California State of Mind: A Harmonious Lifestyle
Defining the California Aesthetic
The California aesthetic is characterized by a generous sense of space, abundant natural light, and a deep appreciation for materiality. This style prioritizes a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor environments, celebrating the state's golden light and diverse landscapes. Beyond a singular look, it is a restorative practice that utilizes quality-crafted, sustainable materials to support emotional and physical wellbeing.
A Celebration of the Local Environment
At its core, California style mirrors the beauty of the coastline and high desert through a palette of soft greens, deep blues, and warm earth tones. This design principle invites the outdoors in, fostering tranquility and connection. This regional approach is rooted in the early 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized a direct response to the natural landscape and the use of materials to anchor a building to its site (Van Wormer).
Sarah Barnard, LEED + WELL A.P., notes, “Intentionally designing a sanctuary can cultivate a space that supports a deeper connection with our internal experience.” This focus on quality is central to creating a California connection within a residence.
Honor in Craftsmanship and Narrative
The aesthetic is rooted in design traditions valuing personal, handmade, and quality-crafted details. By focusing on artisan furniture and architectural elements that showcase raw materials like wood and stone, a home becomes a collection of stories. This approach often includes design strategies for an unpredictable climate, where beauty and functionality balance to support longevity.
This narrative includes regional styles like the Spanish Colonial Revival, which blossomed in the 1920s to become a dominant regional style of Southern California, using stucco, tile, and lush courtyards to create a romantic, site-sensitive identity (Sloan).
Caliterranean: A blend of Italian, Spanish, and Mission influences characterized by soft stucco and intricate tilework.
Scandifornian: Coastal California elements paired with Scandinavian simplicity.
Francofornia: French sensibilities combined with California comfort.
Material Integrity and Environmental Health
Modern California style prioritizes material health, selecting sustainable options that support a fresh indoor environment. This includes reclaimed woods, natural textiles, and raw minerals that provide a grounded presence. A humanistic modernism emerged in the state that fully embraced comfort and leisure, responding directly to the environment (Stovall). Many homeowners also explore vegan home design to create a compassionate style that reflects a love of animals and wildlife.
Intentional Minimalism
The California look is curated and intentional, promoting calm and order. By utilizing vertical space and layered lighting, rooms feel expansive and airy. Functional elements are often integrated into specialized cabinetry or built-ins, allowing the eye to rest on art and natural woodgrains. This refined approach, sometimes called Caliminimalism, emphasizes organized spaces and functional neutral palettes.
Strategies for Achieving a California Lifestyle
Achieving this style is as much about cultivating a state of mind as it is about visual design. By making intentional choices, the home becomes a tool for a life focused on mindfulness and connection to the land.
Cultivate a Nature-Inspired Palette
Selecting colors rooted in local minerals and flora brings the landscape indoors.
Coastal and Earth Tones: Soft greens, deep blues, and warm neutrals reflect the West Coast.
Grounding Minerals: Natural stones like California slate or river rock offer a sense of stability.
Golden Tones: Salvaged sycamore or reclaimed redwood emulate the warmth of West Coast sunshine.
Select Materials for Integrity and Longevity
The history of materials plays a significant role in supporting the local ecosystem and health.
Certified Timbers: FSC-certified woods like reclaimed elm or ash support environmental preservation.
Textile Health: Natural linens or textiles support indoor air quality.
Low-Impact Finishes: No-VOC materials for wood surfaces support a healthy living environment.
Emphasize Artisanal Craftsmanship
Focusing on pieces that showcase human effort and natural beauty adds depth to an interior.
Bespoke Furniture: Custom pieces celebrate the organic form of the wood.
Restored Heirlooms: Integrating family pieces or salvaged historical materials honors design traditions.
Tactile Surfaces: Chiseled wood, textured art, or rough-hewn stone add physical interest.
Sarah Barnard, LEED + WELL A.P., is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates restorative environments deeply connected to art and the preservation of the natural world. Sarah has been recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Works Cited
Stovall, Sarah. “California Design, 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way.” LACMA, 2011. https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/California%20Design%20didactic%20FINAL.pdf
Van Wormer, Catherine. “Architecture and Engineering Theme: Arts and Crafts Movement, 1895-1930.” City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, 2016. https://planning.lacity.gov/odocument/18037253-197d-483a-8b13-c85fcd553fe8/ArtsandCraftsMovement_1895-1930.pdf
Sloan, Carolyne. “Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture in Santa Monica.” Santa Monica Conservancy, 2024. https://smconservancy.org/property/parkhurst-building/
Canyon Calm: Design Strategies for an Unpredictable Climate
Resilience as Coastal Stewardship
The mid-afternoon sun in Topanga Canyon often creates a sensory intensity where the air feels static and the landscape particularly fragile. During Climate Week in Los Angeles, this environmental reality serves as a catalyst for estate owners to move beyond passive design trends toward a more active and intentional form of stewardship. In high-fire-severity zones, protecting a coastal property requires navigating the complex intersection of high-end aesthetic integrity and technical necessity. It is a fundamental shift in perspective that views the home not merely as a site of leisure, but as a responsive biological ally. Navigating these requirements demands an authoritative oversight grounded in specialized credentials to ensure a residence remains a restorative retreat.
Thermal Batteries and the Diurnal Cycle
In luxury residential environments, significant functional value is found in materials that offer more than a prestigious pedigree. Dense stones, such as honed basalt and limestone, possess the thermal mass required to manage the demanding diurnal heat cycle. High-mass stone may act as a silent thermal battery by wicking away the peak intensity of a mid-day sun, potentially supporting a sense of internal calm and preventing heat-related physiological stress. When a room manages its temperature effectively, it aims to provide the stable internal environment needed to facilitate high-level cognitive performance and physical recovery. The stone holds the cool long after the sun has shifted.
The Technical Defense of the Building Envelope
Strategic resilience begins with the technical precision of the building envelope. Utilizing layered protective materials, such as dual-paned tempered glass and non-combustible finishes, aims to defend the structural integrity of a property against environmental shifts. A critical component of this defensive strategy is the ember audit, which addresses the high-stakes reality that undetected gaps in vents or eaves may serve as entry points for wind-blown fire. This specialized approach to home hardening aims to mitigate vulnerabilities before they are tested by a local weather event. The house stands as a quiet, fortified retreat against the elements.
Sarah Barnard, LEED + WELL A.P., said, "By selecting enduring materials that buffer and protect, a home may better accommodate the physiological needs of its inhabitants while providing a meaningful layer of protection against environmental shifts."
Naturalism as a Strategic Shield
A property’s security extends beyond its walls to the immediate landscape. A symbiotic relationship with the local environment informs the selection of responsible landscaping that works in harmony with the unique constraints of the California coast. Rather than relying on thirsty, high-maintenance flora, a native-focused design may provide natural shading and moisture retention. This naturalist approach serves as a functional tool for environmental preparedness, potentially reducing a property’s reliance on mechanical climate control while aiming to preserve the restorative nature of the estate. It is an act of foresight that honors both the inhabitant and the local ecosystem.
The Enduring Sanctuary
A resilient home is intended to be a responsive ally engineered to support a sense of well-being even during periods of environmental fluctuation. These technical choices represent proactive, intelligent investments in a well-lived life where safety and restoration are woven into the home itself. A temperature-stable, hardened environment aims to provide the quiet and stability that may help support the deep stages of sleep and long-term vitality. By prioritizing enduring materials and ecological intelligence, an estate can remain a supportive sanctuary that stands the test of time.
Sarah Barnard, LEED + WELL A.P., is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Works Cited
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). (2026). Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation: Performance Divergence in Hot Climates. acsa-arch.org/
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). (2025). Construction Costs for Wildfire-Resistant Homes: Los Angeles Regional Analysis. ibhs.org/wildfireready/
International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). (2023). WELL v2 Standard: Thermal Comfort and Physiological Recovery. v2.wellcertified.com/en/v2/thermal-comfort
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2024). Surviving Indoor Heat Stress: Impact of Overheating on Residential Thermal Comfort and Health. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
United States Green Building Council - Los Angeles (USGBC-LA). (2022). Wildfire Defense Landscaper Certificate Program. usgbc-la.org/programs/wildfire-defense-landscaper/
The Verdant Center: Cultivating Restorative Balance
The concept of the home has evolved into something far more profound than a collection of curated objects. It has become a site of resonance, a space where the physical environment and the internal emotional state seek a point of equilibrium. At the center of this dialogue is the Sanskrit principle of Anahata, the heart chakra. Translating literally as unstruck, Anahata represents a state of pure resonance, a frequency that remains undisturbed by external friction. As the fourth energy center, it serves as the essential bridge between the grounding, physical needs of the lower body and the higher intellectual and spiritual aspirations of the upper mind (World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research). In the context of interior design, creating an Anahata atmosphere means cultivating a sanctuary of balance, where the visual and tactile elements support a sense of emotional wholeness and psychological safety.
