MEANING…?
Years ago, one of our customers, a woman, described the ideal setting she enjoyed returning to after work: coming home, taking off one’s shoes, letting oneself fall into the sofa and allowing for some ME TIME!
Autumn seems to be the period of the year when many people favour retreating into their own walls in order to relax, enjoy and recharge their batteries. The notions of wellness and well-being emerge from an environment that is at rest and reveals a high energy level. Hence, many people ask me: how does one create this ultimate well-being atmosphere?
Acoustics, lights, haptics, and colours play the main parts in the creation of environments in which we are and “feel well”. These components should then be combined to convey an overall picture of harmony.
Acoustics
Textiles can be used to noticeably improve the acoustics in a room. Contemporary architecture often uses large glass surfaces or many windows. Choosing such a “cool” material certainly had advantages, but it does not absorb sound. Curtains would then be the first solution to remedy this situation. Soft textiles and medium to high-pile carpets also contribute to absorb sound. Adding large and inviting sofas are another good option.
Light
Create some islands of light. Of course, there is no need to go for a full illumination everywhere in your home but opting for relaxing and atmospheric light effects is a good choice. I prefer recommending functional light (meaning permanently installed items) as well as emotional light such as decorative lamps that reflect your personal style.
Handmade table lamp with a ceramic base and a linen shade, approx. 85 cm h / 50 cm width, as of CHF 730.-
To order here: info@go-interiors.ch
Haptics
From the Greek haptόs: “suitable to be touched.”
Where would we be without our tactile perceptions? Materials allow and invite us to be touched, thus enhancing the quality of all things visual. A material described as “beautiful” often holds the quality of its natural origin. Such decorative pieces enrich living environments enormously and increase the feel-good and sensuality factors.
Cuddle blankets made of fake fur.
Can be washed and tumble-dried, as of CHF 240.-
To order here: info@go-interiors.ch
Colours
Each material also has a colour!
Materials and painted or lacquered colours must merge into a unified entity, but they can also contrast here and there. A rule of thumb: keep permanent surfaces such as cupboards and wall covering in timeless tones. Walls that can be painted over as well as accessories can add dashes of other colours. A few coloured cushions and tea lights can be all it needs…
Various cushions and scented candles, to be discovered in our showroom in Zurich, at Seestrasse 344.
TIPP & HANDS ON
Select a basic colour based on set materials such as grayish, brownish, yellowish, greenish or neutral tones.
Then opt for a complementary colour according to your taste to give the whole more liveliness by playing with contrasts: muted and sound-optimised, light and shadow, rough and smooth surfaces, dark and light, cosy and soft, glossy and matte… combinations translate in an inviting sensuality which creates feel-good atmospheres.
My secret tip: materials should be combined as old and new.
Sensuality and warmth emanate from the contrast of the two. Complement your living environment with cheerful and positively charged individual pieces that touch and please your heart. Unconsciously, these objects have already been accompanying you in your everyday life, spread a subliminal positive energy that nourishes each of your living spaces.
Nicole’s blog is published monthly.
It holds useful tips for your personal world of well-being, presents latest products and reveals interesting facts from the everyday world of a professional interior designer.
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Nicole Gottschall
Head of Design GO INTERIORS
Interior Architect VSI.ASAI / Owner
Wellbeing Ambassador
Copyright GO INTERIORS GmbH Seestrasse 344 CH-8038 Zürich
www.go-interiors.ch T 041 44 463 83 83
