by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 4, 2025 | Alternative Therapy, At Home, Wellness
In Australia and beyond, there’s a growing movement in home design that goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that nurture our mental and emotional health. This approach, known as “emotional architecture,” integrates elements like circadian lighting, scent diffusion, soundscaping, and sensory materials to promote calm, improve air quality, and foster a sense of safety and comfort within the home.
Australia is increasingly embracing wellness-focused home design. Features once reserved for luxury wellness retreats, such as sensory lighting, soundscaping, aroma systems, and meditation nooks, are becoming more common in Australian homes. These wellness inclusions are no longer considered high-end luxuries, but are becoming more mainstream and affordable .
The demand for wellness-focused homes is also reflected in the real estate market. Homes boasting wellness infrastructure, such as circadian lighting and personal yoga studios, are commanding premiums of 10-25%. This trend is contributing to Australia’s position as one of the top countries in wellness real estate, with nearly a third of the country’s wellness sector growth since 2019 attributed to real estate.
Key Elements of Calming Home Design
Circadian Lighting
Lighting that mimics natural daylight patterns supports our internal body clock, enhancing sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Smart lighting systems can adjust throughout the day to align with our circadian rhythms, promoting alertness during the day and relaxation in the evening.
Brands like Philips Hue and LIFX offer smart lighting solutions that can be programmed to adjust color temperature and brightness throughout the day, supporting natural sleep-wake cycles.
Scent Diffusion
Aroma systems, such as smart diffusers, can create a calming atmosphere by dispersing essential oils known for their soothing properties. Scents like lavender and eucalyptus are commonly used to reduce stress and improve air quality.
Devices such as the Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser allow users to customize scents and control diffusion through a smartphone app, enhancing the sensory experience in the home.
Soundscaping
Incorporating sound elements into home design can enhance the auditory environment. This might include the use of white noise machines, nature sounds, or acoustic treatments to reduce noise pollution and create a serene atmosphere.
Products like the LectroFan White Noise Machine provide a range of sound options to mask disruptive noises and create a peaceful environment.
Sensory Materials
The use of materials that engage the senses can contribute to a calming environment. Soft blues and greens, natural textures, and biophilic design elements like indoor plants help create spaces that promote relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
Incorporating indoor plants like peace lilies or snake plants, and using natural materials such as bamboo flooring or wool rugs, can enhance the sensory appeal of a space.
Emotional architecture represents a shift towards designing homes that support our mental and emotional health. By integrating elements like circadian lighting, scent diffusion, soundscaping, and sensory materials, we can create living spaces that promote calm, improve air quality, and foster a sense of wellbeing.
As this trend continues to grow, it’s clear that the future of home design is not just about how spaces look, but how they make us feel.
What are your thoughts on Emotional Architecture? Head on over to our Instagram and lets chat!
Be well,
Chloe
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 28, 2025 | Interviews
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I’m a Cambodian-Australian entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Nalia Skin: a skincare brand inspired by Cambodian botanicals and Australian innovation. My wellness and business journey began with a desire to simplify skincare and make feeling good accessible to all, especially women navigating the pressures of modern life.
Outside of beauty, I also speaks publicly about mental health, resilience, and entrepreneurship, having launched the #iamworthy workshop and authored my book Good Girl, a raw and empowering reflection on perfectionism, failure, and healing.
What time do you go-to bed & wake up most days / how many hours of sleep do you aim for?
I spend a lot of time travelling; mostly between Australia and Cambodia, so it’s really important that I try to keep some consistency with my routine.
I try to be in bed by 11pm, and I’m usually up around 7:00am. This is not the easiest when I fly overnight, and face jetlag – but sleep is so important for your nervous system and overall wellness, so whatever the situation, I try for a minimum of 7-8 hours. I’m also a big believer in naps! It’s definitely not easy when you’re working full-time, or a parent, but when/if you can slip one in during the week/weekend, I find day naps an amazing reset.
Do you have a typical daily routine for your personal wellness?
