At its best, modern design considers not just physical requirements but psychological and social conditions as well. The design of spaces in which we live and work can greatly impact our mood, productivity, and overall emotional state. Whether you spend more time at home or are always on the go, great design can and should enhance your unique personality and lifestyle needs.

Together with smartwater, our Dwell editorial team has considered how to design with well-being in mind. The tips below offer smart design ideas for different lifestyles, personalities, and routines.

For Those Who Work From Home:

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At some point, you may find yourself working from home, either for an afternoon or as part of a permanent routine. Even if just for a few hours, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting a work area in your home—natural lighting being one of the most important. Studies have proven that exposure to natural daylight can improve mood and productivity, which will help keep you inspired and motivated.

Smart Tip: Consider locating your desk or workspace near a window to create a brightly lit environment and provide views for intermittent breaks.

While not every floor plan allows for a dedicated home office, identifying a unique space of some kind is still ideal. Even if your work is a part-time hobby, a separate area creates a familiar environment to help you concentrate. Regardless of how you use the space, a multi-functional desk or storage cabinet can also help keep you organized and conceal materials when not being used.

For Those Who Live a Busy Lifestyle:

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If you live a life on the go and often find yourself out of the house, a well-designed home that promotes relaxation can help you begin to unwind as soon as you step back over the threshold. Such an environment aims to improve your well-being by calming your senses, restoring depleted energy levels, and providing greater mental clarity to focus on the other things life demands of you.

Smart Tip: Consider incorporating lighter color hues, softer textures, and natural materials to create a more soothing atmosphere.

Yet, how you incorporate colors or materials is ultimately dependent on your own personal style. Your sense of touch can also play a role in stimulating relaxation, so consider softer fabrics for furniture or plush area rugs for floor coverings. Lastly, a connection with nature through building materials such as natural wood or the addition of indoor plants can further promote a rejuvenating mindset.

For Those Who Spend More Time Relaxing at Home:

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If you spend more time at home, practical design elements may become more important to you—specifically, comfort and functionality. When selecting furniture for your home, try not to overlook the comfort and utility of different options, particularly for pieces such as a couch that will likely get a lot of use. Darker or more durable materials will hold up better over time and help to disguise wear-and-tear.

Smart Tip: Consider dimmable switches to accommodate changing moods or seasons, giving you more flexibility when enjoying your favorite spaces.

Multiple sources of warm lighting such as lamps or candles can help create a cozy atmosphere, while sources of natural lighting such as large open windows can instantly enliven a space. When it comes to the finishing touches, meaningful pictures or decorations provide the ultimate in personal connection, promoting a stronger sense of security and belonging as well.

For Those Who Adore Hosting and Entertaining:

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With summer in full swing, you may be planning to take advantage of warmer temperatures by entertaining outside more often. There are many ways to improve indoor-outdoor connectivity, allowing guests to flow between the spaces they find most comfortable. If you entertain often, investing in folding or sliding doors can create a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.

Smart Tip: Consider flexible furniture options that can be easily rearranged to create an inviting atmosphere and the possibility for more intimate seating in spaces other than the main entertaining area.

Beyond spacial design, multi-functional storage solutions and appliances such as warming or cooling drawers can expand your entertaining options. Also, consider illuminating outdoor spaces with warmer options such as string lights rather than larger spot lights, and lastly, don’t forget about shading by incorporating an awning or umbrella as needed.

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Chicagoland

How to Integrate Smart Design That Fits Your Lifestyle