“The comfort of those familiar walls, the desk that knows you more than anyone, the floor that feels unrealistically warm, the dusty smell in the golden hours of the day, and the aroma of that perfect recipe.”
If this felt relatable or brings a smile to your face, then you certainly know a Healthy Ghar, it may be in your memories, it may be the home you live in, or it may be the home of your dreams. A Healthy Ghar is one that feels just perfect to you in every sense. But what are those elements that make a home ‘healthy’ in every sense? In this edition of Nani ka Pitara, we will dive in and find out what all comes together to build a healthy home.
The term healthy Ghar evokes images of warmth, relaxation, and comfort. It conjures up thoughts of a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and find peace. After all, your home should be your sanctuary, a space that promotes your overall well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But what exactly makes a home healthy? Is it just the ambience or does it go deeper, touching on factors that contribute to both your internal and external environment? Let’s explore the concept of a healthy ghar (home) and how it elevates our everyday lives.
Truly ‘Healthy’
When the topic is about a healthy home, we’re not just referring to a space that's clean and tidy. A truly healthy home is one that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. It’s a home where the physical environment is well-maintained, where the energy within supports mental clarity, and where emotional connections with family and loved ones can thrive. A home that is healthy should also be financially sustainable in terms of maintenance and upkeep, ensuring that the investments we make into it serve us well in the long run. When all these aspects work in harmony, they create an atmosphere of smooth, effortless living.
The Structure: Designing a Healthy Home
The foundation of a healthy home lies in its design and architecture. The space is designed to be functional, and at the same time, it should foster a sense of ease and comfort. For example, an outdoor courtyard sounds good structure but if it receives harsh sunlight during the day, you won’t use it often, it lacks in comfort & functionality.
The next most important thing is, that the materials used in the construction—from flooring to wall finishes—are critical. Sustainable, non-toxic materials that contribute to better air quality should be prioritized. Additionally, the layout of the home should allow for ease of movement, giving you the freedom to navigate spaces with little effort. Strategic placement of furniture contributes not just to aesthetic appeal but also to convenience.
Natural elements play a huge role in creating a healthy home. Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo can help you feel more grounded and connected to the earth. The goal is to create an environment that’s not only beautiful but also aligns with nature. Proper insulation and weather-proofing are essential too, ensuring that your home remains comfortable no matter the season.
Feel: The Emotional and Aura-driven Aspect
Ambience plays a major role in creating a Healthy Ghar. The vibe or aura of the space sets the tone for how we feel in it. Is your home a calm retreat, or does it feel cluttered and chaotic? The energy of your surroundings directly affects your mental and emotional state. Smell, fragrances, soft and hard ambient lights, type of curtains, all these can make or break your mood element. A few intentional touches like indoor plants, art that speaks to you, and harmonious colours can elevate the energy of a space.
Touching up with the ancient Indian principle of Vastu Shastra, the placement of furniture, doors, and windows also influences the flow of energy within the home. These Vastu elements, though steeped in tradition, have been found to promote balance and prosperity in the household. Remember, the emotional and spiritual health of your home isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about how it makes you feel.
Nurturing Mind and Body: The Science Behind
Our home, for it to be called healthy, must foster good physical health. This includes the amount of natural light streaming through the windows, the quality of air you breathe, and the overall layout of your space. Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good air quality, while sunlight exposure helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles. When designing a home, ask your architect and designer to consider the direction of sunlight and incorporate large windows, balconies, or even skylights to ensure an abundance of natural light.
Spaciousness also plays a significant role in a healthy home. Crowded spaces can leave you feeling stressed and drained. A home that’s expansive allows for freedom of movement, giving you space to breathe, both physically and mentally. But if you are restricted to the space thing, then designing plays a pivot role, for this, you may use a creatively intelligent mind. The ultimate goal is, the carpet area should allow you to move freely without feeling cramped. And if you are privileged enough opt for an outdoor space, such as gardens or patios, to create additional areas for relaxation and connection with nature.
In terms of flooring, natural materials like hardwood, bamboo, or cork are healthier choices as they emit fewer chemicals and contribute to a more breathable indoor environment.
Lastly, we often fail to realize that functionality and convenience add up a lot towards positive mental health. A home that is designed as per functional needs, requires the least maintenance on day to day basis and ergonomically comfortable does wonders for residents’ mental health in an unmatched way.
Ancient Indian Homes and Their Health Relevance
Looking back, ancient Indian homes were built with health and well-being in mind. While many of the principles were guided by tradition, they unknowingly aligned with modern-day concepts of wellness. Homes were designed to harness natural elements like sunlight, air, and water. Traditional homes were built with thick walls that kept interiors cool during summer and warm in winter, promoting comfort and well-being. Courtyards, open spaces, and the use of natural materials were all integral to the design, edifying both physical and mental health. These principles were ahead of their time in recognizing that a home’s design influences its occupants' well-being.
