Creating a Wellness Space: Designing for Healing + Harmony

When you walk into a space designed for wellness, you feel it before you understand it. The air feels calm, the light is soft and inviting, and every texture tells a story of comfort, warmth, and intention. At Empower Movement Physical Therapy, we’ve curated every element of our clinic to support healing from the inside out.

All interior design by the incredibly talented Annie Blair Design  where function, flow, and feeling are always in perfect balance.

Here’s how we brought that vision to life and how you can bring wellness-centered design into your own spaces too.


1. Use Organic Materials for a Natural, Grounding Feel

Nature is our co-therapist.

We intentionally chose organic materials: stone, wood, felt, and woven baskets to create a soothing atmosphere that doesn’t overstimulate the senses. Natural textures ground the nervous system and offer subtle visual warmth that promotes relaxation.

Stone Selections -

All sourced through Stone Dimensions, we selected each surface with intention:

  • Front Desk + Banquette Area: Mountain White Marble Origin: Vermont Danby Marble Quarry

  • Upstairs Kitchen: Difinit Legao Quartz

  • Downstairs Area: Calacatta Lux Quartzite Origin: Espirito Santo State of Brazil

Wood Finishes - 

  • White Oak: Used for the entry desk, shelving, treatment room desk slabs, gym detailing, and acoustic panels.

  • We chose white oak for its timeless appeal and subtle grain, but also because it’s a natural sound absorber when paired with felt.

  • Incredible craftsmanship by Gest Built

Link to Wood Panels. (15% off discount code: ANNIE59268)


2. Let Natural Light In and Set the Mood

Natural light is one of the most therapeutic tools available to us. We maximized window placement throughout the clinic and used cordless roller shades in Wilton natural weave to gently filter the sun without harsh contrast.

Overhead lighting is set on dimmers so each treatment room can adjust depending on the mood whether it’s energizing exercise or deep relaxation. I like to keep my overhead lights on low and watch the natural light track through the windows. See this The Village Sesssions podcast for more information on light. 

In each room, we play soft ambient music through Sonos speakers tuned to our favorite healing playlists.

Link to Sonos

Link to roller shades - Wilton natural weave


3. Diffuse Calm: Scent and Sound Matter

Each room is equipped with a diffuser and a curated essential oil blend to promote grounding or energy, depending on the time of day.


Our favorite scents include:

  • Lavender + Bergamot for relaxation

  • Peppermint + Eucalyptus for clarity

  • Orange + Clove for grounding

Favorite Sonos Healing Playlists:

  • "Spa Sounds"

  • "Healing Vibes"

  • "Peaceful Piano"

Link to essential oil diffuser.


4. Entryway Design That Says ‘Welcome, You Can Exhale’

As soon as you enter Empower Movement, you’re met with:

  • A custom brass sign in front of a limewashed backdrop (color: Roman Clay: Nitty Gritty

  • Mountain White Marble and white oak desk custom-built by Gest Built and Stone Dimensions 

  • Lush planters in classic gray 

  • Our guiding words: “Empowering you to live a life of happiness, joy, & wellness.” decaled on the wall. 


5. Healing Happens in the Details: Inside Treatment Rooms

Each treatment room follows the same calming principles with custom touches.

  • Cabinet Color: Deep Sage/earthy Greens 🎨 Bookshelf Color: Tx 1: pewter green Tx 2: retreat Tx 3: tregon Tx 4: pigeon, treatment room 5 and bathroom with wood tile: retreat

  • Decor on Shelves: Wooden vases, neutral books, soft ceramics, rocks

  • Planters: Classic gray with snake plants

  • Conference Room: Limewash Gem

Wall Color: Eastwood Limewash


6. The Atrium: Where Plants and Movement Meet

Our bright atrium is home to:

  • Large planters in Classic Gray

  • Full-spectrum light for greenery

  • A Pilates Reformer to support full-body rehab and strength training

Link to Reformer
Link to Planters: 


Final Thoughts

Designing a wellness space isn’t about being trendy — it’s about making deliberate choices that support physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. From natural textures to curated sensory experiences, every detail of Empower Movement was created to empower you to feel better, move better, and live fully.

With deep gratitude to Annie Blair Design for her creative direction and intuitive design expertise. This space wouldn’t feel the way it does without her touch.

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