This dissertation investigates how stress reduction and mindfulness are two ways that minimalist interior design might promote wellness. It looks at the ways that deliberate design decisions, such as decluttering, using natural materials, neutral color schemes, and well-planned space arrangements, can support mental and emotional health. The study explores the psychological and physical advantages of minimalism, highlighting how it may be used to create peaceful spaces that promote focus, relaxation, and general well-being. The study’s focus is on how spatial simplicity can reduce stress. It looks at methods for reducing visual noise, improving spatial fluidity, and creating a calm environment. The dissertation also explores how biophilic features, such as indoor vegetation, natural lighting, and ventilation, might be included to improve well-being by fortifying the bond between occupants and the natural environment. The study also examines the choice of low-toxin, sustainable materials and assesses how well they contribute to better indoor air quality and a healthier living space. The study evaluates modern Indian wellness areas and examines how cultural factors affect how minimalist interior design is interpreted. The dissertation assesses how well minimalism ideas work to create restorative spaces using case studies, observational research, and user feedback. The results demonstrate minimalism’s potential as a comprehensive design strategy that supports sustainable behaviours and mental wellness. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of new developments and trends that highlight the importance of minimalism in modern design and further support the link between it and interior well-being.

Keywords: Biophilic design, sustainable materials, indoor environment, wellness, mindfulness, stress reduction, and minimalist interior design

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1. Gold J. Wellness by design: A room-by-room guide to optimizing your home for health, fitness, and happiness. New York: Tiller Press; 2020.
2. Rossell Q. Minimalist interiors. New York: Harper Design; 2005.
3. Dare A. The soft minimalist home: Calm, cosy decor for real lives and spaces. London: Ryland Peters & Small; 2023.
4. Ayers V, Darby B. Living in new Rustic style. London: Ryland Peters & Small; 2023.
5. Seferian SM. Sustainable minimalism: Embrace zero waste, build sustainability habits that last, and become a minimalist without sacrificing the planet. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing; 2020.
6. Wellness through minimalism. 2023 Jun 6. Available from: https://www.walshmedicalmedia. com/open-access/minimalism-and-wellbeing-of-simplifying-life-for-stress-reduction-125583.html.
7. Minimalism in interior design. Vit-in; 2022. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/72103851/MINIMALISM_IN_INTERIOR_DESIGN.
8. Dolatowski C. Calvin Dolatowski. 2021 Oct 4. Available from: https://desis.osu.edu/seniorthesis/index.php/2021/10/04/how-interior-design-impacts-your-mental-health/.
9. Barnard S. Sarah Barnard design - How interior design can facilitate mindfulness and reduce stress: Story. 2024 Jul 30. Available from: https://www.sarahbarnard.com/story/2023/6/28/how-interior-design-can-facilitate-mindfulness-and-reduce-stress-and-burnout.
10. Dykstra J. Can your home decor help reduce stress and anxiety? Minimalist style just might be the ticket. Home Stratosphere; 2024 Dec 17. Available from: https://www.homestratosphere.com/ways-minimalist-design-can-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/.
11. Petzold D. The architecture of mindfulness: How spaces are designed to improve mental health in 2025. We and the color; 2024 Oct 30. Available from: https://weandthecolor.com/architecture-mindfulness-how-spaces-are-designed-to-improve-mental-health-2025/192332.
12. Lloyd K, Pennington W. Towards a theory of minimalism and wellbeing. Int J Appl Posit Psychol. 2020;5(3):121–36. doi: 10.1007/s41042-020-00030-y.
13. Zhiteneva K. Less is more: Embracing minimalist interior design — Soul Kraves. Soul Krave; 2024 Jun 25. Available from: https://www.soulkrave.com/all-blogs/less-is-more-embracing-minimalist-interior-design.

This dissertation investigates how stress reduction and mindfulness are two ways that minimalist interior design might promote wellness. It looks at the ways that deliberate design decisions, such as decluttering, using natural materials, neutral color schemes, and well-planned space arrangements, can support mental and emotional health. The study explores the psychological and physical advantages of minimalism, highlighting how it may be used to create peaceful spaces that promote focus, relaxation, and general well-being. The study’s focus is on how spatial simplicity can reduce stress. It looks at methods for reducing visual noise, improving spatial fluidity, and creating a calm environment. The dissertation also explores how biophilic features, such as indoor vegetation, natural lighting, and ventilation, might be included to improve well-being by fortifying the bond between occupants and the natural environment. The study also examines the choice of low-toxin, sustainable materials and assesses how well they contribute to better indoor air quality and a healthier living space. The study evaluates modern Indian wellness areas and examines how cultural factors affect how minimalist interior design is interpreted. The dissertation assesses how well minimalism ideas work to create restorative spaces using case studies, observational research, and user feedback. The results demonstrate minimalism’s potential as a comprehensive design strategy that supports sustainable behaviours and mental wellness. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of new developments and trends that highlight the importance of minimalism in modern design and further support the link between it and interior well-being.

Keywords: Biophilic design, sustainable materials, indoor environment, wellness, mindfulness, stress reduction, and minimalist interior design

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Gold J. Wellness by design: A room-by-room guide to optimizing your home for health, fitness, and happiness. New York: Tiller Press; 2020.
2. Rossell Q. Minimalist interiors. New York: Harper Design; 2005.
3. Dare A. The soft minimalist home: Calm, cosy decor for real lives and spaces. London: Ryland Peters & Small; 2023.
4. Ayers V, Darby B. Living in new Rustic style. London: Ryland Peters & Small; 2023.
5. Seferian SM. Sustainable minimalism: Embrace zero waste, build sustainability habits that last, and become a minimalist without sacrificing the planet. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing; 2020.
6. Wellness through minimalism. 2023 Jun 6. Available from: https://www.walshmedicalmedia. com/open-access/minimalism-and-wellbeing-of-simplifying-life-for-stress-reduction-125583.html.
7. Minimalism in interior design. Vit-in; 2022. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/72103851/MINIMALISM_IN_INTERIOR_DESIGN.
8. Dolatowski C. Calvin Dolatowski. 2021 Oct 4. Available from: https://desis.osu.edu/seniorthesis/index.php/2021/10/04/how-interior-design-impacts-your-mental-health/.
9. Barnard S. Sarah Barnard design - How interior design can facilitate mindfulness and reduce stress: Story. 2024 Jul 30. Available from: https://www.sarahbarnard.com/story/2023/6/28/how-interior-design-can-facilitate-mindfulness-and-reduce-stress-and-burnout.
10. Dykstra J. Can your home decor help reduce stress and anxiety? Minimalist style just might be the ticket. Home Stratosphere; 2024 Dec 17. Available from: https://www.homestratosphere.com/ways-minimalist-design-can-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/.
11. Petzold D. The architecture of mindfulness: How spaces are designed to improve mental health in 2025. We and the color; 2024 Oct 30. Available from: https://weandthecolor.com/architecture-mindfulness-how-spaces-are-designed-to-improve-mental-health-2025/192332.
12. Lloyd K, Pennington W. Towards a theory of minimalism and wellbeing. Int J Appl Posit Psychol. 2020;5(3):121–36. doi: 10.1007/s41042-020-00030-y.
13. Zhiteneva K. Less is more: Embracing minimalist interior design — Soul Kraves. Soul Krave; 2024 Jun 25. Available from: https://www.soulkrave.com/all-blogs/less-is-more-embracing-minimalist-interior-design.