EXACT SCIENCE

Social spaces, soothing hues and design elements that spark a sense of joy make this delightful home, designed by Nikki Hunt, a salve for the soul.

- Ryan Reuben

Beyond merely looking good, an effective interior design scheme can wield a powerful physiological effect. The potent combination of a thoughtful layout, appealing materials and textures, and attractive colours encourages positive emotions and cuts out stress, boosting one's state of mind and overall well-being.

Nikki Hunt, the founder of award-winning interior design and architectural consultancy Nikki Hunt's Design Intervention, had the opportunity to give this 5,500 sq ft landed property in the Orchard Road area a makeover that encompassed turning it into a "wellness retreat" for its owners, a fun-loving couple in their 50s who occupy the home with their helper and two pet dogs. They are both also passionate home cooks who enjoy entertaining.

Hunt elaborates that the brief essentially involved creating an abode that would serve as a foundation for the happiness and wellness of its owners. "They challenged us to consider every design selection as an opportunity to enhance their well-being," she adds. "Our task was not just to design an aesthetically pleasing home, but to evaluate the most impactful options and work to engineer a total wellness experience." Drawing on her experience in the application of neuro-aesthetics-the effect visual aesthetics has on people's brains and physiology, a field the designer has been actively studying the past few years-Hunt tailored her design decisions, from the spatial layouts to the material choices, based on research on the brain's response to its environment. Throughout the home, biophilic elements, soothing colours, dynamic lighting and the use of natural materials such as wood and textural elements foster feelings of rest and relaxation.

A RICH BALM