Annabelle Mastalic, Owner/Principal designer of ADM Interiors, specializes in wellness design. With nearly 20 years’ experience as a registered nurse, along with her Bachelor of Science degree and certifications in Health and Wellness Design, a Living In Place Professional, Aging In Place Specialist, Colour Specialist, and Interior Decorator, she has niche insights in the field. Now, with spring upon us and people looking to do their annual deep clean and decluttering, Annabelle uses her experience to offer homeowners some great advice.
“Get organized,” she starts. “When you do your spring clean and declutter, use that as an opportunity to become more organized. A good round of decluttering and spring cleaning is not only good for the state of your home, it’s actually good for your overall well-being too. Studies have shown the huge physical and mental health benefits of organization in the home – including decreased blood pressure and lower anxiety.”
In addition to removing clutter, she recommends installing built-in storage units in offices, kitchens, and living rooms. Not only do they keep things tidy, but they also add character to a space. A beautiful dining room hutch can be a functional and beautiful statement piece.
Next, Annabelle speaks to the value of incorporating nature indoors. “Plants have many health benefits. They help purify the air indoors and decrease stress, reduce blood pressure, and can even help with your productivity.”
Adding natural elements is not just about adding plants. She says that when renovating, you can bring in nature with natural wood elements in cabinetry, countertops, and furniture. “Natural stone too,” she adds. “Anything that mimics the natural outdoor environment helps to bring calmness and tranquility into the home.”
With more people working from home these days, Annabelle knows that proper lighting is an essential part of wellbeing. “You need the right light for the right space. Blue light is more appropriate for task related spaces such as home offices, rather than warmer orange tinged lights,” she advises. “Blue light stimulates the hormone serotonin, which helps us feel more energetic and alert. Warmer light has a calmer effect, and stimulates melatonin, which puts us in a more restful sleepy state. Orange tinged lights are best suited for bedrooms and living rooms rather than in office spaces. Use light hues to mimic the body’s circadian rhythm as much as possible.”
Speaking of hues, colour plays an important role too. It influences how we feel in a space. Annabelle notes that painting the walls in light, airy colours makes the space feel larger and brighter, which, in turn, makes you feel calmer and more relaxed. Muted shades of green evoke nature and add a feeling of freshness, healing, and wholesomeness. Blue is calming and suggests competence, peace, and tranquility. White is the ultimate blank canvas, giving feelings of calmness, simplicity, minimalism, and cleanliness. Of course, you can use warmer tones in places where you want a more energetic feel. For example, an accent wall of yellow in the kitchen or home office is cheerful, warm, and happy. Orange is a bold colour choice that speaks to confidence and bravery. There are many options in all shades to achieve the ideal feel and function of a room, and Annabelle can help you identify which colours will work best for your home.
An important part of wellness at home also includes being mindful of what you bring into the home. “When choosing textiles, opt for fabrics that are hypoallergenic, and free of formaldehyde and flame retardants. Look for carcinogenetic-free fabrics that don’t release toxins – this is especially important when choosing pillows and bedding. In the living room, swap heavy textile drapes for sheers. Heavy drapes tend to trap dust and toxins. And sheers allow more natural light into the room which is better for our mental health and boosts our overall mood” Annabelle shares.
“At the end of the day, our homes should serve as a beautiful sanctuary that calms and brings us joy. A place that supports our health and well-being so we can thrive and feel inspired,” says Annabelle.
This spring take the opportunity to revamp your home with wellness in mind. Whether you are doing a full renovation or decluttering, painting the walls, and creating a home office, there are many things you can do to make your home a place of wellness and rejuvenation. Learn more by contacting ADM Interiors today.
