The Rise of the Wellness Industry—and How Thoughtful Interior Design Helps It Thrive
Wellness is having a major moment—and it’s more than just a trend. The global wellness economy hit an impressive $5.6 trillion in 2022 and is on track to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027, according to the Global Wellness Institute. That’s a whole lot of people investing in feeling better, living healthier, and creating balance in their lives. This shift isn’t just about products—it’s about places, too.
Why Wellness Is Growing So Fast
There are a few big reasons behind the boom. The pandemic definitely played a role—it made us all more aware of the importance of both physical and mental health. On top of that, younger generations like Gen Z and millennials are putting wellness at the center of their lifestyles. They’re into everything from clean eating to meditation to staying active to central gathering places, and they want their environments to reflect those values.
In the U.S. alone, people are now spending over $2 trillion each year on wellness-related products and experiences. And one of the fastest-growing segments? Wellness tourism. That’s right—travelers are looking for getaways that include yoga, healthy food, nature, and time to reset.
Designing for Wellness: Why It Matters
As more wellness businesses pop up, the design of their physical spaces is becoming a huge part of the experience. Interior design isn’t just about making a space look good—it’s about making people feel good while they’re in it.
Whether it’s a spa, salon, fitness center, or kava bar, thoughtful design can make all the difference. A well-designed wellness space should help people relax, recharge, and feel at ease the moment they walk in. We always try to draw on the five senses in our design schemes. Some key things to keep in mind:
- Sight (The most obvious and impactful sense in retail interior design. )
- Use brand-aligned palettes to set the tone and choose a color palette that evokes emotion.
- Choose lighting that highlights key areas and draws focus.
- Make sure when choosing the color temperature of the light source it aligns with the environment you are trying to create. Typically in wellness spaces we like to choose a light bulb around 3,000K. For spas, we go even warmer at 2,700K.
- Touch physical interactions build connection.
- Invite touch with tactile materials. Think boucle fabric chairs or a velvet drapery.
- Provide furniture choices that create comfort and intrigue.
- Hearing / Acoustic Design:
- Add curated music to evoke emotion as soon as someone steps into the space.
- Use sound absorbing materials to prevent echo at key areas.
- Create branded audio moments that can be signature for your space. Think calming nature sounds in a wellness space or audio cues at checkouts.
- Scent: smell is the strongest sense attached to memory and can set the stage for a distinct ambiance.
- Signature Scenting: use subtle scent diffusers to reinforce mood. Some large spaces even go as far as pumping aromas through their HVAC system.
- Taste
- Provide hospitality touchpoints and offer beverages like infused water, coffee, or small bites to elevate the experience.
- Biophilic Design: Nature elements like greenery, natural light, and water features bring a sense of calm and connection.
- Brand Personality: In a crowded market, a visually distinctive space can help build your brand and keep people coming back (and posting about it on social media).
Interior design has the power to turn a good wellness experience into a truly memorable and viral one.
How Slate Interiors Brings Wellness Spaces to Life
At Slate Interiors, we love designing environments that support wellness in all its forms. Whether it’s a cozy retreat or a dynamic fitness space, our projects are tailored to feel inviting, stylish, and totally aligned with each brand’s mission. We have experience designing spas, hair salons, kava bars, pilates studio, cold plunge spaces, and more. Here is a peek at a few highlighted wellness projects:
Sacred Hour Spa – An Elevated Sanctuary
The above image is a rendering. Space is opening May 2025.
Sacred Hour provides intimate wellness, beauty and lifestyle experiences that foster connection, indulgence and exploration. The established brand is relocating their Lakewood location and our design elevated the client experience to the next level.
Face to Face Spa – A High-End, Fresh Space for Self-Care
At Face to Face Spa, we created a space that’s both luxurious and soothing—ideal for high-end skincare treatments. Soft lighting, neutral tones, and plush textures all work together to make clients feel cared for and calm from the moment they arrive.
View the project →
Kava Sol – A Sanctuary for Community
Kava Sol is all about relaxation and community without the alcohol. We leaned into earthy tones, natural textures, and cozy seating areas to make this modern kava bar feel like a warm hug. It’s the perfect spot to unwind solo or connect with others.
View the project →
Marco Alexzander – High-Style Meets Wellness
For Marco Alexzander, a luxury beauty salon, we struck a balance between sleek and serene. Think dramatic lighting, greenery, and materials that feel as good as they look. The space not only looks amazing—it supports the calm, elevated vibe clients expect. This work was completed when Slate owner Bridget Hrdlicka was employed at Bialosky and Partners.
View the project →
Cleveland Premier Pickleball Club – Energized and Inviting
Cleveland Premier Pickleball Club needed to be part fitness hub, part social hangout. We brought in bold colors, durable materials, and lounge-friendly zones to support both intense matches and post-game catch-ups. It’s a fun, functional space where community thrives.
View the project →
Across all these projects, our goal is to design spaces that feel great to be in—and make a lasting impression.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wellness Spaces
Wellness spaces are only going to get more creative and more tailored as the industry grows. Mental wellness is becoming an even bigger focus, which means more designs centered on calm, mindfulness, and connection. And with tech playing a growing role in health and fitness, there’s an opportunity to integrate digital tools into serene, human-centered environments.
At Slate Interiors, we’re always thinking ahead. We don’t just follow trends—we design spaces that feel timeless while supporting the unique identity of each brand we work with.
The wellness boom is reshaping how we live, work, and take care of ourselves. And smart, intentional interior design is a critical part of that story. Whether you’re opening a spa, launching a fitness concept, or building a new type of wellness community, the right design can make your vision a reality—and make your clients feel connected to the brand in the process.
