What Are Hygge, Feng Shui, Wabi-Sabi & Lagom? Wellness Interior Design Explained

How many “holy grail moisturizers” have you scrolled past on TikTok or Instagram this week? Social feeds and glossy lifestyle magazines are packed with the perfect skincare routines, whether it’s the latest K-beauty craze, a chic French serum, or whatever brand just went viral. 

But in 2025, wellness isn’t just about what we put on our faces. With stress and anxiety on the rise – especially among younger generations – it’s becoming clear that self-care can’t stop at skincare. It should flow seamlessly into every part of our lives, starting with our homes. 

From Japanese philosophies like wabi-sabi to ancient Chinese practices like feng shui, we’re learning that home isn’t just where you live, it’s where you recharge. These approaches remind us that our surroundings shape our energy, mood, and connection to the natural world. 

Here’s how four timeless philosophies are reshaping the way we think about everyday spaces.

1. Wabi Sabi 

Originating in Japan, wabi-sabi is about embracing imperfection, simplicity, and authenticity. A chipped ceramic bowl, the texture of raw wood, or the patina of aged metal: these aren’t flaws, they’re beauty. Applied to interiors, wabi-sabi encourages us to surround ourselves with objects that feel meaningful rather than flawless. It’s an antidote to perfectionism, reminding us to slow down and find peace in what’s real and unpolished. 

2. Feng Shui 

With roots in ancient Chinese philosophy, feng shui is the art of arranging spaces to support balance and energy flow. By working with the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – feng shui creates environments where “chi,” or life energy, can move freely. A small change like repositioning furniture to open pathways, adding plants to restore vitality, or balancing light and shade can shift not just the feel of a room, but also the mindset of the people in it.

3. Hygge

From Denmark comes hygge, the design philosophy of coziness and contentment. It’s not about buying more, it’s about cultivating warmth through everyday rituals. Picture soft blankets, candles glowing on a rainy evening, or sharing tea with friends at a wooden table. Hygge spaces don’t need to be large or luxurious; they thrive on intimacy, comfort, and creating moments that feel safe and nourishing. 

4. Langom

Lagom translates to “just the right amount,” and it’s a guiding principle in Swedish interiors. The idea is to avoid extremes, neither clutter nor stark emptiness, and instead find harmony in balance. Homes inspired by lagom tend to feel practical, calming, and thoughtful, with each item serving a purpose while still leaving room for comfort. It’s about living well with less, but not too little.

A Sneak Peek at our Next Article    

Bluewashing, carbon offsetting, pinkwashing… buzzwords you’ve seen everywhere. But what’s behind them? In our next article, we unpack their meaning and why they matter.