As mentioned, I travel a lot, so I really focus on water, exercise and face masks!
I aim for 2L water per day, and always move my body in the morning, or evening – depending on my schedule for the day. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous, even just walking my dog, or light yoga at MOVE Yoga, but keeping my body active is important for my body, but mostly, my mind.
♥ Dewy Duo
Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling your best?
In the morning I always cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise. No exceptions.
Evenings, of course I repeat the first 3 steps but alternate between moisturing and our Dewy Duo. Clay Mask when my skin feels congested and Sleep In Mask when my skin feels dry. Once a week, I do both, one after the other, as these products were developed to complement each other!
What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
My 3 S’s.
Sleep, skincare, stillness – 10 minutes of quiet, no matter what the day looks like.
♥ Luminous Serum
You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of attack to help you look & feel your absolute best?
Hydration is key – I’m talking litres of water every day. I’ll start masking every second night with the Dewy Duo (the glow it gives is unreal), and load up on our Serum morning and night. I cut back on sugar and processed foods, get in a hot Pilates or yoga class at MOVE Yoga to sweat it out, and always book a lymphatic drainage massage at Shape House to boost circulation and reduce any puffiness. I’ll also do a Coco and Eve hair mask mid-week, and try to stay out of the sun. It’s all about balance and prep!
♥ Lymphatic Drainage Massage Tools @ Shape House
If you could have the ultimate day of wellness & happiness in Melbourne what would it involve and where would you go?
It would start slow, definitely with a sleep-in and a walk around the Tan with my dog, followed by a good coffee somewhere local (usually Hubert Bistro!). I’d probably book in for a lymphatic drainage massage at Shape House (I’m obsessed), grab a nourishing lunch and then head home for a bit of quiet. A face mask, a herbal tea, a good book or journal session, and early to bed. Nothing fancy, just simple moments that make me feel grounded.
Dream wellness holiday destination and what are you definitely packing?
Well, you can’t travel anywhere without our Dewy Duo. It’s 2 masks in 1 package, so you have a detox mask, a hydrating mask, and then together you have a 2-step facial. I love using the sleeping mask on the plane actually because it’s not messy, nobody can see you really have a mask on, but it soaks in overnight leaving your skin so juicy in the morning!
Dream destination? Hmm, still deciding. Somewhere warm, quiet, and close to the ocean.
What does Wellness mean to you?
Wellness means respecting yourself enough to listen to your needs, emotionally, physically, mentally. It’s not about being perfect or ticking off a 5am routine. It’s about slowing down when you need to, having boundaries, fuelling your body, and taking care of your skin because you want to, not because you’re trying to hide it.
In my book, Good Girl, I talk a lot about unlearning the pressure to be palatable. That’s wellness to me, coming back to your own rhythm, without apology.
♥
Do you have any self-care mantras you use to keep yourself feeling positive?
Absolutely! Some from my book Good Girl are my go-to’s:
‘Your emotions are not permanent.’
‘Confidence is knowing you are a gift to others.’
‘Your attitude towards life is what makes for a good day.’
‘Hitting rock bottom is good news: there’s nowhere else to go but up.’
And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Train yourself to romanticise your life. Keep your lymphatic system moving. Stop talking to yourself like an enemy. Hydrate both with water and with the products you use on your skin.
Thanks for sharing your routine and inspiring message with us, Piyane! You can find out more about what Piyane is upto on her Instagram, and while you’re at it – why not follow Wellness WA over there too?!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 21, 2025 | Other
Tucked inside the world of “no makeup” makeup looks, there’s a certain kind of thrill in discovering a beauty treatment that actually delivers on the promise.
Bang On Brows have a cult following and a reputation for next-level brow and lash work, so I finally booked myself in for a Brow Lamination, a tint and an Acid-Free Lash Lift. Bang On Brows, owned by a husband and wife team, has over 6 locations around Perth.
