-in-progress true personality.

Architectural Features to Consider for Your Rustic Home

Designing a rustic home is a lot of fun. You want the modern functionality and conveniences of a home built today — as well as the comforting attitude of a more “crudely” designed space from the past. Take a look at some interior design features that will add architectural flair to your rustic home design.

Vaulted Ceilings

Ceilings, as we know them (made mostly of drywall), were not common in older homes. Instead, you would oftentimes only see the unfinished underside of the roof. Vaulted ceilings open up a room and give it that country-style feel. You can go with drywall vaulted ceilings, of course, but it is more rustic to cover the vaulted ceiling with wood planks or board-and-batten siding.

Exposed Wood Beams

Exposed wood beams are something even modern and contemporary spaces have, which add a touch of overhead style. In a rustic home, these beams fit in so flawlessly, but they also bring rustic style into any space. Whether you are adding the beams to a vaulted or flat ceiling, this architectural feature adds a touch of rustic charm to any room. Plus, it is a great way to draw the eyes up from the floor and walls.

Stone Build-Ins

Imagine the pop of personality that comes with a built-in breakfast bar made with old weathered bricks or a stone fireplace that creates a focal point in your family room. Combining stone and wood is something that has been done in homes for centuries, and implementing stone in a built-in fashion is a surefire way to make your wooden features really stand out.

With a little creative thinking and a good architect on your team, your dream of a rustic-style home will come to life! Reach out to us at TAB Associates for help designing that very home of your dreams!