Relaxing, Yet Unforgettable Commercial Kundalini Yoga Studio Interior Design.

Exciting Interior Design Ideas for Non-Traditional Spaces

Interview Questions Answered by Principal Designer Rina Capodieci-Quinn.

What was the goal? 

The goal was to create an interior that had great energy and brought a warm & peaceful essence to the room. It had to immediately invoke the culture of India. It needed to be harmonious and a place where one could immediately relax and feel a sense of well-being. 

What was the scope?

We had to take an outdated commercial office space and convert it to a yoga studio specific to the practice of  Kundalini yoga. 

What was the sought-after interior design aesthetic? 

The sought-after interior aesthetic was a studio that was inspired by the culture of India and included intricate, but also zen decor.  

What were the phases of design? 

1. Location Scouting

2. Meeting with the Client

3. Floor Planning

4. Demolition

5. Interior Design

6. Final Touches

Can you explain each phase of design more in depth? For example: 

• Meeting with the Client —

  • The client needed to elaborate on what her ideal studio space looked and felt like.

• Location Scouting —

  • Several commercial spaces were visited to see which location had what was required for the desired design concept.

• Floor Planning —

  • In this project, the floor plan was developed without taking any walls that were not structural into account. It was important to have a clean slate so that a functional floor plan and spatial flow could be created as organically as possible. The floor plan took into account the fact that people would be flowing in and out of different spaces, most specifically the yoga room. It was made to avoid congestion and facilitate a friendly communal space.

• Demolition —

  • Once the floor plan was approved demolition began. Non-structural walls were knocked down, so that the most functio yoga studio space could be designed.

• Interior Design —

  • There were many interior design ideas floating around in the initial stages of design. In the end, design details were based most heavily off of the Kundalini yoga practice roots. This required research from the design team...which was worth it in the end!

  • The interior was made bold, but also warm and inviting. The fabrics followed suit. The floors and wall coverings were made of or made to look like natural materials. The use of natural grass-cloth on the walls & a woven shade gave a sense of grounding as well as connection to the earth.

• Final Touches —

  • Final touches came down to detailing the space with design choices that would meet every single one of the clients expectations. Particularly, a cork floor was chosen for the space where yoga was going to physically be practiced. The natural cork material helped reduce sound and was soft on the bare feet. Window treatments were not only used on the windows, but also on entrances and as a way to close the closet that housed the yoga matts & pillows. These elements of softness created a sense of peacefulness. 

What was your favorite part of the job? 

The best part of the job was taking a dated old office and transforming it into a beautiful harmonious wellness center that so many people could benefit from.

What was your least favorite part of the job? 

NONE!

What made this job unique then other jobs you’ve done? 

This job was unique because Rina was able to experience the space when the studio opened.  She began practicing Kundalini yoga and it was amazing to observe people using and experiencing the space she created.  In doing so, she knew she accomplished the goals she was asked to meet.

Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid