5 Design Principles to Support Wellness at Home
In 2016, designer Shannon Ggem of Shannon Ggem Design got the chance to remodel the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles, where families stay when their children need medical treatment. During the process, she learned about the scientific evidence showing how design can support healing. These evidence-based wellness principles have become a key part of Ggem’s residential design practice. In this episode of Houzz TV Live, Ggem talks with Houzz editor Erin Carlyle about five principles of design that support wellness.
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Such a timely and interesting topic. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Thank you, so many great ideas! Can you tell me about the large landscape photograph above the sideboard in the last image? Where it is from and what size it is?
Great job Erin and Shannon!
@carriealison, that photo of the Malibu mountains was taken by the homeowners' son — you can learn more about that project here: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-tour-1932-lakeside-cabin-in-malibu-gets-a-refresh-stsetivw-vs~96283095
This was awesome to learn!
Very valuable information.
Will think about in every room. Biggest challenge multi use for my dining room.
Already use sounds , light and nature wherever I can.
Terrific info and very well delivered. Thank you.
Great insight. I think all of us designers “know” these things deep down, but maybe not always addressed to the fullest. Love it!
Beautiful home. Very much my taste!
Great ideas thank you Shannon!
"Design" and "decorate" are two different subjects. Ms. Ggem has appropriately emphasized the elements in design that are so important to health and wellness. The only item not touched upon is sustainability of products utilized, and is another "science" topic that could be added to the other thoughtful subjects enumerated. Wonderful that she has highlighted the role that science plays so importantly in our daily lives. Well done!
I love the room. Could you tell me where you found the table. It is just perfect !
Thank you for letting me talk about this important, data based set of design criteria! I loved chatting with you Erin, and your insightful questions and relaxed interview style. What a great way to get some information out there that can support the health and serenity of people!
Great ideas, thanks Shannon! Such an informative session.
What wonderful, useful information. And so well-presented. Excellent interview! Thank you.
I really enjoyed this presentation and especially the calming low-key way the video was presented. One of the things I want to do when I get a chance in the home we moved into is to hang two Marimekko fabric panels both of which were purchased a very long time ago. One for the entryway is a large birch tree and the other in the dining area a fabric from a collection that was originally known in the US as “Weather Diary” that is representative of grass and air. It was good to understand why these images resonate so much with me.
One thing to consider though with the biophilia is allergies to molds and introduction of insects into the home if you are going to incorporate mosses and such. Unfortunately we cannot even have houseplants or fresh flowers because we have a cat that is very persistent in wanting to eat them 😹 (also most common houseplants are toxic to cats).
Livablity of a home is critical at any age although most people think that Universal Design Principals are really for the elderly that are having difficulty getting around. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, I focus on owners being able to transition from one issue to another as their abilities change whether it has to do with aging or because of an accident. A five year old in a car accident ended up living in a wheel chair for the rest of his life. Although his parents had purchased a two story home just prior to the accident, they decided, in order to give their son the quality of life he deserved, they needed to move into a one story home that had wider hallways, door ways, roll in showers, some dropped counters, etc. This situation had nothing to do with aging. It was only a matter of living and as we all know, sometimes life provides us with things for which we should do our best to prepare and preplan. Being cavalier to potential situations doesn't benefit anyone.
How great. That’s a wonderful way to serve clients. 👏🏼
I like the Katz Builders’ insight, and I extend livability to include, now more than ever, breathability. Wall-to-wall carpet might be fine for helping to absorb noise in a room, as with upholstered headboards and heavy, voluminous draperies; but otherwise, those are the most unhealthful room treatments a designer could use for someone wanting a healthy home. How about improving construction materials and techniques to provide better insulation. I love classic luxury fabrics as much as anyone, and some of the high end carpet designs are lovely in any style. But these things are the enemy in a healthful home, even if you have the resources to clean them constantly. Carpeting is never truly clean just after a steam treatment. Textile designers and engineers are researching healthier, more sustainable materials so I’m hoping home builders and designers of the future will look toward that esthetic, beyond the impractical and detrimental realities of carpeting and otherwise overly dressed rooms.