The primary hue associated with this energy center is green, a choice that mirrors the visible light spectrum. Positioned at the exact center of the spectrum, green provides a natural point of equilibrium, offering the human eye a state of visual rest that neither requires the energy of warmer tones nor the recession of cooler ones (Sugarman). By anchoring a room in the green heart, design may help support a profound sense of steadiness, making the environment an active participant in the restoration of the inhabitant. When a space is tuned to this specific frequency, it encourages a deeper connection to the self and the natural world, fostering a restorative experience that reaches beyond simple aesthetics.
Sarah Barnard, LEED + WELL A.P., said, "Designing from a place of equilibrium allows for the home to act as a restorative anchor, where every material and color choice serves the long-term emotional well-being of the inhabitants."
The Science of the Middle Ground
The preference for verdant environments is not merely an aesthetic inclination but is rooted in the biological reality of the human nervous system. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that people possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature, a trait developed through evolutionary history where green environments signified survival and abundance (Wilson). Modern neurobiological research has begun to quantify this connection, demonstrating that exposure to nature-inspired design may significantly reduce concentrations of oxy-Hb in the prefrontal cortex (Yin, et al.). This reduction reflects relief from the cognitive and emotional overload typical of contemporary life, allowing for enhanced neural stabilization and mental clarity. By decreasing the metabolic load on the brain's executive centers, green-centered spaces provide the cognitive quiet necessary for reflection and emotional regulation.
Environmental psychology further supports this through Stress Recovery Theory, which suggests that natural environments facilitate the recovery of psychological resources (Ulrich). Studies examining restorative outcomes have found that biophilic design elements, such as unobstructed nature views and the presence of indoor greenery, are associated with significant positive impacts on mental clarity and physical relaxation (Zhong, et al.). These elements function as micro-restorative breaks, allowing the mind to disengage from task-oriented focus and enter a state of effortless attention. Even when a direct view of the outdoors is not accessible, the strategic use of green décor and art has been shown to produce measurable restorative benefits. Specifically, green-themed interiors have been linked to a positive influence on the ability of inhabitants to clear the mind of stressful thoughts, fostering higher levels of restoration than other color themes (Astell-Burt, et al.). The psychological impact is immediate, as the nervous system recognizes the spectral cues of safety and vitality inherent in the color green.
The Legacy of the Pigment
The history of green in the interior is a story of pursuit and permanence. While the color is abundant in the natural world, it was historically one of the most difficult hues for artists and pigment makers to stabilize. In antiquity, vibrant greens were often derived from malachite, a semi-precious gemstone that provided a rich, royal depth but was notoriously difficult to layer (National Gallery London). During the Renaissance, artists relied on verdigris, a copper-based pigment known for its transparent, jewel-like brilliance. Verdigris was often reactive and unpredictable, having a tendency to darken to an olive-brown over centuries, turning once-vibrant landscapes into moody, earthen studies. This ephemerality created a longing for a green that could capture the eternal vitality of the forest without succumbing to the decay of time.
The cultural evolution of the color has seen it move from a symbol of rebirth and immortality in ancient Egypt to a modern emblem of environmental stewardship and longevity (Fang). One significant milestone in this history was the development of Hooker’s Green, created by botanical illustrator William Hooker. By mixing Prussian blue with gamboge, a yellow resin from Asian evergreen trees, Hooker achieved a lightfast, cool green that could accurately capture the waxy needles of a pine or the soft silver of sage (Fang). This transition from the fugitive, fleeting greens of the past to the permanent tones used today has allowed designers to anchor rooms in colors that endure. This sense of permanence is vital for creating a home that feels like a lasting legacy, where the environment remains an enduring foundation for a family’s growth. The color green thus represents a bridge across time, connecting ancient spiritual associations with the modern requirement for sustainable, long-lasting beauty.
Tactile Vitality and Botanical Materiality
A restorative interior must move beyond the purely visual, engaging the senses through a philosophy of haptic design. Luxury, in this context, is defined by how a room feels under the hand and how the materials support the emotional state of the occupant. This shift toward sensory-first environments acknowledges that luxury and well-being are experienced through all five senses. Texture becomes a defining design language, moving away from sterile surfaces toward matte and honed finishes, textured stone, and hand-woven textiles. Natural fibers play a critical role in this sensory engagement, offering a tactile richness that synthetic materials cannot replicate. These organic surfaces invite touch, grounding the inhabitant in the present moment and reinforcing the home’s role as a protective sanctuary.
Utilizing high-end materials like 100% Belgian linen provides a connection to the raw beauty of nature. This mid-weight fabric is highly versatile, offering a lovely handle that drapes beautifully for upholstery or drapery. Textiles in deep botanical tones, such as the mossy, grey-green of rosemary or the dusty, bluish-green of thyme, add a layer of organic texture to the space. These colors, drawn from the medicinal and culinary herbs of the Mediterranean, evoke a sense of heritage and nourishment. When paired with interior jewelry in the form of malachite slabs or semi-precious stone accents, the room gains a symbolic depth. Malachite, historically known as a stone of transformation, brings a vibrant energy that encourages emotional renewal and prosperity. The interplay between the soft, yielding texture of linen and the cool, unyielding weight of stone creates a multisensory dialogue that reflects the complexity of the natural world.
Designing with Compassion and Intention
Designing for the green heart requires a commitment to inclusive design strategies that prioritize the specific, nuanced needs of every inhabitant. For neurodivergent individuals or those with sensory sensitivities, the home must function as a sensory retreat. This involves creating varied paths of movement and balancing open, light-filled spaces with smaller, comforting nooks that feel like a protective envelope. These inclusive spaces are designed not for a generic user but for the specific biological needs of a human being, fostering a sense of psychological safety. The goal is to reduce sudden sensory arousal while providing an environment that is actively healing and restorative, allowing the inhabitant to navigate their world with autonomy and grace.
The integration of restorative infrastructure allows the home to mimic natural systems, supporting the body's internal rhythms. Circadian rhythm lighting, which shifts in temperature to mirror the natural progression of the sun, is essential for regulating sleep cycles and mood. Similarly, the implementation of quiet tech ensures that the home remains a mindful sanctuary. By hiding technology within the architecture, through invisible audio systems or seamless automation, the heartbeat of the home is maintained without disrupting the aesthetic harmony or creating sensory clutter. This approach allows the architecture to shine while technology operates effortlessly in the background to enhance the restorative experience. Every technical integration is chosen for its ability to simplify life, reducing the friction between the inhabitant and their environment.
The Reunion of Nature and Interior Space
The reunion of the natural world with the human-made interior marks a shift toward a more compassionate, human-centric maturity in design. When a home is designed from the heart, it becomes a narrative of renewal, where every material choice and layout decision supports the well-being of the inhabitants. The Anahata atmosphere is an invitation to let nature inside, not merely as a decorative accent, but as a biological necessity. This reunion acknowledges that our place-based relationships with the land do not end at the threshold of the home. Instead, the interior serves as an extension of the garden, a space where the biological needs of the human body are met with the same care as the mind’s aesthetic desires.
