Designing for Peace: Enhancing Comfort Through Sound

Discover how you can create a calmer, quieter and healthier living space by incorporating thoughtful design principles.

Words Elissa Rose

An overwhelming array of sounds accompany us throughout modern life; from the hum of traffic and the chatter of neighbors to the constant buzz of electronics. In this increasingly noisy world, our homes should stand as sanctuaries – safe spaces where we can retreat, recharge and find clarity amid the chaos. Achieving this sense of calm often depends on an often-overlooked element: acoustics.

More than just an abstract concept, acoustics are an important aspect of interior design that can affect our wellbeing. Long considered in workplace and commercial design, its relevance is often overlooked within the home. Sound influences how effectively we can focus on work, enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep or share conversations without interruptions. Thoughtfully designed interiors can transform a home’s environment by enhancing sound quality, mitigating noise pollution and creating spaces that support both mental and physical health.

Bedroom designed by HUSBAND WIFE. Photo courtesy of Nicole Franzen

Recommended noise levels for sounds vary depending on the purpose of the space. For living areas, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests keeping noise levels below 35 decibels (dB) to ensure a calm environment. Bedrooms should ideally remain quieter, under 30 dB, to promote restful sleep. For comparison, a quiet library typically measures around 30-40 dB, while normal conversation falls within 50-60 dB. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states, “long or repeated exposure to sound at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.” However, research has led the EPA to reduce this to 70 decibels as a time weighted average over a 24 hour period.

Some noises on the acoustic spectrum can be beneficial. These pleasant, low-frequency sounds can enhance the sense of tranquillity and mask more jarring, high-frequency noise, contributing to a balanced and comfortable soundscape.

Decibel Levels (dB) chart illustrating sound levels. Image created using AI by WLLW Team

The Importance of Sound Levels

Noise pollution isn’t confined to busy streets or crowded offices; it infiltrates our homes through traffic, neighbors, and even internal household activities. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to noise can increase stress, disrupt sleep and reduce overall productivity, leading to health impacts that include cardiovascular outcomes and metabolic disruptions. Healthy acoustics, therefore, are not merely a luxury but an essential component of a living environment that promotes wellbeing.

"Thoughtfully designed interiors can transform a home’s environment by enhancing sound quality, mitigating noise pollution and creating spaces that support both mental and physical health."

Creating a home with optimal acoustic levels starts with understanding how sound behaves within a space. Hard surfaces like tile, concrete and glass tend to amplify noise, while flexible, permeable materials such as cork, felt and jute, absorb it. Reflecting on the interplay between materials, spatial layout and furniture placement is the first step toward designing a harmonious acoustic environment.

To cater to diverse household needs, from working remotely to relaxing after a long day, careful attention to quiet zones and furniture layout is essential. For households with children, balancing active and quiet spaces is particularly important. Create noise-buffering zones with rugs and textiles, and position furniture to separate high-activity areas from those designated for rest and relaxation. By combining these design strategies, you can ensure that your home supports both productivity and peace. Here are some ways to create peaceful, multifunctional spaces:

Home in Mount Washington designed by Bungalowe. Photo courtesy of Gavin Cater

Key design principles include:

• Absorption Through Layered Textures: Soft, porous materials are vital for dampening sound and reducing echoes. To integrate absorption effectively, consider adding wool rugs, plush curtains or upholstered furniture in key areas. These elements not only improve acoustics but also enhance the visual and tactile comfort of a room. Artwork can also play a role, with hanging tapestries or woven art combining sound-deadening functionality with aesthetic appeal.
• Diffusion Through Room Zoning: Breaking up sound waves ensures they are evenly distributed, preventing concentrated noise in certain areas. Bookshelves filled with an assortment of objects, textured walls or decorative panels can act as diffusers, adding both character and acoustic functionality to your interiors. Reclaimed wood panels are a sustainable and visually pleasing choice for achieving this effect.
• Strategic Furniture Placement: Oversized sofas, plush armchairs and padded headboards can act as effective sound absorbers. Arranging these pieces thoughtfully can also diffuse sound waves, preventing excessive echo and improving the room’s overall acoustic balance.
• Insulation: To block external noise, invest in structural improvements like double-glazed windows, solid-core doors and well-insulated walls. If you’re renovating or building a new home, consider using sustainable insulation materials such as recycled textiles, natural fibers like sheep’s wool, or ThermaCork, which also comes in wall panels. For existing spaces, heavy drapery offers a cost-effective and less labor-intensive alternative to opening walls and ceilings, effectively reducing noise without requiring invasive structural changes.
• Soundproofing Retrofits: Persistent noise may require additional and more costly measures, such as acoustic panels on walls or ceilings and underlayments beneath hard flooring to reduce sound transmission between levels.

Handwoven Wall Piece I from ‘Persephone’s Dream’ collection by Maria Sigma. Photo courtesy of Flow Gallery

Home in Copenhagen, Denmark designed by Norm Architects. Photo courtesy of Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

Biophilic Design and Sound

Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into interiors, is intrinsically linked to our comfort. By bringing elements of the natural world indoors, biophilic design enhances not only the visual and emotional aspects of a space but also its acoustic qualities. Materials such as bamboo, jute and sisal are particularly effective in this regard. They not only connect us to nature but also have inherent sound-absorbing properties, making them ideal for softening ambient noise.

Incorporating greenery like indoor plants and vertical gardens contributes to sound absorption while improving air quality. Strategically placing large leafy plants in echo-prone corners can further reduce reverberation and create a balanced sound environment. Adding a water feature, such as a small indoor fountain, can mask disruptive background noises with soothing natural sounds.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

Thoughtfully selected materials and design elements can ensure your home remains stylish while offering a peaceful soundscape. Choose window treatments that combine elegant and healthy textiles with noise-reducing properties, or opt for multifunctional furniture that incorporates built-in sound-absorbing features.

Acoustics are an often-overlooked aspect of home design, yet its impact on our wellbeing is significant. By thoughtfully considering sound dynamics, materials and spatial layouts, you can transform your home into a haven of peace and functionality.

Feature Image: Rose Uniacke

Photography: Gavin Cater, Nicole Franzen, Flow Gallery, Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

AI Image: Decibel Chart