With over a decade of experience transforming high-end properties, Jordana Ashkenazi, founder of Element One House, talks about the growing trend of creating a wellness suite within the UK’s most luxurious homes. www.elementonehouse.com
“As interior designers, we’ve seen a huge shift in how people think about wellbeing at home. Clients aren’t just asking for a freestanding bath — they’re requesting entire wellness suites where they can truly switch off. We’re seeing demand for everything from cryotherapy rooms and ice baths to home gyms, infrared saunas, and quiet areas for meditation. One client even bought a home that included a nightclub — complete with DJ booth and light-up dance floor — and asked us to transform it into a wellness retreat. For another client we’re creating an indoor spiritual temple, dedicated to meditation and prayer. It’s a perfect example of how personal and popular these spaces have become for top-end properties.”
Inspired to invest in a little pampering with your own wellness project? Jordana suggests thinking about the following elements to create spa-standard relaxation within your own home.
Start with a sense of flow
“A successful wellness space begins with how it feels to move through it. Keep the layout intuitive and free of clutter. Think about how you transition from a dressing area to a shower or bath. The movement should feel natural and unhurried, as if the space itself encourages you to slow down and breathe.”
Prioritise natural materials
“Wellness and nature go hand in hand. Choose tactile finishes like stone, timber, linen, and clay-based plasters that connect you to the natural world. Mix textures — think polished marble with honed stone or smooth timber with softly grained wood — to create warmth and depth while maintaining a serene feel.”
Layer lighting carefully
“Lighting sets the entire mood, so avoid harsh or clinical and instead layer soft, dimmable light sources. Combine ambient lighting with subtle accent lights such as wall sconces, backlit mirrors or concealed LED strips that wash gently across walls. Candlelight adds an organic warmth that can’t be replicated.”
Keep the palette calm
“A neutral palette doesn’t have to mean minimal personality. Use soft, earthy tones such as warm beige, muted green, pale blush or gentle grey to create a soothing backdrop. Add contrast through texture, pairing matte plaster with polished stone or brushed metal details for a look that feels quietly elevated.”
Invest in sensory details
“True wellness engages every sense. Consider acoustics with soft finishes like curtains, rugs or upholstered benches to absorb sound. Scent is equally powerful, whether through oils, diffusers, or steam. Underfloor heating, plush towels, and tactile robes all contribute to a sense of comfort and care.”
Design for ritual, not just function
“Think beyond practicality. A wellness suite should encourage small, meaningful rituals. For example, a seat beside the shower to pause before or after bathing, a well-lit dressing table for skincare, or a tray for essential oils and candles. These details make the space feel considered and personal.”
Include water in its many forms
“Water is calming through sight, sound and sensation. Whether it’s a rainfall shower, steam room or plunge pool, these anchor the space in serenity. Add a small water feature — a gentle wall fountain or tabletop stream — to bring a soothing sound element into the design and heighten the feeling of retreat.”
Bring the outdoors in
“Even a glimpse of nature can completely change the atmosphere. Think frame views of a garden or courtyard where possible, or introduce natural light through skylights and frosted glass. Living plants, olive trees or preserved moss walls help purify the air and soften harder materials like stone and metal.”
Conceal the clutter
“Luxury often lies in what’s hidden. Integrated storage for towels, robes, and beauty products keeps the space feeling calm and intentional. Clean sightlines and uninterrupted surfaces allow the mind to rest, keeping the focus on atmosphere rather than objects.”
Balance technology with tranquillity
“Smart home features can enhance the wellness experience, from app-controlled lighting and sound to scent diffusers and temperature settings. But tech should always feel discreet. Conceal speakers, hide charging ports, and keep controls minimal so they quietly support the sense of stillness.”
