Health · Mental Health · 6 hrs ago
Interest in Wellness Rooms Grows as Research Examines Nature and Health
Interest in home spaces designed for calm and wellbeing is rising, according to Houzz search data.
Searches for “wellness rooms” rose 164% in 2026, while searches for calming spaces and biophilic design also increased.
These rooms often use natural light, plants, warm wood and soft fabrics.
The trend comes as people spend much of their time around screens, artificial lighting and other sources of stimulation.
Research cited in the story links more nighttime light exposure with a higher likelihood of several mental health conditions, while more time outdoors in daylight was associated with better mood and fewer sleep difficulties.
Those human studies were observational, so they show an association rather than proving cause and effect.
A study across 18 hospitals examined “Recharge Rooms” with features such as projected landscapes, imitation plants and nature sounds, but the available details do not say what outcomes followed.
Searches for wellness rooms rose 164% in Houzz’s 2026 Emerging Summer Trends Report.
The article describes growing interest in spaces that use natural light, plants, wood and other calming features.
It examines research linking artificial light at night and daylight exposure with health and mood measures.
A 2025 study examined “Recharge Rooms” created in 18 hospitals for healthcare workers.
- Who
- People designing wellness rooms and researchers examining nature and health.
- What
- Interest in wellness rooms is growing, while research examines links between natural and artificial environments and health.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The trend data is from Houzz’s report; the study of Recharge Rooms involved 18 hospitals. The hospitals’ locations are not stated.
- Why
- The article links the trend to interest in calming spaces and concerns about constant stimulation and artificial environments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
wellness rooms
biophilic design
A study of over 400,000 adults found that more self-reported time outdoors in daylight was associated with better mood, greater happiness and fewer sleep difficulties.
A study involving 86,772 adults found that greater nighttime light exposure was associated with a higher likelihood of several mental health conditions.
A study examined 18 hospitals that converted underused spaces into Recharge Rooms.
Houzz’s Emerging Summer Trends Report reported increased searches for wellness rooms, calming spaces and biophilic design.
Psychology Today published the article.
- Wellness room searches
- Rose 164% in Houzz’s 2026 Emerging Summer Trends Report
- Calming spaces
- Interest increased 139% in the Houzz report
- Biophilic design
- Searches rose 112% in the Houzz report
- Recharge Rooms
- Studied in 18 hospitals in 2025
- Nighttime light study
- Included 86,772 adults
Sources
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