Hi there, fellow wellness warriors! I’m Brienne Derosier, a wellness designer, sustainable interior designer, and mindful yoga teacher. My passion is creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote health, mindfulness, and sustainability. Today, I want to chat with you about how to design a yoga studio that reflects your core values and becomes a welcoming sanctuary for your members.
When designing a yoga studio or any wellness space, it’s essential to align your interiors with the very principles you’re promoting: health, balance, and sustainability. This approach is what we call "wellness design". It’s about crafting environments that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while being mindful of the planet.
Let’s dive into some specific tips to create a yoga studio that resonates with your values and draws in new members like bees to lavender.
Prema Health's natural material palette | Mache Design Studio
1. Non-Toxic Material Selection: Keeping It Clean + Green
First and foremost, let’s talk about what’s in your walls, floors, and furniture. Many conventional materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute indoor air and harm health. Instead, opt for non-toxic materials to ensure your space is as clean as your favorite deep-breathing practice.
Tips for Material Selection:
-
Avoid Plastics: Choose natural materials like wood, cork, and bamboo. For example, cork flooring is soft underfoot, eco-friendly, and naturally antimicrobial—perfect for a yoga studio.
-
Support Local: Whenever possible, source materials from local suppliers to reduce your carbon footprint and support the community.
-
Natural Paints + Finishes: Use low-VOC or VOC-free paints and sealants to avoid toxic fumes.
Your studio should breathe as easily as your students. Eliminating synthetic materials can significantly improve indoor air quality, which brings me to my next point…
Breathe Building entrance with shoe storage bench | Mache Design Studio
2. Welcoming Reception: The Gateway to Transformation
Your reception area sets the tone for your entire studio. A warm and inviting entry space is key to making members feel instantly at ease.
Design Tips:
-
Community Board: Include a community announcement board for events, classes, or inspiring messages. It’s a small touch that fosters connection.
-
Clutter-Free Check-In: Make it easy for members to check in with streamlined processes like digital kiosks or an app. Avoid student traffic bottlenecks to minimize circulation frustration and increase the likelihood students will return, day after day.
-
Shoe + Coat Storage: Keep the practice area clean and uncluttered by providing designated shoe racks and coat hooks outside the studio. Bonus points if the storage is made from reclaimed wood or other eco-friendly materials.
Yoga Union Reception with reclaimed materials | Mache Design Studio
3. Plastic-Free Furniture and Equipment: A Breath of Fresh Air
It’s time to ditch plastic furniture and props. Many plastics off-gas harmful chemicals, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Instead, choose sustainable, plastic-free alternatives.
Recommendations:
-
Explore eco-friendly yoga props and storage solutions from Mache. Their products are thoughtfully designed with natural materials and sustainability in mind.
-
Opt for wooden benches, organic cotton cushions, and metal storage units. These materials are durable, timeless, and healthier for your space than plastic.
Fun Fact: Studies show indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than outdoor air. Prioritizing non-toxic, plastic-free furnishings can make a big difference in creating a healthy environment for your students and staff.
Yoga Union heated floors, fans + dimmable lighting | Mache Design Studio
4. Good Lighting: Setting the Mood
Lighting plays a massive role in creating the right ambiance for your studio. Wellness Design prioritizes natural light whenever possible, as it helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts mood.
Lighting Tips:
-
Maximize Daylight: Install large windows and skylights to flood your space with natural light.
-
Warm Over Cool: Avoid lighting with a color temperature over 3000K. Instead, opt for warm, candlelight-style illumination to create a calming atmosphere.
-
Minimize Blue Light: Use LEDs sparingly and choose ones designed to emit minimal blue light. Consider salt lamps or warm-toned pendant lights for an inviting glow.
Yoga Union Studio | Mache Design Studio
5. Scents and Sensitivities: Less Is More
Scented candles and essential oils may seem like a good idea, but not everyone finds them pleasant. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, especially synthetic ones, which can cause headaches or allergic reactions.
Best Practices:
-
No Synthetic Fragrances: Avoid candles and aromatherapy products that contain chemicals.
-
Research Your Scents: If you do use essential oils, ensure they’re 100% natural and high-quality.
-
Neutral Spaces: A scent-free studio can often be the safest and most inclusive option.
Yoga Union Studio with indoor/outdoor vibes | Mache Design Studio
6. Thermal Comfort: Finding the Perfect Balance
No one wants to practice yoga in a space that’s too hot, too cold, or poorly ventilated. Thermal comfort is crucial for keeping members happy and focused.
Tips for Temperature Control:
-
Operable Windows: Allow for natural ventilation when weather permits.
-
Layered Systems: Use a combination of fans, heaters, and air conditioners to adapt to seasonal needs.
-
Air Circulation: Invest in a high-quality HVAC system to maintain fresh air and minimize turnover time between classes. Remember to regularly change air filters to ensure clean air filtration systems.
Yoga Union day lit practice space | Mache Design Studio
Why Healthy Interiors Matter
As yoga studio owners, your mission is to promote health and wellness—but your interiors should reflect that mission too. By choosing non-toxic materials, prioritizing natural light, and creating a welcoming, sustainable environment, you’re ensuring that your studio doesn’t just look good; it feels good too.
Remember, a healthy space is an extension of your practice. It’s a physical manifestation of the values you teach: mindfulness, balance, and care for the Earth.
Yoga Pearl Reception + Lighting | Mache Design Studio
Let’s Create Your Dream Studio
If you’re ready to design a studio that inspires and attracts, I’d love to help. Visit me at Mache to explore sustainable design solutions and connect with me directly. Together, we can create a space that’s not just beautiful but also a true reflection of your holistic values.
Namaste,
Brienne Derosier