In the quiet resonance of a green room, the mind finds space to settle, and the body finds the support it needs to thrive. By aligning ancient principles of harmony with modern, evidence-based wellness standards, designers create environments that do more than just look beautiful; they nurture both body and soul. The verdant center ensures that the home remains a protective, restorative sanctuary, where every inhabitant is allowed to be truly whole. The legacy of the green heart is one of steadiness and growth, offering a timeless foundation for a life lived in balance.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
Works Cited
Astell-Burt, Thomas, and Xiaoqi Feng. "Visible Green Nature and Restoration Outcomes." National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12340148/
Fang, Karen. "Hooker’s Green: The History of Immortality." The Engines of Our Ingenuity, University of Houston. engines.egr.uh.edu/episode/3241
National Gallery London. "A History of the Colour Green in Art." National Gallery. www.nationalgallery.org.uk/podcast/colour-stories-green
Sugarman, Anna. "Heart Chakra: Love, Compassion and Generosity." Yoga Jala. yogajala.com/heart-chakra/
Taylor & Francis Online. "Systematic Review of Biophilic Design in Workplaces." Journal of Architectural Engineering. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17508975.2024.2306273
Ulrich, Roger S. "Stress Recovery Theory and the Natural Environment." Journal of Environmental Psychology. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11878902/
Wilson, Edward O. Biophilia. Harvard University Press, 1984.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research. "Literature on Anahata Chakra." Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2019. www.wjpmr.com/download/article/43012019/1548850018.pdf
Yin, J., et al. "Biophilic Spatial Design and Neuropsychological Restoration." MDPI: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/10/1571
Zhong, S., et al. "Biophilic Design Elements and Physiological Stress." Frontiers in Virtual Reality. frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2025.1411425/full
Beyond Order: Restorative Storage in Modern Design
A common philosophy of storage and organization starts with a period of purging, usually involving a rigid keep, donate, or trash approach. However, this process does not always acknowledge the emotional value of our possessions or fully consider how someone wants to live and feel in their home from a psychological standpoint.
“A common approach to organization often prioritizes elimination, yet it frequently fails to acknowledge the profound emotional resonance of the objects we choose to surround ourselves with,” says Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED accredited interior designer. “Restorative design is not about what we can discard, but about how we can curate an environment that supports our emotional well-being and reflects our true intentions for how we wish to inhabit a space.”
Many homeowners need a more nuanced strategy that allows for emotion, uncertainty, and changing capacities. The traditional sorting pile is a helpful visual tool, but the criteria for what remains should be personal and reflect one's own history. It is essential to recognize how objects hold meaning, serving as cherished mementos, touchstones, or evolving pieces of a larger collection. If the home is a safe space for free expression, much-loved items play a vital role in self-expression and daily joy.
The Psychology of Curation
Organizing still benefits from a structured process, but the mindset should be rooted in the positive. “Sorting should be approached as an act of self-care rather than a chore of elimination,” Barnard notes. “Instead of asking what we can live without, we should ask how we want our home to support our mood and the daily rituals that bring us comfort.”
By using a feelings-first guide, homeowners can look beyond strict utility. While function is a common starting point, the emotional goal of a room is just as significant. An object might be functional and valued for its usability, or valued simply because it is beautiful. In high-end design, beauty is often a primary function, contributing to calm and visual delight. For many, collecting and curating is the source of joy itself. In these cases, the process is about honoring the collection rather than reducing it.
Managing Sentimental Thresholds
Sentimental items often need a different timeline. A memory box preserves items linked to a person, place, or thing without requiring an immediate decision on their permanent place. This gives time to assess the sentimental reasons for keeping or sorting objects. Items that offer tactile comfort, such as favorite textiles or calming-colored objects, should be seen and kept as sensory anchors at home.
For objects that trigger uncertainty, a holding strategy can help. It can be hard to make quick decisions about inherited pieces or items with complex histories. Placing these in a designated area for review gives time and control. The key is to set a plan to revisit the collection. This ensures the holding area is a temporary pause, not a source of hidden stress.
Architectural Systems for Restorative Living
Once curation is complete, focus shifts to systems to encourage a seamless daily experience. A sophisticated home needs a balance of open and closed storage. Open shelving or rails provide access to frequently used items and serve as display platforms. To prevent visual overload, pair these with closed cabinetry or integrated millwork.
In a home office, this might manifest as an elegant display shelf for books and art, paired with concealed filing or cabinetry for administrative essentials. In the kitchen, high-touch tools may remain on a beautiful tray on the counter, while secondary appliances are tucked into specialized drawers. For items that carry deep meaning but lack a functional place in the current layout, digital preservation is a thoughtful alternative. Scanning precious items like children’s art or archival correspondence keeps the memories accessible while reclaiming physical space for new experiences.
Intentional Visibility and Ease
Achieving a balance of visibility without overload is personal. While concealing belongings may lead to their eventual neglect, maintaining total visibility can inadvertently lead to sensory overload. Subtle storage tools can help strike this balance. Shallow trays, baskets, or pull-out shelves in larger cabinets prevent items from becoming buried. Clear or semi-clear bins in closed closets maintain order and allow for quick identification.
Functionality means different things for everyone, and the goal of a sophisticated organizational system is to enhance the user's experience by creating an environment that feels intentional, paced, and restorative. By moving beyond the pressure of order for order’s sake, the modern home transcends simple organization to become a landscape deeply aligned with the lives lived within its walls.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.
The Architecture of Autonomy: Elevating Wellness through Individual Sleeping Sanctuaries
In high-end residential design, luxury is often defined by the removal of friction. We create environments that anticipate needs, soothe the senses, and provide a seamless backdrop for a life well-lived. While traditional floor plans have prioritized the shared primary suite as the pinnacle of domestic harmony, a more sophisticated perspective is emerging, looking to historical precedent and modern biological science to reclaim the luxury of personal space.
By prioritizing individual sleeping sanctuaries, we move beyond the limitations of shared environments and embrace the Architecture of Autonomy. This approach does not signal a departure from partnership; it honors the individual’s biological needs and identity, ultimately fostering a deeper, more intentional connection.
The Sovereign Precedent: A Legacy of Privacy
The concept of the shared bed is a relatively modern standard. Historically, the elite maintained distinct private chambers as a symbol of status and dignity. In royal courts, the separate chamber was not a sign of a distant marriage but a recognition of individual sovereignty. These suites facilitated the ceremony of one’s day, rising and retiring, allowing each person to maintain their own schedule and sensory preferences without imposition.
In contemporary design, we are returning to this regal standard. By shifting the narrative from a shared master to dual primaries, it gives homeowners the freedom to inhabit spaces that are entirely their own. This is not a compromise of intimacy but an elevation of it, transforming togetherness from a default setting into a meaningful, chosen event.
Biological Precision and Environmental Optimization
True restorative sleep is a highly individualized biological process. What one person requires for peak cognitive performance, such as a specific temperature, mattress firmness, or total darkness, may disrupt their partner.
Research demonstrates that a significant portion of an individual's sleep quality can be negatively influenced by a partner’s movements, differing sleep-wake cycles, or environmental preferences (Sleep Research Society, 2024). In a shared environment, one partner is almost always making a biological concession. Individual sanctuaries allow for the implementation of precision environmental controls tailored to the inhabitant’s specific circadian needs. One partner may opt for a suite designed with automated blackout shielding to facilitate deep, undisturbed rest, while the other prefers a space that welcomes natural morning light to stimulate a healthy awakening response (International WELL Building Institute, 2020). By removing these external disruptions, we ensure that both partners reach the deepest stages of restoration, arriving at the start of their day refreshed and emotionally resilient.
The Luxury of Unfiltered Identity
Beyond the biological benefits, separate suites offer an opportunity for aesthetic expression. In a shared bedroom, design is often a series of concessions, perhaps a neutral palette chosen to satisfy two tastes. In an autonomous sanctuary, the room becomes a pure reflection of the individual.
These separate suites honor different personal narratives and tactile preferences. One suite may be a soft, monochromatic cocoon of organic cotton, while the other is a crisp, architectural space featuring curated art. This level of personalization allows the home to function as a holistic sanctuary, where the environment aligns perfectly with the inhabitant’s internal world.
Cultivating Mystery and Intentionality
There is a profound psychological benefit to physical boundaries. Academic studies suggest that couples who maintain high levels of personal autonomy often report greater long-term relationship satisfaction (Storm, 2023).
Sharing every mundane detail of one's morning and evening routine can, over time, diminish the sense of mystery that fuels attraction. Individual dressing areas and bathrooms allow for the big reveal. When partners meet for an evening or retire to one another’s chamber, they do so with intentionality. They have had space to prepare, center themselves, and show up for their partner as their best selves. Inviting a partner into one’s private domain mirrors the romantic traditions of high society, making being together a curated experience rather than a habitual necessity.
Lifespan Design: The Wellness Wing
A forward-thinking home must also account for life’s transitions. We often design one primary sanctuary on the ground level, not out of immediate need but as a proactive wellness wing.
These spaces use universal design principles, incorporating curbless showers and wider clearances without sacrificing luxury. A dedicated space for recovery or health management allows for individualized care without disrupting the partner’s well-being (Troxel, 2021). Whether for temporary recovery or a long-term shift in mobility, these suites ensure the home remains a place of comfort and dignity, not a source of stress.
