How to Design a Calming Home, According to Experts

Therapists and designers reveal the secrets to creating a serene sanctuary.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Achieving a sense of calm and relaxation in your home can be a delicate balance. Interior designers who work with therapists or use neuroscience findings often take this into account, focusing on elements like natural materials, muted color palettes, and layered lighting to create a tranquil environment. Experts share tips on incorporating biophilic design, selecting soothing textures, and avoiding anything too formal or clinical to help you cultivate a serene space.

Why it matters

The design of a person's living space can have a significant impact on their mental well-being. By understanding the principles of therapeutic design, homeowners can create a sanctuary that immediately puts them at ease and helps regulate their nervous system when they walk through the door.

The details

Key elements of a serene home include incorporating natural materials like wood, plants, and stone; using muted, earth-tone color palettes; layering warm, dimmable lighting sources; arranging furniture with soft, rounded silhouettes; and selecting tactile, comforting textures like velvet and linen. Designers also advise against overly clinical, rigid, or reflective finishes that can feel cold and overstimulating.

  • This article was published on March 5, 2026.

The players

Rachel Blindauer

An interior designer who works with therapist clients to create calming, serene spaces.

Sarah Seung-McFarland

A design psychologist who studies how the built environment impacts well-being.

Anita Yokota

A licensed therapist-turned-interior designer who specializes in creating grounding, nature-inspired spaces.

Erica McLain

A Science in Design-certified interior designer who focuses on incorporating natural patterns and fractals.

Hannah Holmes

A licensed psychologist who designed her own therapy office for a balance of calmness and alertness.

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What they’re saying

“A therapist's office is, at its best, a sanctuary of stillness. I often ask my therapist clients: Where do you want the eye to rest? Where do you want the heart to land? That conversation becomes the foundation of the design.”

— Rachel Blindauer, Interior Designer (House Beautiful)

“Incorporating wood, plants, stone, or nature imagery supports well-being because we tend to relax in environments that reflect natural settings.”

— Sarah Seung-McFarland, Design Psychologist (House Beautiful)

“These [natural] materials connect us back to something primal and steady.”

— Anita Yokota, Interior Designer (House Beautiful)

The takeaway

By incorporating biophilic design elements, layered lighting, soothing textures, and furniture with soft lines, homeowners can create a serene sanctuary that immediately puts them at ease and supports their overall well-being.