Mental health awareness begins not just within the mind, but also with the environment and spaces that surround us. How we feel about the environment we are in plays a role in our mental clarity. Carmen Henriquez-Cruz, a designer and visual merchandiser at BoConcept in White Plains, shares her tips and insights on how to create peaceful spaces in homes for beginners and design enthusiasts.
Henriquez-Cruz has worked at BoConcept, a Danish retail furniture chain with 16 locations nationwide, for 11 years in its Westchester and New Jersey store locations. In addition to working with visual merchandising for the store, she is also a designer who helps clients and businesses design purposeful spaces through in-house consultations. From powder rooms to kitchens and even nail salons, Henriquez-Cruz enjoys connecting with clients to meet their design needs.
Impactful design trends
While most design trends come and go, a few manage to truly resonate — and stick — with the design community. To stay ahead of the curve in the design world, Henriquez-Cruz annually attends ICFF, North America’s leading interior design trade fair in New York City, to connect with other designers in the industry.
“Based on trade show exhibitions, we’re seeing biophilic design trending, which brings nature to spaces,” Henriquez-Cruz says.
Biophilic design is a term that combines the Greek words, bio (meaning “life) and philia, which translates to “love.” This approach brings natural elements into interiors to create a strong connection between nature and health.
“We’re also seeing sustainable design trending. This involves being conscious about the materials we’re using and supporting designs that make you feel good in your space,” Henriquez-Cruz notes, adding that, above all, “our home is our place to unwind.”
Incorporating natural elements
For anyone unsure about how to begin adding natural elements to their home, Henriquez-Cruz recommends starting small.
“Beginners can start with adding low-maintenance plants like succulents, air plants, money trees, and yucca plants,” she shares, noting that the incorporation of greenery can support mental wellness.
As an avid pillow lover, she also recommends bringing in furniture with boucle fabric (a type of yarn with loops or textured fabric), pillows with different textures, or even jute rugs (floor coverings made from natural fibers of the jute plant).
Lighting and colors
Another effective strategy for creating comfortable and purposeful spaces is to select the right lighting.
“Lighting is an important element,” Henriquez-Cruz observes. The type of lighting — be it soft, overhead, floor, or natural — plays a key role in setting the mood.
Another aspect that can help change your space and support mental wellness is selecting the right color. Henriquez-Cruz recommends earthy colors like greens, taupe, and shades of brown and white to help create a peaceful atmosphere.
The connection between decluttering and mental clarity
“Physical clarity leads to mental clarity,” Henriquez-Cruz says. Decluttering your space is one of the simple ways to feel good about your space, alleviate stress the moment you come home, and support mental wellness.
“Having a peaceful corner in your space with a soft light that doesn’t have too much going in the area makes you feel instantly calm compared to a space full of furniture,” she observes. When designing spaces for clients, she focuses on a “less is more” approach.
“When I’m designing for clients, it’s about creating a feeling,” she highlights.
BoConcept’s Danish influence on mental clarity
Founded in 1952 in Denmark by Danish craftsmen and cabinet makers, BoConcept comes from the Danish term “living” and “concept,” focusing on innovative design concepts for modern living. While reflecting on the connection between the traditional Danish design style and peaceful spaces, Henriquez-Cruz notes that “Danish design is so clean that it’s peaceful.” With its use of soft colors and woods, Danish design is a great way to bring earthy tones and the natural world into the home.
To stay up-to-date on Henriquez-Cruz’s designs and interior styling projects, follow her on Instagram or visit her design website here.
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