Retreat-like bathrooms, home gyms and wellness spaces are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to slow down and recharge at home.
It's a shift I'm seeing through my own interior design clients, with growing interest in everything from Pilates studios and infrared saunas to ice baths and meditation spaces.
Recently, I transformed a room in my own home that had previously been a guest bedroom and photography studio into a dedicated wellness space. Complete with a pilates area and infrared sauna, it has quickly become one of the most used rooms in our home.
Throughout the design process, there were several considerations that helped shape the room. Here are eight design tips to consider when creating your own wellness space at home.
1. DESIGN FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE
Before investing in a sauna, ice bath or home gym equipment, take some time to think about what you'll genuinely use.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people designing around wellness trends rather than their own routines. While certain wellness treatments may be popular, the real benefit comes from creating a space you'll return to regularly.
Start by thinking about the wellness practices you already enjoy, whether that's Pilates, strength training, meditation, stretching, sauna sessions or simply having somewhere quiet to switch off. It's also worth considering the atmosphere you're trying to create. Do you prefer a light-filled space that feels uplifting, or something more cocooning and retreat-like?
When designing my own wellness room, I wanted a space where we could work out and unwind. The goal was to bring softness, warmth and a sense of calm, creating a space where we could reconnect and recharge.
2. START WITH THE RIGHT SPACE
A wellness room doesn't need to be purpose-built. Often the best opportunities already exist within your home.
Spare bedrooms, garages, basements and underutilised rumpus rooms can all be transformed into wellness spaces. The key is understanding the practical requirements before you begin. Ventilation, plumbing, electrical requirements and ceiling heights can all influence what's possible, particularly if you're considering a sauna, shower or cold plunge.
Freestanding saunas and ice baths can also work beautifully outdoors, whether positioned beside a pool, within a garden pavilion or adjacent to a bathroom.
The room had seen several iterations over the years and never felt particularly purposeful. Transforming it into a dedicated wellness space completely changed how we use it. 
3. THINK BEYOND THE HOME GYM
When people think of wellness spaces at home, they often picture a room filled with exercise equipment. But a wellness space should support recovery and relaxation as much as movement.
Consider how the space can be used beyond exercise, whether that's pilates, stretching, meditation, reading or post-workout recovery. Creating zones for different activities will make the room feel more versatile and encourage you to use it more often.
Storage is equally important. Equipment that can be packed away, alongside weight stands, shelving or cabinetry, will help the room feel organised rather than cluttered.
When designing my own wellness room, I wanted the space to feel restorative and reflective of my interior style. I didn't want it to feel cold or clinical like some home gyms can. Instead, I created dedicated zones for movement and relaxation, while a weight stand and warm timber mid-century sideboard keep equipment neatly stored away.
4. CHOOSE MATERIALS THAT WORK HARD
Wellness spaces need to balance practicality with comfort.
If you're creating a home gym, flooring should be durable enough to withstand equipment and regular movement while remaining comfortable underfoot. Acoustic performance is also worth considering, particularly if you're using weights or cardio equipment.
Sustainable cork flooring is a great option for pilates and yoga spaces thanks to its softer feel and sound-absorbing qualities. Rubber flooring remains one of the best choices for strength training areas, while engineered timber offers a warmer, more residential feel. If you're incorporating a steam shower or cold plunge, water-resistant surfaces such as porcelain tiles become increasingly important.
In my own wellness room, I focused on materials that felt warm and inviting rather than commercial. The room needed to feel connected to the rest of our home while still functioning as a practical wellness space.
5. MAKE RECOVERY PART OF THE PLAN
Recovery is often overlooked when designing a wellness space, but it's just as important as exercise.
If space and budget allow, a sauna can be a valuable addition to a wellness room. The style you choose will come down to personal preference. Traditional Scandinavian saunas typically operate between 75-90°C with low humidity, while dry saunas can reach temperatures of 95-110°C. Infrared saunas run at lower temperatures of around 40°C, and there are now hybrid options that combine both systems.
It's also worth considering how you'll use the sauna. While some homeowners design them for individual use, others create larger spaces that can be shared with family and friends.
An Infrared Sauna was one of the first elements I incorporated into my own wellness room. It aligned with how we wanted to use the space and became an important part of our daily routine.
6. CONSIDER A COLD PLUNGE
Ice baths and cold plunges have become increasingly popular additions to wellness spaces, particularly for those focused on post-workout recovery.
Today there are options to suit a wide range of budgets and spaces, from portable ice baths through to cedar plunge barrels and fully customised cold plunge pools. Magnesium baths are another option worth considering, particularly if you're looking to create a more spa-like experience at home.
If you're considering a more permanent installation, it's important to seek professional advice early. Waterproofing, filtration, drainage and temperature control all require careful planning.
As with any wellness feature, I encourage clients to focus on what they'll realistically use rather than feeling like they need to include everything. While I didn't include an ice bath in my own wellness room because it's not something I use regularly, I have incorporated them into client projects. For those who enjoy contrast therapy as part of their daily or weekly routine, they're a feature that tends to get used often.
7. ENGAGE ALL FIVE SENSES
The difference between a room that feels functional and one that feels restorative often comes down to the finer details.
Colour, texture, scent, sound and touch all contribute to the experience of a space. I often begin with a warm neutral foundation before layering natural materials, softer textiles and carefully selected accent colours.
