Julianne Hough's Scandinavian-inspired wellness area is stunningly chic – the striking design is a brilliant way to create consistency in your health journey

A natural wood sauna and cold plunge look gorgeous in Julianne Hough's backyard – an expert explains the unexpected wellness benefits

julianne hough at the tony awards on a neutral background
(Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

For those looking to improve their health in 2025 and beyond, Julianne Hough has the formula down pat. By combining striking design with wellness practices like a sauna and cold plunge, she creates the perfect formula for consistency.

The dancer and actress took to Instagram to share the Scandi-inspired wellness area in her backyard. It features a striking, black-painted sauna and a stunning black and natural wood cold plunge.

Julianne states: 'When I need to get out of my head, I focus on the body. Anything I can do that gets me connected to my body helps with massive anxiety, depression, and/or just overall overwhelm. One of my favorite modalities is contrast therapy, with my sauna straight into the cold plunge. The Renu Therapy cold plunge is my absolute favorite as it keeps the water clean, the right temperature, and of course is chic and goes with the aesthetic of my house.'

Though it may seem frivolous, her last point about design is absolutely essential. You're much more likely to add wellness accoutrements, like home saunas, to your space if they look attractive. Natural wood and matte finishes keep these pieces from being an unwanted eyesore on your property. It turns them into an overall experience.

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Furthermore, according to experts, having a backyard spa is wonderful for promoting a daily wellness practice.

Dr. Courtney Scott, Medical Director of Momentous Recovery Group, explains: 'With a sauna and cold plunge at home, everything becomes much easier and accessible. They increase the chances of following through with a health routine. They can be used at any time, which increases customizability for the user and also allows for privacy. In the long run, it can reduce costs in comparison to frequent spa treatments while also providing additional value by promoting relaxation and enhancing wellness within the home.'

What exactly are the benefits of a daily sauna and dip in your best cold plunge? Dr. Scott tells Homes & Gardens: 'Through attending sauna sessions on a regular basis, muscle soreness can be alleviated, and the user will notice a mental boost through the release of endorphins. Cardiovascular wellness is improved overall through better circulation and a relaxed state, lowered blood pressure, and increased relaxation. Prolonged session in saunas improves detoxification in the individual because they encourage sweating, which is essential in removing toxins.'

He continues, 'Astonishingly, cold plunges increase how inflammation is controlled and how fast an individual recovers. It can promote the overcoming of soreness and inflammation, and improve blood flow due to weakened blood vessels. They also uplift one’s spirits through the distribution of endorphins and help with the clarity of the mind. The improved movement of mental clarity and enhanced energy even supports the body’s defense mechanisms in a controlled manner.'


Whether or not your daily wellness practice integrates a cold plunge, Julianne Hough's ritual is a reminder of the impact beautiful design can have on your habits. When things are more visually striking, we are all more likely to want to partake.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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