The word “holistic” might conjure up images of upscale spas or Gwyneth Paltrow, but that’s just part of its meaning — especially when you’re talking about design. Casatopia’s design philosophy is human-centered. The home, when designed holistically, is a masterfully choreographed interconnection of details. “Holistic design takes into account the person, the physical space as well as human behavior and psychology, i.e. thinking, attitudes, emotions, motivations, abilities, triggers etc., and aims to deliver an optimal experience,” (Miklos Philips, Principal UX Designer). In our case, this means a Utopian experience.
At Casatopia, we use the broadest take on the word holistic: We create homes that not only look good but also support every part of the daily lives of the people living in them. This means considering things like morning routines and how we can smooth out the chaos of entertaining. Or if you need a high-functioning home workspace versus a quiet place to unwind after 18-holes. Introverts or frequent entertainers, whatever your needs are, we will make sure that your home supports them – and you.
“I think most people hire an interior designer to make their home look like the glossy pages of a magazine,” Suzanne said. “They realize after the initial conversation that it’s much more about the use of the space and the long-term ability to maintain it.”
Suzanne starts the design process by asking her clients to walk her through their typical day. Then she zeroes in on the parts of their routines and habits that can be made more efficient through architectural and design improvements. The daily processes of a home should be efficient, effortless, and most importantly enjoyable.
Health and wellness is often a major part of this conversation, especially since the pandemic. During the lockdown and peak social distancing periods, so many of us rearranged our homes to make room for the gyms, spas, and fitness centers we missed. Some kept it simple and carved out a space for workout equipment; others went further and established in-home spas complete with saunas, meditation rooms, and massage tables.
For one of our clients, we’re creating a personal wellness center where the lighting has been engineered to change color temperature throughout the day, mimicking the natural brightness and color of the sun. This is our way of providing a subtle calming effect in this relaxing space —and a natural transition when you reenter the home from the outdoors. The area will also include a gym and a shower with different settings designed to enhance relaxation. PRODUCT Link to Aquabrass 928 showerhead we are using.
The trend of home spa showers is booming this year — and it’s one that crosses generational lines.
“The daily shower routine has become increasingly important to my clients,” Suzanne said. “There are distinct and elaborate shower heads that are often multiple feet in length and width; they offer every feature from mist to music, aromatherapy, and light therapy.”
So, if you’re an investor looking to employ holistic design principles, you can still create homes that suit the needs of potential buyers you’ve never met.
According to Suzanne, the trick is to focus on maximum flexibility and incorporate amenities and trends that are universally appealing. This can include things like:
- Prewiring for future electrical upgrades like generators, battery walls and electric vehicle charging
- Implementing architectural measures to make the home more resilient to climate change
- Installing materials that harbor fewer germs and provide ease of maintenance
- Improving acoustical separations between spaces with better insulation
By designing with these factors in mind, you can create homes that promote overall wellness and cater to a wide variety of needs and preferences.
“You want to provide gourmet vanilla ice cream,” Suzanne said. “It’s not your generic vanilla cup; it’s your luxurious, small-batch, hand-churned vanilla ice cream, with the ability to adapt that into any type of amazing, over-the-top sundae a client could want.”
Suzanne is a firm believer in the power of Design (yes, that’s design with a capital D.)
“Good design can entail a deliberate, meticulous, almost obsessive attention to every aspect of a home, from its layout and proportions to the taper of a chair leg or the shape of a cast-bronze door handle in a spacious Manhattan apartment — the design equivalent of a couture suit or dress.”
Whether it’s your personal home or one being built on spec, Design also gives every item a home; you never spend an extra second looking for something because it is always exactly where it belongs. Multiply this concept across an entire home environment; What does your day look like — what does your life look like — when it flows effortlessly instead of hitting speed bumps across every task from morning to night? Suzanne sums it up perfectly: “Good design leads to a better quality of life.”
At Casatopia, we are committed to helping our clients live their best lives in homes that are equally gorgeous and functional. Contact us for a consultation today.