Homes that heal you

As Indian homeowners embrace slow living, design is shifting from show to soul

- — By Geetika Sachdev —

In an age of hyperstimulation and burnout, there's a quiet rebellion unfolding in Indian homes — one that doesn't announce itself with marble façades or fancy chandeliers. Instead, it takes the shape of a courtyard kissed by sunlight, a shower open to the sky, or a reading nook that smells faintly of vetiver.

This is the new Indian home: a space where healing takes precedence over opulence, where materials breathe, light flows, and every corner is curated for calm.

As wellness becomes the new language of aspiration, architects and designers across India are rethinking everything– from materiality and spatial flow to emotional zoning and sensory resonance.

“Let's just say 'wellness' is no longer code for a yoga mat you never use. Today, it’s about creating homes that don't stress you out the moment you walk in. People want spaces that feel good, not just ones that look good on Instagram,” says Nayan Shah, Founder of Palindrome Spaces.

From aesthetic to atmosphere

Unlike earlier, wellness is now being seen as the central theme of residential design and a foundational principle, says Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Design Head at Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio. “As mental health, environmental awareness, and conscious living continue to define the zeitgeist, wellness-oriented décor will remain central to how we build and live,” she notes.

“It's not just about adding plants or candles; it’s about designing with empathy, foresight, and purpose.”

The pandemic acted as a collective pause, prompting homeowners to reevaluate how their spaces supported-or strained-their well-being. As a result, design priorities have shifted from visual drama to light, ventilation, material integrity and emotional zoning.