I walked in feeling a little unsure, as I hadn’t been to a brow place with no separate rooms or a bed, but mostly I was excited to try this new place because the locations are super convenient and can typically fit in a walk in at any time. This is great for people like me who’s calendar is ever-changing with work meetings, out of office plans, gym and trying to squeeze in a social life for good measure. Sometimes, I just need to walk into a place, get my brows done and be on my merry way!
♥
The space itself was clean, welcoming and the staff were friendly & knowledgeable. The kind of place where you instantly feel like you’re in good hands. My brow and lash technician, Shanhin, started with a quick consultation to discuss my goals and any other concerns I might have. She took the time to walk me through every step of what I was about to have done, explaining the purpose behind each product (which is all made by the Bang On Brow brand by the way), what the results should look like, and most importantly, what to expect over the next few weeks.
Let’s Talk Brows
First up: the brow lamination. If you haven’t tried this treatment before, it’s basically a perm for your brows. It softens and resets your brow hairs into a new shape, ideally one that looks fuller and fluffier. After the lamination process, she applied a brow tint to help deepen the colour and add definition.
When I looked in the mirror post-treatment, I was genuinely impressed. My brows looked thicker and more polished, with that effortless, brushed-up finish that’s somehow both structured and natural.
Now, the Lashes
Next was the Acid-Free Lash Lift, a treatment I’ve had and loved before, but not for a while, so I was interested to see how Bang on Brows’ offering was. It’s designed to lift and curl your natural lashes while nourishing them with a keratin-rich formula. Paired with a tint, the results were dramatic but not over-the-top.
There’s something satisfying about a treatment that enhances what you already have without adding anything artificial. I left the salon that day with zero makeup on and still felt like my face looked “done.”
The Verdict?
The results were subtle but significant, my features felt lifted, my eyes more awake, and I saved at least ten minutes from my morning routine in the following weeks. Oh, and did I mention that these results last anywhere between 6-8 weeks with the right aftercare?! Talk about girl math.
The one thing that really stood out to me was the fact they use their own solutions for the lifting, which typically has a lot of chemicals and can sting your eyes and frizzle your brows, but this was comfortable and organic.
When describing the dynamic between Shanhin and her husband, Shanhin says “We’re a beauty business, I’m the beauty and he’s the business.” Shanhin has huge dreams for Bang On Brows in both the service and retail space and I could feel the excitement in her tone when she spoke about where she wanted to go in the beauty industry.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. Between the beautiful results and the warm, knowledgeable service, Bang on Brows lived up to its name. This is the treatment for those who love looking high maintenance while being low maintenance.
* Service provided complimentary for consideration.
Have you tried a lash lift or brow lamination before? Jump on over to our Instagram and let’s chat about it!
Be well,
Chloe
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 14, 2025 | Alternative Therapy, At Home, Beauty, Products
Red light therapy has moved well beyond luxury spa treatments to become an at-home beauty essential. By harnessing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, these devices can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support recovery – all while making your skin glow.
With the right device, you can target everything from fine lines to muscle recovery without leaving your home.
Here are three of our fave standout red light therapy devices that are worth your hard-earned bucks in 2025.
♥
1. GlowLUXE by LumiLift
Best for: Lifting, plumping and targeting the whole face and neck.
The LumiLift GlowLUXE is a cutting-edge LED light therapy device designed to deliver professional-grade skincare results from the comfort of your home. Featuring a sleek, flexible silicone wrap design, it offers full-body coverage, making it suitable for use on various areas of the body.
The GlowLUXE utilizes seven clinically studied light wavelengths, each targeting specific skin concerns:
Red Light (660 nm): Boosts collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue Light (415 nm): Targets acne-causing bacteria, helping to clear breakouts.
Green Light (520 nm): Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone.
Purple Light (600 nm): Combines red and blue benefits to enhance cell regeneration.
Cyan Light (500 nm): Calms and soothes irritated skin.
Yellow Light (590 nm): Reduces inflammation and redness.
White Light (400–700 nm): Provides overall rejuvenation and promotes a radiant glow.