A signature scent can help create a sense of ritual. Candles, diffusers and room sprays are simple ways to make the space feel more personal. Is there a scent that reminds you of a favourite hotel, holiday or place? Bringing that into the room can help strengthen the connection between the space and how you want to feel.
Sound is another element that's often overlooked. Incorporating speakers, such as a Sonos sound system, can help create a more immersive experience. You might curate different playlists depending on how you use the space, whether that's a calming meditation playlist, an energising Pilates session or music for a workout.
In my own wellness room, warm neutral paint colours, sheer curtains, timber furniture and layered textures helped create the atmosphere I was aiming for. Burgundy accents through artwork, weights and accessories added depth and contrast, while music and scent help set the tone, whether I'm using the space for Pilates, stretching or winding down at the end of the day.
8. GET THE LIGHTING RIGHT
Lighting can completely change how a wellness space feels.
Natural light should always be maximised where possible, but layered artificial lighting is equally important. Wall lights, table lamps, dimmable lighting and concealed LED strips allow the room to transition from an energising workout space during the day to a more relaxing retreat in the evening.
LED lighting can also be used to highlight textured walls, joinery or architectural features, adding another layer of interest to the room.
In my own wellness room, I introduced custom sheer patterned curtains to filter the natural light coming in from the garden. They soften the room throughout the day, while maintaining a connection to the greenery outside. Combined with layered lighting, they help the space transition easily from morning Pilates sessions through to evening wind-downs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With busy lives, work commitments, family responsibilities and endless distractions, having a dedicated space to decompress has become increasingly important.
Whether it's for exercise, meditation, stretching or simply switching off at the end of the day, creating an environment that supports your wellbeing can have a significant impact on how you feel. While a dedicated wellness room may not be possible in every home, even carving out a calming corner can make a difference.
The very first night I used our wellness room, I noticed an immediate shift in my mood and felt more relaxed before bed. It's a reminder that thoughtful design isn't just about how a space looks, but how it supports the way we live.
If you're considering a home gym, wellness room, Pilates studio or simply looking for ways to create a more restorative home, I'd love to help. You can book a 1:1 interior design consultation with me (in-person or online), or email info@kerrieannjones.com to learn more about my interior design services.
FAQS
What is a wellness space at home?
A wellness space is a dedicated area designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. It may include a home gym, Pilates studio, sauna, ice bath, meditation space or simply a quiet area to relax and recharge.
How do I create a wellness room at home?
Start by identifying the activities you'll genuinely use, then consider your available space, layout, storage, lighting and materials. The best wellness rooms are tailored to your lifestyle rather than trends.0
What is the best flooring for a home gym?
Rubber flooring, sustainable cork flooring, engineered timber and porcelain tiles are all popular options. The best choice will depend on the type of exercise and whether the space includes wet areas.
How do I design a home gym that feels calm and organised?
Prioritise storage from the beginning. Built-in joinery, shelving, weight stands and concealed storage can help reduce clutter and make the space feel more considered.
How do you choose the right equipment for a wellness space?
I always recommend starting with the activities you'll genuinely use rather than following the latest wellness trend. For my own wellness room, I chose a YouReformer reformer because Pilates is something I regularly incorporate into my week. I also added a treadmill and hand weights to support different types of movement.
How do you choose the right paint colour for a wellness room?
I always encourage clients to start by thinking about how they want the space to feel rather than focusing on colour trends. Consider the amount of natural light the room receives, test samples at different times of day and pay close attention to undertones. If you'd like more guidance, I share my process in my article, "How to Choose the Right Paint Colour."
For my wellness room, I selected Dulux Vintage Beige for the walls and Dulux Ceiling White for the ceiling. I wanted to create a space that felt calming and restorative without feeling cold or clinical. Dulux Vintage Beige sits beautifully between colour and neutrality, adding warmth and depth while still feeling timeless, while Dulux Ceiling White keeps the room feeling light and fresh without appearing stark.
Is an at-home sauna worth it?
For people who regularly use saunas, an at-home sauna can be a worthwhile investment. Infrared, traditional Scandinavian and hybrid saunas are all popular options depending on your goals and available space.
What type of sauna do you recommend for a wellness room?
The right sauna will depend on your lifestyle, available space and personal preferences. Traditional Scandinavian saunas typically operate between 75–90°C, while infrared saunas run at lower temperatures of around 40°C. There are also hybrid options that combine both systems, giving you the flexibility to enjoy both experiences within the one space.
For my own wellness room, I chose a Nook infrared sauna. It aligned with how we wanted to use the space and complemented the room's focus on both movement and recovery. I also liked that it could be incorporated into the room without compromising the overall look and feel of the space.
Can I install an ice bath at home?
Yes. Homeowners can choose from portable ice baths, cedar plunge barrels or custom-built cold plunge pools, depending on their space and budget. Professional advice is recommended for permanent installations, as waterproofing, drainage and temperature control all require careful planning.
While I didn't incorporate an ice bath into my own wellness room, as it's not something I use regularly, I have included them in client projects and they're a great option for those who enjoy contrast therapy as part of their daily or weekly routine.
What lighting works best in a wellness room?
I always encourage clients to maximise natural light where possible, then layer in artificial lighting to suit different activities and times of day. Wall lights, table lamps, dimmable lighting and concealed LED strips can all help create a softer atmosphere.
In my own wellness room, I introduced custom sheer patterned curtains to filter the natural light coming in from the garden. Combined with layered lighting, they help the space transition from morning Pilates sessions through to evening wind-downs.
