Gala Magriñá is Founder and Principal of New York based Gala Magriña Design. In this post we catch up with Holistic Interior Design Expert Gala to discuss sustainability and all things interiors. Gala focuses on making spaces as healthy and mindful as possible from every angle. Whether this be through colour, energy, air, light, biophilia, and other primary aspects of holistic interior design, she works on creating spaces that heal and have a positive impact. Holistic interior design is a critical resource for supporting mental, physical, and spiritual health, Gala shares a few practical tips we can easily apply to our own spaces, plus a few guiding principles to follow.
Q. Can you explain what the term ‘holistic interior design’ means to you?
To explain holistic interior design, I like to first define traditional interior design, which I characterise as the marrying of beauty and function in order to create striking and versatile spaces. Holistic interior design does this, but goes deeper, moving beyond the physical world of furniture and decor.
As a holistic interior designer, I look at things in terms of the energy of the space, client goals and issues, sustainability and the use of non-toxic materials, maximising natural air and light, reducing electronic pollution, and lastly, reconnecting with nature.
These things allow us to create spaces that are happy, healthy and support our clients on a much deeper and more powerful level. As wellness becomes a majority priority in peoples’ lives , there is no better time to begin practicing holistic interior design and to start thinking about our spaces in a more evolved way.
Q. How can I apply holistic interior design principles to my home office?
1. Position a home office that has access to natural light so that you are in sync with the sun’s cues. These impact our alertness levels and hormone levels to name a few, which contribute to a productive work day.
2. Surround your workspace with some bright, upbeat artwork and decor. Brighter colours are known to improve our alertness and productivity.
3. Keep your desk organised and uncluttered so you can work from a place of clarity.
Q. When it comes to embracing holistic interior design, is it important is it to consider sustainability, if so why?
Absolutely! Much of what holistic interior design is about is building and living in our spaces in a way that honours the Earth and aligns with its energy.
Recycling and using sustainable materials is a natural and important part of respecting the Earth.
– Gala Magriña
4. Can you share three sustainable home décor companies or designers that inspire your work?
I really love “From The Source” which has a great selection of modern, natural, and sustainable furniture. Holistic Habitat has wonderful, naturally inspired decor with lots of pieces made from raw wood and seagrass. And lastly, Fireclay Tiles has amazing tiles that are sustainably made, and whose factory uses 100% renewable energy. Not only do all of these places have awesome, beautiful, and modern products, but they also don’t adversely affect the planet. To me, that is a true win win!
Q. As we find ourselves in a state of climate emergency, how can the interior design world be more sustainable?
For effective change to take place, I think there needs to be a shift in individual awareness about our connection to Earth and how important that is. Once we understand that, then it will become natural to want to begin operating from a better and more sustainable place.
There is no better time to begin practicing holistic interior design and to start thinking about our spaces in a more evolved way.
– Gala Magriña