With a power output of up to 60mw/cm², the GlowLUXE ensures deeper skin penetration, delivering faster and more effective results compared to many at-home devices. Priced at $489 AUD.
The verdict: we absolutely loved weaving this into the post-work wind-down routine each night, and the girls from the office were asking a million and one questions (and complimenting a visibly enhanced skin glow). 10/10 no notes.
♥
2. Dermapen Dermaceuticals LED Neck and Décolleté Mask
Best for: Smoothing and enhancing neck and décolletage skin.
The Dermapen LED Neck & Décolleté Mask Set is a premium skincare device designed to address the often-neglected areas of the neck and décolleté. Utilizing advanced LED light therapy, this mask aims to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin, and promote a more youthful and radiant appearance. The mask employs two clinically proven wavelengths: Red Light (633nm) and Near-Infrared Light (830nm). Red Light enhances collagen production and improves skin tone, while Near-Infrared Light penetrates deeper layers to promote skin repair and reduce inflammation.
Just 10 minutes a day is the recommendation for visible results, but you can bump it up to 20 if you want to
The verdict: We’ve been testing this neck and décolleté LED mask for a few weeks now and the difference is definitely real. Smoother skin, fewer chest sleep lines, and it’s super-duper easy to use while rewatching the X-Files and drinking your oat milk chai as it doesn’t get in the way of your face, win-win!
♥
3. Bon Charge Red Light Face Mask
Best for: Anti-aging and brightening facial skin.
One of the more well known brands on the market, Bon Charge are a WA-founded brand who are making big strides in the international wellness market.
This is the type of LED mask that you’ve most likely seen influencers sporting on Instagram, and can give you a jump scare if you’re not careful.
This device emits 630nm Red and 850nm Near Infrared light, and is recommended to be used for 10 minutes at a time, 3 days a week. It’s also heat free for additional comfort!
The verdict: We found the Bon Charge Face Mask to be super easy to use and comfier than expected, it sits snugly on the face and makes it easy to pop on whenever you have a few moments free at home. After a few weeks of use, we noticed more glowy and even-toned facial skin, and the flow on effect was boosted confidence and feeling less need to wear makeup when out and about, which is definitely a huge skin win.
The red and near-infrared light combo is great for supporting collagen and calming any inflammation you might have going on (perfect for the warmer weather coming up). The Bon Charge Red Light Mask is a fan fave for a reason! RRP $499.
Whether you’re focused on facial rejuvenation, neck and décolletage care, or full-body recovery, these three red light therapy devices provide the perfect mix of targeted treatments. By choosing a device that suits your needs and sticking to a consistent routine, you can harness the science of red light to boost your skin, your wellness, and your confidence – all from the comfort of your own home.
Be well,
Chlo + Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 7, 2025 | At Home
Cosy nights deserve cosy rituals, and the way we end our day sets the tone for the way the next one starts! With both of these things in mind, we’ve curated the perfect evening wind-down routine that will set you up for the sweetest of deep sleeps, and bounce-out-of-bed energy the next day.
Turn down the lights, settle your nervous system, melt into some cosy, soft sheets, and get ready to have this routine on repeat every night.
♥
Step 1: Double Down on Relaxing Herbal Tea
We’ve found the ultimate wind-down brew and it comes in the form of Clemence Organics ‘Relax’ Herbal Tea. It soothes digestion, calms the nervous system, and gets your body ready to rest, what more could you want? Brew two mugs (one for each hand) and sip slowly. In a pinch we also recommend high quality peppermint tea, which is a natural muscle relaxant and will send you straight to snooze-town.
Step 2: Slip Into a Celestial Soak
Run a warm bath and drop in a generous scoop of Celestial Salts Relax Blend Magnesium Soak. The magnesium gets to work on sore muscles, while the blend of locally grown (!!!), hand-picked, organic cornflowers & lavender + essential oils bring the spa vibes. Pair it with your cuppas, maybe even a face mask (we’re currently obsessed with the Airyday Night Rain Sleep Mask), and a few daydreams about that sunny euro trip you’re dreaming of next winter.
