Wellness advocate Paula Kennedy discusses design for healthy living.
By Loren Kessell
Wellness design increased in importance during the pandemic, and as COVID-19 evolves, this concept is here to stay. Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC, is the owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle, where she graduated from the Seattle Art Institute for Interior Design 20 years ago. One way to achieve wellness in design is through biophilia, a design philosophy that seeks to connect people more closely to nature in their interior environments. Biophilic and living in place design are all components of healthy living, and important design qualities she strongly advocates.
Kennedy shared insight into this design solution.
NKBA: What are some ways to create a healthier kitchen?
Paula Kennedy: So many, but here is a great list to start: more daylight and access to fresh air, proper cooking ventilation, anti-microbial surfaces, spaces for natural plants, leak detection and sound absorptive materials.
NKBA: And how about in the bathroom?
PK: This is another place that benefits from biophilic elements and healthier components. Some examples of what to add: natural lighting, humidity sensors, motion sensors, automatic turn-off and hands-free faucets/toilets, bidet attachments, hydrotherapy and towel heaters. They dry towels faster and this reduces mold generation.
NKBA: What are some of the more unexpected ways that we can establish a healthier home?
PK: Adding backsplash windows to a space. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, we crave light and fresh air, and I added one to a small kitchen where they wanted to see the backyard. These windows provide fresh air, daylight and an extra view. Operable windows are always better for wellness considerations, along with adding a screen. This is a great way to bring the outside in and incorporate biophilia into a design.
NKBA: What are your top three design must-haves when it comes to wellness?
PK: Good air quality, good lighting and acoustics. Noise pollution is scientifically and medically proven to affect us, and it creates anxiety. Whether you think you’re sensitive to sound or not, over time it will wear on you. More people are aware of this after both living and working from home. Selecting materials with higher acoustic-absorbing properties like wood, cork and honed matte surfaces in satin finishes are a few ways to reduce noise pollution. Textured surfaces and window treatments, such as fabric blinds, are also great.
NKBA: How can designers incorporate wellness design into their businesses?
PK: Wellness design includes many things designers already know, such as universal design, color psychology, sustainability, the environment, etc. All you need to do is think broadly and use your skills. The International Well Building Institute (IWBI) is also a great resource for more information.
Paula’s Picks
Some recommended reading and resources.
International Well Building Institute (IWBI) (Association dedicated to wellness design)
Wellness By Design by Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC (Guide to a wellness-first home)
Acoustical Surfaces Inc. (Sound dampening information)