Conclusion: Living Without Compromise
In the modern luxury home, the most valuable commodity is the ability to live as one chooses. The shift toward individual sleeping sanctuaries represents a maturation of residential design, moving away from societal expectations and toward a more enlightened understanding of health, identity, and partnership.
By designing for autonomy, we create homes that do more than house us; they support our biology and protect our relationships. Living like royalty is not about the size of the bed, but the quality of rest and the freedom to be oneself.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.
Works Cited
International WELL Building Institute. WELL Building Standard v2. 2020.
Pulling Back the Sheets: Exploring the Impact of Sleep on Couples' Relationships. Sleep Research Society, 2024.
Storm, Nina. "The Importance of Personal Space in a Relationship." University of California, Berkeley, 2023.
Troxel, Wendy M. "Multilevel Analysis of Sleep and Relationship Quality." PubMed Central, National Institutes of Health, 2021.
The Future of Flourishing: A First Look at the Unified WELL Standard
We believe the environments we inhabit should do more than house our daily activities; they should actively support our well-being. This philosophy is why we closely follow the evolution of the WELL Building Standard, the global benchmark for health-centric design.
Recently, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) shared a significant milestone: the next version of the WELL Standard is now open for public comment through May 1. This "One WELL" vision is a thoughtful reimagining of how we create, measure, and sustain spaces that put people first.
A Unified Vision for Health
The most significant shift in this update is the move toward a unified, harmonized standard. Previously, different types of projects, from commercial offices to residential spaces, navigated separate frameworks. The new preview consolidates these into a single cohesive system.
This "One WELL" approach ensures that whether we design a private sanctuary or a community hub, the core principles of human health remain consistent and accessible. It’s a more intuitive way to look at the building blocks of wellness, making it easier for designers and inhabitants to understand how a space supports them.
What is Changing?
While the rigorous, evidence-based strategies that define WELL remain the foundation, the way we interact with them is becoming more streamlined. Key updates in this preview:
Integrated Ratings and Certification: In a shift that honors every effort made toward health, the new structure ensures that "every step forward counts." Points earned toward specific health, safety, or equity ratings now count toward full WELL Certification.
Thematic Groupings: Strategies are now organized into intuitive themes. This allows design teams to pinpoint goals, such as mental health support or restorative lighting, with greater precision.
Clearer, Global Language: The requirements have been rewritten to be clearer and more scannable. This shift away from dense technical jargon makes the standard more adaptable across global markets and easier for homeowners and business owners to implement with confidence.
Rewarding Progress: Preconditions, the mandatory baseline requirements, will now qualify for points across the board. This recognizes the value of these fundamental health features and rewards projects for their commitment to baseline excellence.
Designing for the Whole Person
At its heart, the evolution of the WELL Standard is about making "people-first places" the norm rather than the exception. By refining the concepts we've championed, like air, light, mind, and community, this update makes it simpler to weave wellness into the fabric of a building.
For example, the updated standard continues to prioritize:
Restorative Spaces: Creating opportunities for quiet reflection and connection to nature to mitigate daily stress.
Environmental Quality: Ensuring the invisible elements, the air we breathe and the water we drink, are held to the highest purity standards.
Inclusive Design: Expanding the community concept to ensure spaces are equitable, accessible, and welcoming to all, regardless of physical abilities or backgrounds.
Why Your Voice Matters
The IWBI is seeking feedback from the community of designers, architects, and occupants who live and work in these spaces. The public comment period is an opportunity to ensure the standard remains practical and impactful for real-world application.
By participating in this process, we contribute to a future where our buildings are tools for longevity and joy. As this new version moves from preview to final release, it promises to make the journey toward a healthier home or workplace more efficient and rewarding.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
References & Further Reading
For those interested in the rigorous science and evolving frameworks behind the One WELL vision, the following resources provide the foundational data and official guidelines used to develop these health-centric strategies:
Primary Sources
International WELL Building Institute (2026). The WELL Building Standard: Concept Directory. An overview of the eleven core categories of human health in the built environment.
International WELL Building Institute (2026). One WELL: A Unified Vision for the Future of Health. Official announcement regarding the harmonization of WELL programs and the public comment period.
IWBI Public Comment Portal (2026). Standard Preview and Feedback Forum. The active platform for reviewing side-by-side comparisons of v2 and the upcoming enhancements (Open through May 1, 2026).
Foundational Research
Allen, J. G., & Macomber, J. D. (2020). Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity. Harvard University Press. A key text often cited by IWBI regarding the economic and cognitive benefits of healthy offices.
World Health Organization (WHO). Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality. The scientific basis for many of the Air and Materials requirements found within the WELL Standard.
Global Wellness Institute. Wellness Architecture & Design Initiative. Research exploring the intersection of the built environment and holistic human health.
Feeling = Being: Why Emotional Design is More Than a Feeling
The Interior State: Designing for the Human Experience
The traditional discourse surrounding the home often prioritizes tangible assets, focusing on square footage, stylistic labels, and market value. However, for those who see their residence as a sanctuary, the true measure of a space lies in its invisible luxury: the profound impact it has on the occupant's internal state. Modern design is evolving beyond the purely aesthetic to embrace a more vital truth: our environments are the primary authors of our daily experience.
This perspective is rooted in the idea that feeling equals being. It suggests that a home is not just a physical structure but a specialized environment for cognitive recovery and emotional sovereignty. When we acknowledge that our surroundings dictate our internal reality, the role of interior design shifts from decoration to essential stewardship over the human condition.
The Biological Reality: Interiority as Objective Data
The concept that feelings are subjective or secondary to physical reality is increasingly challenged by neurobiological research. Studies suggest that the human brain may conceive of feelings as objective reality, processing emotional states with the same physiological weight as color, shape, or size (Cornell University). If an individual feels depleted by a chaotic or poorly lit room, their body is experiencing a literal, physical state of depletion.
This biological connection is explained by the interaction between feelings, thoughts, and behavior, often described as a cascading effect where each element influences the other (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles). For the high-achieving individual, the home must serve as a proactive tool to manage the constant internal labor of emotional regulation. By designing interiors that mitigate stress and reduce cortisol levels, we are not just creating a pleasant atmosphere but actively reducing the biological tax on an individual's health and longevity.
The Psychology of Space: How Interiors Map the Mind
The relationship between a person and their environment is deeply encoded in our neural pathways. Research indicates that specialized cells in the hippocampus are sensitive to the geometry and spatial arrangement of our surroundings (University of Waterloo). This means that the layout of a room is never neutral, as it is constantly being mapped by the brain to determine levels of ease or agitation.
Historically, this understanding was applied to monumental structures to evoke specific communal responses. Sacred buildings and cathedrals were designed to facilitate the lifting of the eyes, a physical action that encourages regions of the brain to become more absorbent of the environment (CNN Style). While these historic examples focused on public awe, the modern bespoke interior applies similar intentionality to private life, creating spaces that evoke states of exploration, contemplation, and profound safety.
The Restorative Toolkit: Engineering Serenity
To facilitate a supportive state of being, designers use a sophisticated toolkit rooted in wellness and biophilia. Biophilic design is not just about adding plants to a room but involves implementing specific patterns shown to reduce stress and enhance cognitive performance (Browning et al.). Patterns such as refuge, which provides a sense of enclosure and security, or mystery, which encourages gentle engagement, are essential for creating a restorative atmosphere.
Furthermore, wellness oriented design incorporates elements like curated natural light, color psychology, and sensory variability to support mental health (Marymount University). Even the geometry of furniture and fixtures plays a role, as research shows the neurological benefits of curving shapes over sharp angles (Sina et al.). These microrestorative interventions, whether an artfully placed aquarium or a quiet garden view, offer essential breaks from directed attention and help prevent the fatigue and burnout common in modern life.
The Sarah Barnard Design Philosophy: Bespoke Emotional Sovereignty
The most critical aspect of designing for the interior state is recognizing individual perception. The interaction between sensory inputs and emotional response is highly personalized, as each person’s mind uses past experiences to inform how they perceive their current environment (Nautilus). Because there is no universal solution for well-being, true luxury must be bespoke.
The Sarah Barnard Design approach focuses on co-creating an environment that honors the client’s specific inner state. By naming the feelings we wish to cultivate, we can arrange our lives and homes to maximize time spent in positive energies. Ultimately, a well-designed interior serves as a sanctuary for the soul, providing the diversion and strength needed to navigate the world with grace. When our environment supports our feelings, it sustains our very being.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.