No bath? No problemo. A foot soak will still do wonders and allow the magnesium and essential oils to work their miracle magic.
♥
Step 3: Move With Strala Yoga
Our all time fave yoga teacher, Tara Stiles, has an incredible app called Strala Yoga that houses hundreds & hundreds of yoga and wellness classes to suit just about any situation you might find yourself in. Even more impressively, Tara and her team release around 5 brand new classes every week, as well as hosting live sessions to foster community amongst app members.
We recommend cueing up a 20 minute Strala Yoga flow, special shoutout to the Restorative & Gentle classes, and invite your body to take part in soft, intuitive movement that’s focused on how you feel rather than how you look. It’s yoga for nervous system regulation, and you’re guaranteed to feel more relaxed and connected to yourself once 20 minutes of this tranquil practice has passed.
♥
Step 4: Solo Date with the Womanizer Next
Hear us out. This is absolutely part of your wellness routine (and you are more than encouraged to make it a nightly addition if you like!). Whether you’re a single gal or happily shacked up, indulging in self-love of the orgasmic variety is a sure fire way to help you develop a deeper connection to yourself (!!) and nourish your most important relationship.
We’ve been vibing, pun 100% intended, the Womanizer Next for it’s 360 degree air suction feature, 14 intensity levels, 3 climax control levels & whisper quiet performance.
It’s also waterproof, comes with 2 different sized stimulator heads, and gives you the option of an auto-pilot mode so you can choose a pre-set intensity journey for when you’ve already made too many decisions that day. #girlboss
This thing has so many features that we were almost expecting it to leave the room to go make an evening snack, a relaxing cuppa and bring it back… maybe in the next version?
To recap: orgasms before bed = better sleep, reduced stress, boosted mood, and deeper body connection. And the Womanizer Next has you 100% covered on all bases. Thank us later.
♥
Step 5: Lock in the Glow
Post-shower or bath, press a few drops of organic, locally-made Perception Skincare Night Oil into your skin.
This rich, nutrient-dense oil supports overnight regeneration while adding a glow that will follow you into the next day, week, month… rest of your life? It’s like an overnight multivitamin for your skin. Bonus: take a deep breath and spend some time slowly massaging it into your skin to really amplify the the mind & body benefits.
♥
Step 6: Blanket & Breathe
We’ve been obsessed with weighted blankets for years now, the quality of sleep you can achieve and the level of cosy that they bring is seriously unmatched. Think about the most comforting, all encompassing hug you’ve ever had, and that’s what a weighted blanket is… every night!
Here’s how to maximise the restful bedtime action:
– Freshly washed, sun-dried sheets. There’s not much better than sliding into some fresh sheets, is there? They just hit different. This step is non-negotiable.
– Doona on top of the sheets. This helps provide an extra cosy layer and additional weight once the weighted blanket is on top
– The piece de resistance, carefully place the weighted blanket on top of the doona, making sure not to have any parts hanging over the edge of the bed, otherwise it can easily slide off during the night.
– Snuggle down into your cosy slumber nest and let your whole body exhale, the gentle pressure encourages deeper relaxation and helps lower cortisol. Perfect paired with a soft lamp and the satisfaction that you are more than likely getting the best sleep you’ve ever had tonight.
♥
Step 7: Magnesium Mist & Melty Meditation
Right before lights out, spritz your tummy, chest & limbs with a sleep-specific magnesium spray and cue up a guided meditation (Insight Timer is our fave).
Regular magnesium oil sprays can cause irritation if they’re not diluted, so we recommend using a blend that’s diluted with spring water or aloe vera, along with essential oils, to help you doze off. Our top pick is the locally-made, Celestial Salts Magnesium Gel or the Base Collective Beauty Sleep Spray, both of which are on heavy rotation in our nightly routine.
Save this ritual for the nights you need a little extra rest & reset, or make it your new normal. You deserve to rest this well every single night.
Sweet dreams.
Be well,
xoxo
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