Increasingly, we are designing our homes with wellness in mind – as the rising interest in both color psychology and biophilic design suggests. However, while many may think about paint hues and plant choices, Jennifer Lopez's living room reminds us of an element that might otherwise go overlooked: the fireplace.
In her open-plan living room, the singer exhibits a series of grounding decorating choices, from the light neutral base to her rustic wooden furniture and wicker accessories. However, above all, the fireplace takes center stage. With its white-painted frame and black interior, the feature is simple in terms of its color, but despite its neutral tones, it is anything but boring. Lopez has filled the fire with large logs that offer an earthy aesthetic and allow the modern space to feel more grounded.
Not all homes boast an original fireplace, and adding one can be an investment (especially when it's on the same scale as Lopez's). However, according to psychiatrists, the cost could be worth the price.
According to Dr. Sham Singh, a psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, incorporating natural elements, including a fireplace, can help alleviate symptoms of SAD (Seasonal affective disorder), which is something we may be increasingly concerned about as we enter the colder seasons. He particularly recommends bioethanol fireplaces since they 'straddle both sight and touch' and feel visually engaging.
'I've seen patients sleep better and feel more relaxed simply by incorporating natural elements into their surroundings,' Dr Singh says. As the Imaginfires team (who shared a conversation with the doctor) explains, fireplaces engage the sense of sight through the visual warmth and beauty flames emit and touch since they provide a cozy, tactile warmth in the living space.
'The psychological impact of fire comes down to the sense of calm, comfort, and security it produces, along with the visual engagement. We enjoy the sensory stimulation of the consistent patterns and the rhythmic flow of the flames,' they say.
Bringing a fireplace into our living room (or bedroom) is one way to introduce an earthy element that benefits our wellness over the winter months. We can, however, take it one step further by following JLo's lead and filling it with wooden logs that look organic and feel textural – something that's similarly beneficial.
'Incorporating natural textures, such as the grain of hardwood, the roughness of stone, or the softness of fabrics like linen and wool, connects people to nature through touch. These tactile experiences provide a grounding, comforting sensation, making a space feel more welcoming and serene,' the Imaginfires team says.
'Simple ways to introduce these textures include wooden furniture, layering with natural fabrics, and adding textured items like jute rugs or stone accents.' We're starting with these items, handpicked below.
Made from a warm, traditionally colored clay, the Terracotta Urn is a timeless accessory for any southern European-inspired living space.
Simplistic yet versatile, this rustic bench is inspired by Danish design from the woven paper cord seat to the slightly tapered legs.
Exhibiting an oversized, checkered diamond design, this harlequin style is modernized by a unique border that adds depth and dimension to the central motifs.
'Living in a house incorporating biophilic design elements can positively improve one's mental and physical health,' Dr Singh says.
'Research shows that biophilic design reduces cortisol levels associated with stress and may result in improved emotional regulation. I often recommend incorporating plants, water features, and maximizing natural light into the home for the best results.'