Works Cited
Browning, William D., Catherine O. Ryan, and Joseph O. Clancy. 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment. Terrapin Bright Green, 2014.
CNN Style. "How Architecture Affects Your Brain." CNN, 2024.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. "The CBT Model of Emotions." CBT-LA, 2024.
Cornell University. "Objective Feelings: New Research Suggests Our Brain Tells Us Feelings Are Reality." Cornell Human Ecology, 2024.
Marymount University. "Designing for Well-Being: The Role of Interior Architecture in Mental Health." Marymount Blog, 2024.
Nautilus. "How Emotions Connect Your Body and Brain." Nautilus, 2024.
Sina, Amanda, et al. "Impact of Curvature on Aesthetic Choices." National Library of Medicine, 2021.
University of Waterloo. "The Hidden Ways Architecture Affects How You Feel." Department of Psychology, 2024.
Celebrating Wellness by Design: Sarah Barnard Design Receives Best of Houzz Award
We’re excited to share that Sarah Barnard Design has been recognized by the global Houzz community with the Best of Houzz 2026 award for Design.
As our homes play a bigger role in our lives, this recognition feels especially meaningful. It’s more than just about looks; it affirms our belief in caring design, holistic wellbeing, and the strong link between our spaces and our health.
Designing for the Senses and the Soul
This award is especially meaningful because it comes from the homeowners in the Houzz community. Only the top 3% of over 3 million home professionals are recognized for having the most popular designs, as chosen by millions of users. When people save our photos, share ideas, and connect with our work, it shows a real desire for spaces that not only look good but also feel good.
Sarah Barnard Design is known for creating personalized, restorative spaces. By using biophilic design, sustainable materials, and understanding sensory needs, Sarah crafts homes that feel like true sanctuaries. From peaceful coastal retreats to earthy living spaces that bring nature inside, each project reflects the people who live there. This award honors our personal, wellness-focused approach that connects with so many.
A Tradition of Excellence
This 2026 award is another proud moment in our history with Houzz. We’re truly grateful for the community’s ongoing support, which has now brought us our 12th Houzz honor.
From favorites like the Ocean View Penthouse to our latest projects, your support inspires us to keep exploring what makes a home healthy and happy. This decade of recognition shows our dedication to blending environmental responsibility with great design. We’re committed to growing with our clients and to the value of thoughtful, wellness-focused design.
Nature-Inspired Color Trends
Every year, major paint brands choose a color of the year. They devote a lot of time and research to color choices, and often, the choices reflect what consumers want and need in their lives at a given point in time, rather than being predictive.
What do the color choices this year tell us about what we want from our homes? Many of the paint picks this year are grounding, represent a back-to-basics simplicity, and encourage pause to enjoy small, but significant moments.
There are a number of greens and browns on offer this year, but two of the most effective at eliciting calm, and are useful tools for rewilding, are Dunn-Edward’s Midnight Garden and Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette.
Begin Your Design Journey
Are you inspired to transform your own home into a personalized space that nurtures your well-being? We would love to hear about your vision, your needs, and what home means to you.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
How Nature-Inspired Colors Can Help Create Calm Through Rewilding
Even in a built environment, there is a place for nature, especially in creating spaces that support health, wellness, and mood. As we look to our homes for shelter and sanctuary, nature-driven design, such as rewilding, is becoming more important.
Rewilding is the practice of minimizing human intervention to let nature lead the way, both aesthetically and experientially, respecting and observing natural life cycles and systems. In practical terms, this might mean restoring native flora and fauna around our homes. This invites the local ecosystem to flourish, while providing us with a deeper, more authentic connection to nature.
Rewilding, as a design strategy, can also be done indoors, creating a warm and supportive space where we are consciously connected with nature. The benefit and beauty of rewilding, indoors and out, is how it subtly, but significantly, re-focuses our connection with nature.
Color Choices for Rewilding
Earth-inspired color choices are impactful as design tools in the context of rewilding, particularly greens and browns, given their place in nature and the psychological and emotional meanings they represent.
“Color can be a very powerful tool in interior design. It’s visually transformative and has a strong psychological influence. When used strategically, it can be useful in establishing an emotional connection to a home,” says Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED-accredited interior designer. Barnard specializes in creating home designs that support mental and physical wellness. Integrating nature and connecting with the local environment are key to her design philosophy and wellness objectives.
“When using a nature-inspired color palette, especially earthy greens and browns, the effects can be calming and restorative," she says.
Research shows that often, people find green calming and nurturing. Exposure to green has been said to lower blood pressure, and some scientists say that our feel-good connection is hardwired into our brains from our hunter-gatherer days, in that green in nature equals opportunity for rest, shelter, and nourishment. Some say that green helps create focus and clarity, representing life, balance, and harmony.
Meanwhile, browns are inherently earthy and grounding. Brown is associated with strength, self-care, and warmth. In Feng Shui, brown represents the earth element and is used for stability in interior design.
Nature-Inspired Color Trends
Every year, major paint brands choose a color of the year. They devote a lot of time and research to color choices, and often, the choices reflect what consumers want and need in their lives at a given point in time, rather than being predictive.
What do the color choices this year tell us about what we want from our homes? Many of the paint picks this year are grounding, represent a back-to-basics simplicity, and encourage pause to enjoy small, but significant moments.
There are a number of greens and browns on offer this year, but two of the most effective at eliciting calm, and are useful tools for rewilding, are Dunn-Edward’s Midnight Garden and Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette.
Midnight Garden by Dunn-Edwards
Green is popular this year, but Midnight Garden is particularly well-suited for rewilding. That's because this green is grounding, literally. It’s a mossy green, inspired by moss, clover, lichen, and other ground cover. It’s a deep green, with blue undertones.
Dunn-Edwards says the color is inspired by the simple elegance of nature and is borne of a growing consumer desire for restorative spaces at home. They suggest that green, and this shade in particular, is an effective way to connect with nature through conscious design.
This color closely replicates plant matter, making the rewilding experience immersive. It’s a darker, more saturated hue that gives off forest vibes and can replicate some of the calm associated with forest bathing. Beyond natural ground cover, think of mature tree canopies, dense foliage, and twilight, all opportunities for stillness and reflection. Its plant-like coloring draws focus to regeneration, photosynthesis, and renewal.
In addition to its calming qualities, Dunn-Edwards promotes this color’s versatility as an accent or a main color.
“Midnight Garden is the green that works everywhere, from cabinetry and walls to accents and exteriors,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, color marketing manager at Dunn-Edwards, in a press release. “Its versatility makes it equally at home on interiors and exteriors, pairing effortlessly with natural textures, warm neutrals, or sleek minimalism.”
Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette
Silhouette is a rich, earthy brown, with hints of charcoal. It leans heavily into timeless design, and like Midnight Garden, it is grounding.
The color is inspired by the luxury of finding joy in simple things, which we only experience when we pause and take the time to notice.
Silhouette offers “a luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones,” said Andrea Magno, director of color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore, in a press release. “This hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.”
It’s deep and dark, reminiscent of many of the materials we find in nature: the earth, weathered tree bark, clay, unfinished wood, and soil on the forest floor. It lends a sense of cozy connectedness, much like we experience when immersed in nature. Silhouette lends itself well to rewilding because it serves as a quiet backdrop, letting other colors and natural materials be impactful.
Using Earth-Inspired Colors at Home
“These earthy paint colors work well in spaces throughout the whole home, and can be applied with intention,” says Barnard. “Think about how rooms are used, and how applying various hues can foster a connection with nature and generate calm.”
Here are some suggestions:
For example, in a high-traffic, task-oriented space such as the kitchen, Midnight Garden can be energizing and uplifting, while earthy browns, such as Silhouette, can offer grounding.
Both are good choices for biophilic decor in bedrooms to create a serene environment geared for sleep.
Nature-inspired browns can help create a sense of cozy enclosure, a good choice for a snug reading nook or library.
In spaces where gathering is the goal, such as dining rooms and living rooms, mossy greens can encourage us to pause and absorb the joy of the moment, while rich browns can prompt us to slow down and relax.
