You may be familiar with BIO-HACKING or all the LIFE-HACKS from social media? SPACE-HACKING is the science-based approach to designing spaces that sustainably improve your quality of life – whether at home or at work.
For a longer and healthier life.
SPACE-HACK No 3
EVIDENCE BASED DESIGN
HOW YOUR HOME INFLUENCES YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Do you feel really relaxed in your living room?
Are there corners that you avoid because they are uncomfortable?
Do you have enough places to retreat to for relaxation?
“Your home is more than just four walls – it’s medicine for your soul.
Evidence-based design transforms rooms into places of power that have been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and increase your well-being. Science meets aesthetics – for a life full of energy and balance!«
For decades, interior design was seen as a matter of aesthetics – an interplay of colours, textures and spatial composition aimed at creating visually appealing environments. Today, however, design should be more than just visually striking; it should be evidence-based and strategically designed to promote both mental and physical wellbeing.
Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is based on the use of scientific knowledge and empirical data to design environments. The core is to make design decisions based on proven research findings to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments. By integrating elements that influence behaviour, physiology and psychology, EBD goes beyond aesthetics to design environments that actively support human wellbeing.
Biophilic design: a path to mental clarity
Humans have an innate connection to nature. Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements such as plants, water features and natural light into a space can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function.
It has been scientifically proven that patients can heal much faster in the recovery process if they have access to nature ( garden, window or balcony ).
nature ( garden, window or balcony ).
At home, biophilic design promotes a sense of calm, increases motivation and improves overall wellbeing – supporting both mental and physical resilience.
TIPS
Integrate plants!
You not only improve the air quality, but also create a calming atmosphere. Choose plants that suit the light conditions and care requirements of your home. Even Fleurop already has a men’s collection that needs little care and water…
Natural materials!
Use materials such as wood, stone or natural linen for furniture and decoration. These elements bring warmth and a natural aesthetic to your home.
Muted colours!
Choose colour palettes inspired by nature, such as greens, browns and earth tones. These colours have a calming effect and promote a harmonious sense of space. Blue, which symbolises water, also has a scientifically based effect on your autonomic nervous system, helping your body to calm down.
Organic shapes and patterns!
Integrate curved lines and natural patterns into your interior, whether through furniture, textiles or decoration. This can strengthen the visual connection to nature and contribute to relaxation.
SPACE HACK
Essential oils from wood (e.g. cedar, sandalwood)
or earthy notes (e.g. moss, vetiver) enhance the effect.
More than just lighting
Light has a profound effect on the human body and its biological clock. The right lighting design can have a positive influence on sleep quality, productivity and mood.
Lighting conditions as well as day and night changes influence the circadian rhythm, mood and even physical performance. Natural light or circadian-friendly artificial lighting can improve sleep quality, increase energy levels and reduce the risk of depression. Well-planned lighting in your home ensures that you have an environment that allows you to relax, concentrate and perform at your best.
TIPS
Direct sunlight Use daylight and avoid direct sunlight with smart window solutions.Direct sunlight increases contrasts and causes the eyes to tire more quickly.
Artificial light Choose dimmable lighting and warm light colours for the evening (light temperature below 2700 Kelvin).Create islands of light with different light sources to keep your living environment lively.
Smart lighting Integrate ‘smart lighting’ that adapts to the natural biorhythm and illuminates the room depending on the time of day. This doesn’t require a lot of technology – use a simple night light, for example, which illuminates the way to the toilet but doesn’t ‘wake you up’ due to its intensity and prevents you from falling asleep afterwards.
SPACE HACK
Use light microdosing!
Dimmable lamps, daylight lamps or smart LED systems help you to
adapt your home to your rhythm.
Spatial perception and layout
The spatial flow and perception of rooms influence our emotions and behaviour. The layout plays a key role in room design and perception.
Zoning and security
Studies show that clear zones, boundaries and room separations for retreat or community promote well-being. Open-plan layouts promote social interaction, while retreat areas should create an intimate, calming atmosphere.
Functional room layout
A well thought-out room layout makes everyday life easier and reduces cognitive strain and stress, which has a positive effect on quality of life.
TIPS
Follow the use of dividing rooms into functional zones (e.g. work zones, relaxation zones, dining areas and communal zones). Work with transparent visual levels. A clear view does not mean designing everything to be open, but rather guiding the view and demarcating areas in their functions, but not closing them off.
Savannah versus cave Open spaces with clear lines of sight for more ‘security’ and ‘control’ (savannah effect) and separate areas for more security (refuge effect). Refuge conditions are important for relaxation and stress reduction, which can be seen in lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate.
SPACE HACK
Rooms need clear functional zones,
to avoid putting unnecessary strain on our brains.
DO YOU WANT MORE SPACE HACKS?
The ‘sound trap’ – invisible stress killer for greater well-being Noise is one of the biggest, but often overlooked, stress factors in indoor environments. Our brain processes disturbing noises even when we are not consciously aware of them – this increases cortisol levels and reduces concentration (Stansfeld & Matheson, 2003). Place ‘sound-breaking points’ in your room – these can be plants, fabric-covered furniture, acoustic panels or even rough walls. This reduces reverberation, which relieves the brain and provides immediate relaxation.
Light microdosing – the biorhythm hack for energy & relaxation Not only the colour of light, but also the intensity and timing of light influence hormone levels. Harvard Medical School found that 30 seconds of short, bright light in the morning optimises the circadian rhythm, while dimmed evening light promotes melatonin (Czeisler et al., 2009).
In the morning: Look into bright, cool light for 30 seconds (e.g. daylight lamp or near a window).
In the afternoon: Use indirect light to maintain focus (place lamps behind furniture).
Evening: Activate dimmable lights with warm light before you relax.
The ‘visual axis boost’ – psychological width for more mental clarity
Studies in neuroarchitecture show that open lines of sight promote a feeling of freedom and security, while visual confinement increases stress levels (Ulrich, 1984). Rooms that allow a clear line of sight into the distance activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce unconscious tension.
Use large mirrors at strategic points to extend lines of sight – this automatically makes the room feel larger and more relaxed.
Avoid tall furniture or partitions that block visual openness.
Nicole’s blog appears sporadically and brings you useful tips for your personal feel-good world, the latest products and interesting facts as well as scientific information from the day-to-day work of an interior designer.
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Nicole Gottschall
Head of Design GO INTERIORS
GWI Wellness Ambassador & Future Manager
Copyright NICOLE GOTTSCHALL GmbH
Published February 2025
www.go-interiors.ch
