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  • The Editorial Team

Creating the Ultimate Wellness Retreat: Tips for Designing Your Dream Home

Welcome to Olive Well at Compass, where we believe that every home should be a sanctuary for living well. After all our slogan is "where all live well." In today's fast-paced world, creating a space that promotes wellness and enhances our quality of life is more important than ever. That's why we're excited to share with you some of our tips for designing your dream home as the ultimate wellness retreat.


Mindful Spaces: Designating dedicated spaces for relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness practices is essential for creating a wellness retreat within your home. Consider creating a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating and soft lighting where you can unwind with a good book. Design a meditation corner with floor cushions, candles, and soothing music to create a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection. Incorporate elements of nature, such as indoor water features or nature-inspired artwork, to evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors. Our friend Suzy Batiz who runs Poo-Pourri and SuperNatural has created the ultimate dedicated mediation and zen space in her home (see below).



Incorporating Natural Elements: One of the key principles of wellness-focused design is the integration of natural elements into the home. Incorporating elements such as plants, natural light, and sustainable materials can create a calming and rejuvenating environment that promotes well-being. Consider adding indoor plants to purify the air and add a touch of greenery to your space. Maximize natural light by strategically placing windows and skylights to flood your home with sunlight, which can boost mood and energy levels. Opt for eco-friendly materials such as bamboo flooring or reclaimed wood to minimize exposure to toxins and reduce your carbon footprint. Check out our broker Laura Davis's home tour to get inspiration on how she incorporated all these elements into her South facing River North condo (pictured below with her adorable dog Theo!).







Health-Conscious Features: Investing in health-conscious features can significantly impact your overall well-being and comfort in your home. Consider installing an air purification system to remove allergens and pollutants from the air, promoting cleaner and healthier indoor air quality. Our go-to air purifier is the Molekule. Choose non-toxic materials for furniture, flooring, and paint to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals and create a safer environment for you and your family. Opt for ergonomic furniture designs that support good posture and reduce the risk of strain or injury, especially if you work from home or spend long hours sitting at a desk.


Outdoor Living: Don't forget to extend your wellness retreat to the outdoors by creating inviting outdoor living spaces that encourage relaxation and connection with nature. Design a spacious patio or deck with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and a fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. Create a lush garden oasis with native plants, fragrant flowers, and soothing water features to create a tranquil retreat in your own backyard. Incorporate outdoor cooking and dining areas to enjoy healthy meals al fresco and entertain guests in style. Our Lincoln Park listing has knocked it out of the park with their urban oasis.




Smart Home Technology: Harness the power of smart home technology to enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency in your wellness retreat. Install smart thermostats and lighting systems that can be controlled remotely to create the perfect ambiance and save energy. Invest in smart home security cameras and alarms to protect your home and provide peace of mind while you're away. Consider integrating voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to streamline everyday tasks and make your home more accessible and user-friendly.


Functional Fitness: Promote an active lifestyle and prioritize fitness and wellness by incorporating dedicated workout spaces into your home. Design a home gym with state-of-the-art equipment, mirrors, and ample storage for fitness accessories. Create a yoga or Pilates studio with a soft, cushioned floor and plenty of natural light for practicing mindfulness and movement. Consider adding functional fitness elements like climbing walls, balance boards, or TRX suspension trainers to keep workouts fun and engaging.


Designing the ultimate wellness retreat starts with a vision and a commitment to creating a space that promotes well-being and enhances your quality of life. By incorporating natural elements, mindful spaces, health-conscious features, outdoor living areas, smart home technology, functional fitness amenities, and wellness-focused design trends, you can transform your home into a sanctuary for living well. Remember to personalize your space to reflect your unique lifestyle and wellness goals, and enjoy the journey of creating your dream home as the ultimate wellness retreat.


At Olive Well at Compass, we're here to help you find or create the perfect home where all can live well. Contact our team to learn more about our luxury real estate offerings and personalized lifestyle services. You can email us at olivewell@compass.com





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