Sources
https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-green-2795817
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-brown-2795816
https://www.dunnedwards.com/colors/browser/de5657/
https://www.dunnedwards.com/press-releases/dunn-edwards-announces-midnight-garden-as-2026-color-of-the-year/
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/press/benjamin-moore-announces-colour-of-the-year-2026
https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/a69034685/benjamin-moore-color-of-the-year-2026
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Mindfully Creating Supportive Spaces to Aid With Visual Impairment
While interior design generally relies on common principles, the end user and their specific needs should guide the design. Home design can play a crucial role in creating a space that fosters independence, comfort, safety, and confidence. Specific choices can facilitate navigation and, when done intentionally, blend thoughtfully into the overall design.
Why interior design choices matter with visual impairment
When affected by visual impairment, physical space and how it is structured and perceived can either create obstacles in daily living or, conversely, make life easier, including aspects such as lighting, layout, furnishings, and more.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED-accredited interior designer. Her inclusive studio’s work is guided by how clients of all abilities use their spaces daily. Using tools such as field testing and an interactive process that engages clients and incorporates their feedback, Barnard translates individual needs into design elements for clients to choose from.
When designing for individuals with visual impairment, Barnard understands the nuance of color, contrast, lighting, materiality, and layout, and how they all can combine to create comfort and usability. Having a thoughtfully designed home, with attention paid to elements that address specific visual challenges, can create a sense of safety and serenity that is frequently sought after.
While needs will vary from person to person, here are some design strategies to consider.
Layered, adaptive lighting
“Comprehensive home lighting that utilizes multiple light sources is crucial when designing for individuals with vision reduction due to aging,” says Barnard. “Combining overhead lighting, task lighting, and wall sconces creates a diverse lighting network that allows individuals to adjust illumination to suit their needs and preferences,” says Barnard.
“These preferences can be easily set and adjusted by incorporating a smart lighting system, which can be programmed to automatically adjust to lighting changes and individual preferences throughout the day. Smart lighting can be controlled through the convenience of a smartphone or voice activation, providing a convenient and accessible way to enhance visibility and comfort for individuals with vision impairment,” she says.
Prioritize natural light
While the inclusion of artificial lighting can help direct light on demand, access to natural light, and the distribution of light throughout the room are important. That’s in part because “Natural light boosts the overall brightness of a space, and more light means better visibility overall. Natural light is also typically softer and less fatiguing on the eyes than artificial light,” says Barnard.
Think of a space in terms of access to light, how light can be pulled into a room from outside, and then placement of these conduits. In design terms, this might mean large windows, skylights, and light wells. Light also needs an unfettered path to travel, so open concept floor plans work well, or in divided floor plans, transom and clerestory windows on interior walls, and French doors can help the flow of natural light.
However, glare can be problematic, so “ sheer or light-diffusing window treatments can help minimize glare within a space, improving visibility and comfort,” says Barnard.
Choosing finishes and glare reduction
Typically, finishes are chosen in a home to suit a particular aesthetic, but for individuals with vision impairment, there is a functional aspect: minimizing glare. “Glare from reflective surfaces can reduce visibility for individuals with vision impairment, making distinguishing objects from their background difficult, and can also cause discomfort,” says Barnard. Glare can also contribute to eye strain and visual fatigue.
The solution, says Barnard, can be matte over glossy or polished finishes. “Choosing matte finishes for flooring, countertops, and paint can help minimize glare from reflective surfaces within interior spaces, enhancing comfort, visibility, and safety.”
Create clear pathways for movement
“Maintaining clear paths free from obstacles is essential for safe and easy navigation throughout a space.” says Barnard. Custom-designed built-in storage units are a great way to reduce clutter. They are also designed to fit perfectly within a home's existing architecture and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Because they're integrated into the walls, built-in storage does not take up floor space, leaving paths of travel clear and open.
Embrace consistency from room to room with the layout and placement of items. Consider placing items such as furniture, lamps, switches, and wall controls in similar locations throughout the house. Predictability can aid intuitive and safer movement through a space.
Lean into contrast
With low vision, it can be difficult to see certain colors; using brighter colors and increasing contrast can help. “Incorporating a high-contrast color palette can help improve mobility and wayfinding,” says Barnard. Color perception is individual, so a personalized approach is warranted. “When considering what high-contrast color to paint these areas, conducting field tests with swatches is essential as some individuals may perceive certain colors better than others.”
To implement contrasts, she suggests:
Furniture that contrasts with the floor and wall color can help improve the visibility of these objects, creating safe pathways around them.
Painting doors, door frames, and handrails in a high-contrast accent color can help make them visually identifiable within a space.
Transitions between rooms can also be highlighted with contrasting colors or textured materials, such as a wood floor adjoining a carpeted area.
High contrast in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, in particular, can help with safety. High-contrast counters and sinks in the kitchen can help to identify work zones, while high-contrast shower thresholds, toilet, and sink can aid safer movement.
Leverage acoustics
For individuals with visual impairment, leveraging acoustics in a built environment to navigate space can be helpful. Design with sound-proofing acoustic tiles and panes, and wall treatments to reduce echo and background noise, so that orientation in the space is easier, using sound.
Consider including sound-absorbing accents, such as soft furnishings, textiles, and window treatments, which can help to absorb vibration and echoes, making sounds crisper and clearer.
What these design strategies look like in practice
Barnard engages in a research and discovery process with clients to inform color, pattern, and other design element choices, with exploratory field testing that creates opportunities for clients to provide feedback on visual clarity and aesthetic preferences.
While each project and individual needs will vary, here are some examples.
If certain color combinations are difficult to distinguish, it can be helpful to avoid designs that place colors close together, which can create visual perception challenges. For example, with blue/yellow color deficiency, it is advisable to avoid patterns with yellow and blue close together.
In cases of severe vision impairment, high-contrast interiors can offer a simple yet effective solution. For example, walls and ceilings painted in a deep, saturated color, with trims along walls and doorways painted in a bright, contrasting color helps to indicate their location and assist with wayfinding. Field testing helps determine which contrasting colors resonate best in terms of visibility and personal aesthetic preferences.
Design is most useful and beautiful when it makes life easier and more comfortable, which is why every space should be considered in how we use that space, and what tools might help.
For example, mirrors are often used as a design tool to create a focal point or add decorative elements. However, mirrors and reflective surfaces aren’t always appropriate or desired by everyone. It’s possible to achieve some of the decorative aims of mirrors with other items. In a bathroom, where mirrors often hang, a large window can accentuate natural light, while a tiled wall could create an alternative focal point.
When design is approached intentionally and personally, there is an opportunity to shape spaces that enhance functionality and comfort for individuals with visual impairment.
Sarah Barnard Design’s website uses the Accessibe accessibility feature, which adapts the site to each user, customizing their experience. Click the blue circle with a white human figure to access customization options, including high contrast, text size adjustment, screen reader support, and more.
Sources
https://afb.org/blog/entry/independence-tips
https://www.ncoa.org/article/helping-people-with-blindness-and-vision-loss-continue-to-participate-in-everyday-activities/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12082883/
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Thoughtful Intentions: Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
A quiet moment of recognition arrived this season. A national home design publication named Sarah a top interior design expert. It is an honor that reflects many years of thoughtful, careful work and the relationships that shaped it.
As the season settles in, this time of year offers a gentle pause and a chance to gather with loved ones. Our studio enjoys using this moment to reflect on the year behind us and set thoughtful intentions for the one ahead.
In the spirit of giving, we are excited to continue our tradition of making a holiday donation in honor of our friends and clients. This year, we are contributing to the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a significant conservation project currently under construction over the 101 Freeway near Agoura Hills. The project, which began in 2022, aims to reconnect the natural habitats of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills, allowing mountain lions, deer, bobcats, birds, and many other species to move safely across the landscape. For decades, road expansion has divided these ecosystems, leaving wildlife isolated and vulnerable.
The crossing represents a collaborative effort involving state agencies, conservation organizations, scientists, and community supporters, all united by a vision of restoring a healthy ecological balance. Construction is currently at an exciting stage, with soil and native vegetation being installed on the bridge deck. As the planting progresses, the structure increasingly resembles the surrounding hillsides it aims to connect. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, and the first animals will likely cross the area shortly after the landscape is established.
Sustainable and compassionate practices remain at the core of what we do, and we hope our upcoming projects will continue to bring you joy and motivation.
May the spirit of the season fill your home with warmth and bring peace for the months ahead. Have a very happy and healthy holiday season!
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Sarah Barnard Named Top Interior Design Expert
A quiet moment of recognition arrived this season. A national home design publication named Sarah a top interior design expert. It is an honor that reflects many years of thoughtful, careful work and the relationships that shaped it.