We have experts on board with us to share their version, and Vision of A HEALTHY GHAR.
Firdos Katpitia, Interior designer, (Aakaar, Shaping your destination)
A healthier, happier home starts with simple habits like opening windows daily for fresh air and sunlight, keeping spaces tidy to reduce stress, and using natural materials like wood, cotton, and stone for warmth. Soft lighting, candles, and soothing music create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. A healthy home prioritizes sunlight, ventilation, and eco-friendly materials while maintaining an organized, peaceful environment. Decluttering, incorporating earthy tones, and adding indoor plants help keep negativity away. A personal recharge spot—like a cozy corner with a comfy chair, warm lighting, and greenery—enhances relaxation. Following basic Vastu principles, such as maximizing natural light, placing mirrors thoughtfully, and aligning the kitchen in the southeast, can improve balance. Thoughtful design ensures proper light and airflow with large windows, sheer curtains, skylights, and strategic ventilation. A home designed for well-being includes open, clutter-free spaces with natural elements like plants and water features, creating a sanctuary that nurtures positivity, health, and tranquility.
Snehal Shah, Architect, (Essteam Designs)
The sun is the most important element for any home. Whether you sit in the sunlight or let it fill a room, it brings warmth and positivity. Take a moment to enjoy the sun while reading the newspaper, doing yoga, or simply relaxing. If possible, try growing food at home; these natural habits can transform your space into a more positive and healthy environment. Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, as a healthy home is one that fosters calm, contentment, and a connection to nature. For me, a truly healthy home is one that supports a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle—saving water, growing food, and living in harmony with the environment. Self-sufficiency is the next level of wellness. Above all, a home should be a place free from stress and negativity. Personally, my daily two-hour meditation helps me recharge, and I always recommend the same to my clients for maintaining inner peace and balance.
Siddharth Shah, owner, (Vaidhei Craft)
To create a healthier and happier home, I believe the key lies in the energy within it, starting with positive rituals like chanting or mantras in the morning. A home’s true wellness isn’t defined by decor but by the relationships and connections between the people living there. For me, having my pet dog by my side helps keep the atmosphere stress-free and uplifting, and I encourage everyone to have a pet. My garden is my personal sanctuary, where I recharge. In terms of Vastu, simply placing natural elements in the right direction and letting in plenty of natural sunlight can transform any space. Ultimately, a healthy home is built on strong relationships, a positive environment, and a loving pet.
Jagat Viradiya, The Building Company
For me, a healthy home is one where all five senses are nurtured, creating an environment that feels balanced and refreshing. I believe having a dedicated space for meditation and exercise is essential—it helps me stay both physically and mentally fit. Open communication is key to keeping stress and negativity at bay. I always encourage speaking from the heart and expressing what's on your mind. After a long day, my go-to spot for recharging is the lawn, where I feel connected with nature. At the same time, I also enjoy unwinding in front of the TV—it might seem like a contrast, but both spaces play an important role in relaxation. When it comes to natural light and airflow, I design homes by aligning spaces with the sun’s direction to maximize light and ventilation. And when designing for clients, I think from my own perspective—if I were living in the same city, what would I want in my home? This helps me create spaces that are not just functional but also promote health, comfort, and happiness.
To me, a healthy home is a place where you feel refreshed, relaxed, and connected—both with yourself and your surroundings. Simple daily habits like opening windows for fresh air, decluttering for a peaceful space, and practicing morning affirmations and gratitude with family set a positive tone for the day. I believe good scents, whether from essential oils, incense, or fresh flowers, can instantly uplift your mood. Sharing daily experiences with loved ones strengthens emotional well-being, while having a personal recharge spot—like my garden swing with a cup of coffee and fresh air—helps me reset. I follow a few Vastu tips, such as keeping the entrance clutter-free for better energy flow and placing plants in the north or east direction to attract positivity. Thoughtful design, with large windows, cross-ventilation, and light-colored interiors, ensures the home feels bright and airy. Wellness-first architecture is the future—homes should not just look good but also nurture health, happiness, and well-being.
To sum it up
The phrase Healthy Ghar may appear to be a trendy term used in various situations, but upon examining it within the context of architecture and design, its importance to our everyday existence becomes evident. By blending aesthetics with functionality, a home can be crafted to enhance mental clarity, emotional health, and overall comfort. A healthy living space is more than just a roof over your head—it involves creating an atmosphere that fosters balance and nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Incorporating ergonomic design, natural elements, sufficient ventilation, and intentional aesthetics guarantees that the environment benefits both the physical and mental health of its residents. Therefore, when you reflect on your home, think about how it can serve not only as a shelter but also as a guardian of your overall well-being. After all, home is your ultimate comfort zone you return to.
Penned by Yeshasvi Pareek
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