Vladimir Krull on Home Wellness Spaces: Saunas, Cold Plunges, and Meditation Rooms

A few years ago, a wellness routine meant leaving the house: a gym, a spa, a studio. Today more people want those moments at home. Houzz's 2026 U.S. Fall Design Trends Report points to rising interest in rooms built for rest and recovery, such as saunas, cold plunges, and meditation corners. As a designer, I find that exciting, because it changes how we think about square footage. Instead of asking only where guests will sit, we ask where the household will recharge. Here is how I would approach each of these spaces, what to think about before you build, and how to start even on a small budget.

Why Wellness Is Moving Indoors

Home has become the center of daily life, so it makes sense that rest and recovery would follow. Having a quiet corner or a dedicated room means a routine is easy to keep: no travel, no schedule to match, no crowd. It also fits the broader move toward personal, lived-in interiors. Rather than choosing what might help resale, many homeowners now choose what supports their own habits.

The key idea is intention. A wellness space works because it is designed for one purpose, with the right light, materials, and calm.

The Home Sauna: Planning Matters

A sauna is the most technical of the three, so planning is essential. First, decide between a freestanding indoor unit, a built-in room, or an outdoor cabin. Each has different needs for space, ventilation, and electrical capacity. Many units require a dedicated circuit, so involve a licensed electrician early. Local building codes may also apply, and a contractor can tell you what is required in your area.

From a design perspective, wood is the natural choice for the interior because it feels warm and handles heat well, but check which species are recommended for sauna use. Add a small bench area, soft indirect lighting, and a hook or shelf for towels. Think about the room just outside the sauna too: a place to sit, cool down, and change makes the whole experience feel complete.

Cold Plunge: Safety and Practicality

A cold plunge can be as simple as a freestanding tub or as built-in as a small tiled basin. Because it involves water, flooring and drainage deserve real thought. Choose slip-resistant, water-tolerant surfaces such as sealed stone, porcelain tile, or textured concrete, and make sure there is a way to drain and clean the unit regularly.

Safety comes first. Cold water exposure is not right for everyone, so anyone with health concerns should speak with a doctor before trying it. From a design standpoint, add handrails or sturdy steps, good lighting, and a warm towel station nearby. Placing the plunge close to the sauna can make the flow feel natural, but only if the layout allows for it.

The Meditation Room: Small Space, Big Effect

The easiest wellness space to create is a meditation room, and it can be tiny. A corner of a bedroom or a converted closet works well. What matters is the atmosphere.

Keep it simple: a comfortable cushion or low bench, soft natural light, and a few objects that mean something to you, like a plant, a ceramic bowl, or a favorite print. Use warm, muted colors and natural textures such as linen, wood, and wool. Reduce visual clutter so your eyes have somewhere to rest. If noise is an issue, a thick rug, heavy curtains, and a solid door can do a lot to soften sound.

Starting Small and Staying Realistic

Not everyone has room for a built-in sauna, and that is okay. Consider a portable sauna, a small cold plunge tub on a patio, or a meditation nook in an unused corner. Renters can focus on movable pieces, such as a cushion, a floor lamp with a warm bulb, and a basket of throws.

Set a budget before you begin, get quotes from qualified professionals for any plumbing or electrical work, and check any building or HOA requirements. A well-planned small space will serve you better than an ambitious room you rarely use.

Final Thoughts

Wellness at home is not about luxury for its own sake. It is about creating a place that invites you to slow down. Whether you build a full sauna or just arrange a quiet corner, design it around the way you actually live, and it will earn its place in your home.