A quiet moment of recognition arrived this season. A national home design publication named Sarah a top interior design expert. It is an honor that reflects many years of thoughtful, careful work and the relationships that shaped it.
Annual expert lists highlight designers who are helping guide the field's direction. They consider the ability to create spaces that support wellbeing, the stewardship of natural materials, and the commitment to design that serves real people with real needs. Sarah’s work has long centered on these values. Her designs are meant to nurture, to include, and to restore. Sarah’s WELL and LEED credentials have guided her toward an approach that cares for both people and the planet. Her work celebrates nature, craft, artfulness, and compassion. She has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Mansion Global, and Business of Home, and each project has carried the same intention: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people who live in these spaces.
This year’s list includes many thoughtful voices from across the design world. Creatives like Brigette Romanek, Studio McGee, Joy Moyler, Bobby Berk, and Nicole Hollis stand alongside Sarah. It is a generous community of designers who care deeply about their craft.
For our clients and neighbors, this recognition is truly shared. Every project begins with someone opening their home and trusting us with their hopes, challenges, and daily rituals. Those stories shape each space. We are grateful for every collaborator and every person who has allowed us to be part of their world.
We remain committed to creating spaces that support comfort, inclusivity, accessibility, and the natural world. These are the values that guide us, and they continue to shape the work we are doing now.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017, Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Creative Workspaces: Home Office Interior Design Reimagined
As a WELL and LEED-accredited interior designer specializing in spaces that support emotional and physical wellbeing, I have a particular passion for creative workspaces. Creative work can be inherently joyful and healing, and having a dedicated space, whether an entire room, a desk, or even a chair outdoors that is devoted to accessing a creative flow state, can be an excellent way to find support in the home. Even the intentionality of dedicating an area to creativity gives that work weight and importance, automatically making it a greater priority. The more care put into thinking about a creative space, or any space, the more likely it is to become a functional presence in life, which can be a great way to encourage positive and joyful habits.
One of the things I talk about with many of my clients is designing a space that is specific to their needs and preferences, and working with them to feel comfortable eschewing any expectations they may feel obligated to meet about what a room should look or be like. Many of us adapt to the environments we are in, rather than adapting our spaces to meet our needs. Increasingly, people are craving spaces and routines that feel aligned with who we are, rather than trying to match expectations that feel out of step with what actually works for us. When I’m working, I try to take to heart the idea of meeting my own environmental and emotional needs. Not only does it support my best creative work, but it also helps reinforce how important it is for the client to have this same experience, and makes me feel more connected to my goals as a designer.
I’ve come to learn that different parts of the creative and work process may be best supported by different surroundings. When I’m waking up my brain and body, I like to start the day in the garden. Nature is a huge part of my creative work, but it’s also where I find the most joy and feel most connected to the world and to myself. I love the quiet acts of caretaking as I tend to my plants, and seeing them progress and change reflects the seasonality and natural rhythms of the earth. Seeing the plant life and the birds, and collecting pine cones and seed pods, all help me ground and relax in a way that lends itself to creative thinking throughout the day. While I don’t necessarily spend the time in my garden looking for inspiration, it always finds me. Many of the colors, textures, and imagery in my client work and in the products of my home goods studio, Kale Tree, are inspired by time spent in my garden.
After feeling fully immersed in nature and ready to begin my day in the studio, I’ve found that limited sensory input gives me the most mental space and clarity for creative expansion and problem-solving. Soft, natural lighting, silence, minimal to no scents, and no distracting textures all contribute to a profound external quiet that lets my internal world take focus, and that is really when I can enter a creative flow state where I do my best work. Then, I can tap into the imagery and inspiration that guide my designs and connect with my clients' desires without the distraction of a conflicting external space.
Knowing that I need such minimal sensory input has really emphasized the importance of encouraging clients to honor their personal sensory sensibilities. Every person needs a space as individual as they are, and it’s so important to evaluate what works best for them. If there is a moment when someone really feels they are in a flow state and connecting with a positive feeling, creatively, taking a step back afterward to take stock of their environment can be a good way to reflect on what’s most supportive.
So often, expectations around design can override actual habits and preferences. A common anecdote from clients remodeling their homes is that, although they currently have a designated home office, they usually work at the kitchen table. Knowing this becomes a great opportunity to reconsider the idea of a home workspace and embrace personal sensibilities, rather than expectations about what a home office should be or look like. Is it the warmth and comfort of being around family? The openness of the space, or a more expansive view? Maybe it’s not abandoning a home office altogether, but creating a space that adapts more to a work environment that is actually pleasurable. Taking the time to evaluate what is supportive and what makes it easier for someone to access a flow state can lead to perhaps more unconventional spaces, but also more productive ones. Re-examining how we approach these concepts and environments is one of the most exciting parts of my job and one of the best ways to help my clients physically and emotionally.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.
A Home Without Mirrors: Intentional Interior Design
Mirrors are a staple in interior design, serving important functions as focal points, adding symmetry and balance to a room, and elevating the aesthetic with decorative frames. In smaller rooms, they are one of various design elements that can amplify the sense of space, capturing and releasing natural light. Some end users place functional value on mirrors for daily tasks.
As homeowners strive to create living environments that truly reflect their needs, and interior design serves as an inclusive tool to meet those needs, it is becoming more common to design homes that are either mirrorless, or that limit mirrors to specific areas, intentionally.
Beyond being a purposeful design element, mirrors, more specifically reflections, can impact mental health, self-confidence, and self-image. Mirrors play (or could play) a very different role for everyone, depending on the point of view, and how experience and expectations frame how a reflection is seen.
For some, the reflection is a source of affirmation. For others, the experience is the opposite. It’s an important, but subtle divide that can influence well-being.
Sometimes societal attitudes towards appearance and social media set expectations, and mirrors can reinforce ideas, whether they are relevant or not.
With this connection between reflection, perception, and health and well-being, it’s worth exploring why mirrorless design is an option and what practical design approaches can be employed as alternatives.
"Intentionally designing a mirror-free sanctuary can cultivate a space free from self-conscious distraction, fostering a deeper connection with our internal experience rather than our reflected appearance," says says WELL and LEED accredited interior designer Sarah Barnard.
Meanwhile, replacing mirrors with alternative design elements can help better customize a home for people of all abilities.
Why Design a Home Without Mirrors?
"Aesthetically, designing a home without mirrors strives for calm and order at home. The absence of reflective surfaces can also help make a space feel more contained and intimate, fostering a sense of coziness and privacy within the home," says Barnard.
How to Maximize Space Without Mirrors
Mirrors are often used strategically to create a sense of space or to reflect and disperse natural light, especially in smaller spaces. However, making a room feel light can also be achieved through other interior design elements.
Sheer curtains and carefully considered window treatments can help maximize access to natural light. Light-colored walls and furnishings can also help create a more naturally bright and airy feel. Appropriately sized furniture, placed strategically, can help with scale. Making use of vertical space draws the eye up and out. Layered lighting can reduce shadows, which can make a room look bigger.
A book collection, displayed in built-in bookcases embraces vertical space. Sheer drapes and large windows make the space feel generous and bright, without any mirrors.
Can You Include Mirrors For Functional Purposes in Mostly Mirrorless Design?
To include mirrors strictly for functional, task-oriented purposes, consider placing them intentionally and discreetly. In bathrooms, pocket and tabletop mirrors are an excellent option to provide mirrors on demand, when needed, and put away when not required. A small, retractable wall-mounted mirror, which can be pulled out is visually unobtrusive while maintaining functionality.
What Can You Use Instead of Mirrors?
Mirrors are often used to anchor a room and to achieve symmetry and balance, but they are not the only solution. Here are tips for alternatives to consider:
Mirrors often sit atop a fireplace mantel to draw the eye as a focal point. Raising the fireplace to eye level and integrating it into the wall can be a decorative alternative to both mirrors and mantels.
Textured wall art can be an alternative to mirrors, given how it adds visual and tactile interest. It can also be effective in creating balance in a space.
Consider textured art in areas such as over a foyer table, or at the end of a narrow hallway, for an impressive focal point.
Strategically placing windows in a bathroom without mirrors adds beautiful symmetry while helping to pull in natural light. A tiled wall where a mirror might traditionally hang adds a layer of visual and tactile texture.
Windows, and window placement, in the place of mirrors in a bathroom takes into account senses beyond sight, delivering warmth from natural light.
