Mark Wahlberg styles his back patio with an Ancient Egyptian wellness ritual that looks as good as it feels – it reduces inflammation and boosts energy

Cold therapy has been around since ancient times, employed by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. In the modern era, the practice can be as stylish as it is beneficial, as evidenced by Mark Wahlberg's sleek patio cold plunge.

The actor has styled his outdoor space with a wood-lined cold plunge from Renu, giving his entire patio an enviable Scandinavian feel. His wellness-increasing accoutrement creates the perfect textural contrast to his limestone flooring and woven gray outdoor furniture.

The black base adds a dark accent to an overall light space. One can imagine that when the lid is on, it looks like a stylish side table.

Though one of the most common arguments leveraged against at-home wellness centers is that they are unattractive, Mark's space shows this doesn't have to be the case. Design is just as important in boosting your wellbeing at home as something like heat therapy. To tap into this, we recommend choosing tools that incorporate natural materials like wood and stone. Adding a candle and pretty towels can also help.

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Understanding how wellness in design is important, because building a cold plunge into your home has many practical benefits.

Wellness practitioner Carrie Riley explains: 'Having sauna or cold therapy at home makes it easier to use consistently, which is where the real benefits come in. It’s also convenient, private, and ideal for people who want to build wellness into their everyday routine without needing to leave the house or rely on shared spaces.'

Plus, having a plunge pool at home is financially beneficial. Carrie states: 'Over time, you'll also save quite a bit of money compared to memberships at contrast therapy studios or gyms.'

Though design is important, the ultimate reason people like Mark Wahlberg choose to build cold plunges into their home is that they are good for your body.

Carrie tells Homes & Gardens: 'Cold plunges reduce inflammation, support muscle recovery, and boost energy. They also stimulate the vascular system by triggering the blood vessels to contract and expand, which improves circulation. For clients dealing with swelling or fatigue, this can be very helpful.'

Wellness is not separate from the home, but an inherent part of it. When these two things come together, that's when the magic happens.