Global Wellness Tour

Make yourself at home with these wellness concepts tied to design

Destination: The Netherlands

Concept: Niksen

Similar to hygge, the Dutch term “niksen” means to do absolutely nothing. Practicing niksen involves disconnecting from stress and allowing your mind to wander freely. By letting go of productivity and embracing the simple joy of being, we prioritize mental health. The mindfulness achieved through niksen allows us to better process the overwhelming amount of information that we take in each day and frees us for creativity.

The purposeful idleness of niksen is a great design philosophy if your home always feels chaotic. Select a nook, preferably in a sunlit spot, to implement the concept. First, rid the space of anything distracting—including tech and books. Niksen encompasses the most basic of activities, like gazing out a window or looking around a room. Aim for comfort in your seating choices, and try to incorporate relaxing elements like throw blankets and calming scents through essential oils or candles. Echo nature with organic materials and wallpapers that evoke the outdoors or windows that showcase a view.

Destination: Wales

Concept: Cwtch

Associated with a feeling of comfort and security, the Welsh concept of “cwtch” (rhymes with “butch”) can be traced back to 1400. Directly translated as “hug” or “cuddle,” cwtch is used to describe an act of love. It can also mean “cubbyhole” and refer to being surrounded by someone or something for safety. While it sounds like the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” which is delighting in moments of relaxation in a cozy environment, cwtch goes beyond the idea of looking at the objects you have for comfort to include finding comfort within yourself and through the people around you, as well as personal effects and home decor.

In terms of interiors, cwtch can be utilized to make a space feel serene by implementing plush textures, a soothing color palette, and mood lighting. One of the keys of cwtch design is to create an emotional or spiritual connection to your space through personalization—everything from photos to family heirlooms and other objects with sentimental value. Focus on historic (and comfortable) furniture pieces and antique accents, or pull out that family quilt that has been passed down through generations.

You can also pursue the “hug” root of cwtch by establishing a cozy, intimate nook that is separated either in part or completely from the rest of a room. Be sure to include plenty of pillows and blankets for tranquility. A final option is to highlight a hobby or interest (like yoga, cross-stitch, or even mah-jongg) and create a dedicated space that both pays tribute to your passion and allows you to partake in it.

Destination: Sweden

Concept: Lagom

Another concept rooted in overall wellness, “lagom” is about mindfulness and balance to help make life feel more manageable. Translating to “not too much, not too little,” lagom encourages a Goldilocks-inspired philosophy of moderation in all aspects of life to cultivate harmony and peace.

Keep the “less is more” mantra in mind when implementing lagom in your home. The goal is to live life in harmony, with just enough possessions. Think minimalism and functionality. Given its Swedish origin, lagom design leans toward traditional elements of Nordic interior principles like neutral, soothing colors and an emphasis on wood when possible. Avoid overcrowding a room. Instead, balance clean-lined furniture and space to achieve a comfortable, well-proportioned environment. Use natural light to create a calming atmosphere, and embrace sustainable and renewable materials as well as durable and high-quality pieces that will last a long time.