For some homeowners, a mirror-free home is practical, while others might find emotional benefit, or be drawn to the aesthetic quality. What is common among these approaches is that end users can benefit from thinking about how they want their homes to feel, and then exploring the various design elements that can help to support those feelings.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.
Wonderful For Imaginative Play, practical for Living. A letter from the parent of a child with autism
I contacted Sarah last year after reading her thoughtful blog post titled “Creating a Safe Space for Neurodivergent Children to Thrive.” My 15 month old son had just been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. His days would now be filled with hours of intensive at-home therapies. Could we transform our home into a space that would support these therapies, yet be warm and comfortable and naturalistic?
Sarah and her team were excited about the challenge. We had ~400 square feet of my one-bedroom condo to work with.
She came to visit and we talked. I wanted everything. It had to provide a place to hide out, a sensory retreat. It had to have a running path, because my son loved to run. It had to have fixed and reconfigurable climbing options, because my son loved to climb. It had to have a treehouse with a slide, just because. It had to have a bed.
And of course, it had to promote therapy. Early intervention for autism is all about saturating children with attention and social interaction. The child, of course, would much rather be doing their own thing. Clinics facilitate this by putting the child and therapist into an 8 by 10 foot room with a rug in the middle. This way, they have no choice but to interact.
We had a conversation that went roughly like this:
“I want the same effect,” I told Sarah, “but without the walls.”
“Have you considered the possibility,” Sarah said, “that if we have a therapy area surrounded by all these fun options to run and climb and it looks like a natural setting that he will just.... run off?”
“Yes,” I said.
I had another thought. “He’ll also need easy access to 50 bins full of different toys. He’s at the general combination stage of presymbolic play.”
“I’ll have a mood board ready next week,” Sarah said.
The mood board was amazing. It looked like a collection of children’s museums, rich people’s houses, and gardens. I circled half of the items and said it would be great if our condo could look like that.
“I’ll have a design in a couple of weeks,” Sarah said.
Two weeks passed, and it was time to see the design. I prepared myself for disappointment, for being brought back down to Earth, because it was a list of requests impossible to satisfy. But then Sarah said, “I think we’ve got everything. Here’s how we did it.”
She opened up an AutoCAD file and went through the design. There were custom rugs laid out to create — in negative space — a running path along our hardwood floors. There were bookshelves and climbing shelves funneling inward to the bed, which now doubled as a crash pad. There were lily pads and rocks and modular climbing forms. There was a treehouse and a sensory cave carved out of our old laundry nook. A shelving system for therapy materials. The treehouse light looked like the sun, illuminating origami cloud lights hung around the room.
The largest cloud light hung low over the largest space on the rug, bordered on one side by the running path, on another side by the modular forms, and on another side by the shelving system.
“The therapy area,” I thought. “They’ll naturally sit and play here. The light is low-hanging enough that everyone has to be child level. There’s no walls, but it’s clear this is the best place to sit.”
There were other areas in the space too that were naturally conducive to one-on-one interactions. The sensory nook. The treehouse. The bed. The table by the library shelving. It was an entire space that encouraged adults to interact with children.
Over the next months, construction proceeded and the space became reality. Sarah’s team handled everything about the implementation, e.g. furniture delivery, getting contractors, etc. The end result was beautiful.
My son loves the space, and has thrived in it. It works just as designed. He engages happily with his therapists, working when he needs to, playing when he needs a break, and afterward it transforms happily into just his home. He improved rapidly over the next year, engaging more and more with others. It was a wonder to see his happy, social, and outgoing self emerge. At 26 months, he began to talk, and a few months later he overcame his speech delay entirely. It was due to the hard work of many people, himself included, and the space Sarah designed provided the stage for all this to happen. It was key.
There are companies that specialize in making rooms for autistic children. They look like therapy rooms — here’s the trampoline, here’s the lights, here’s the swing. They all look so clinical. Our space is every bit as functional, but it doesn’t look like a therapy clinic. It just looks like home.
One thing I love about the space is that everything is general purpose, nothing is prescribed. The climbing forms are my son’s taxi, battleship gun, car, boat, elevator, and many others. The padded areas next to the bed are a sofa, climbing area, book storage, toy stand, etc. It is wonderful for imaginative play, and very practical for living.
Everything is thoughtfully done. The color palette is amazing. My son loves the color green, and so shades of green are everywhere. When I added houseplants to the plant wall, I was startled to see that they matched the color palette. There are blues and purples around the room as well.
“The tricky part was finding something that would match the blue handles of the toy bins,” Sarah said.
“You considered that?!” I remember thinking.
Before I met Sarah, when I thought of high-end interior design, I thought of rich people’s houses that were cavernous and modern and museum-like, all shades of gray or beige broken up by expensive art. But our space didn’t turn out like that at all. Instead, it was vibrant and colorful and lovely and fun.
Comments from others: the parent of a nonverbal child came in and just said, it works. It’s funny how when you make a space totally focused on the child, it makes the parent happier too.
When my sister came to visit, her two kids were here along with my son, and all 3 kids were happily occupied in different areas of the space. My brother in law said, this makes it easy to watch all the kids at once, everyone is happy.
Another sentiment — it’s the roomiest 400 square feet in the world. Parents visiting the space often have larger houses, but have said they want a system more like ours, that has space for their children to play and all their toys too.
The design works for neurotypical children as well. They come in and are purely delighted. They don’t want to leave.
Working with Sarah was a wonderful experience. She is as much an engineer as she is an artist. She created something functional and beautiful. The intersection of those domains was something simple and elegant and clear. She turned something impossible into something that now seems inevitable and obviously correct — I couldn’t imagine it any other way now.
I appreciate that the process was conversational and collaborative. Before I met Sarah, I talked to two other people. One designer had the approach, “I look at your space, I make a design, and what you get is what you get.” Another wasn’t even an interior designer — she was a professional organizer — but was adamant that her way was the best, and kept telling me that she was right and I was wrong (e.g. “the books need to be displayed cover out, not spine out.” “but we have so many books.” “maybe you should have fewer books”).
In contrast, Sarah was much more experienced, knowledgeable, and proficient — but the way it came off was very different. She took the time to learn what we needed for my son, and understand on a deep level the “whys” behind what we were doing. Instead of saying “no” to any idea, she would guide me through the tradeoffs and constraints involved. There was never a sense of, “I’m more experienced, so this is the way things should be”; it was always more of a conversation, and very collaborative. Sarah didn’t just make it seem like she was powerful and capable — though she was, of course. She made me feel I was powerful and capable too, which is what I needed at a moment I was trying to do something right for my son.
A common pattern is that Sarah and I would have a brief conversation or email exchange, and a few days later, she would let me know of a solution. It was evident a great deal of thought and attention had been put into it. It gave a sense of infinite capability. Everything was also well organized and documented. It was amazing how quickly things could go from an idea to a concrete implementation. With Sarah, anything was possible.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Inclusive Playspace: Creating a Unique Sensory Environment for a Child with Autism
Thoughtful design can transform a home into a supportive and enriching environment, particularly for individuals with unique needs. This custom playspace, designed to support the sensory needs of a child with autism, naturally blends therapy and play into daily home life. Biophilic design elements such as a nature-inspired color palette, organic forms, and textures are utilized to create a visually stimulating child-oriented environment of diverse visual and sensorial experiences that create order within the space while also inspiring movement, play, and fun. These design features create visual and sensorial cues that help to create awareness of what is available to them within this environment, empowering them to make their own selections and choices for activity, play, and therapy, creating a space where they have autonomy, support, and space to thrive.
The main playroom is designed to present a series of visual and sensorial experiences that help facilitate one-on-one play-based therapies within the home, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, infant stimulation therapy, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for a child with autism. Creating a child-oriented space that balances fun and order was essential in integrating therapy and play within the space. Color, texture, and lighting were thoughtfully designed to create a series of visual and sensorial cues that bring awareness of what is available within the space to a child with autism, empowering them to make their own selections and choices for activity based on their individual needs.
An inbuilt shelving system provides customized storage for various toys used in play-based therapies. Access to a wide variety of toys keeps a sense of novelty, and ample storage makes space for toys that are more complicated or contain many pieces, which can help build up play levels and skills during therapy. This storage creates an organized and clutter-free play space where toys can be chosen visibly and are easily accessible.
A nature-inspired palette of greens and blues throughout the main play space creates a visually stimulating environment. Stacked cork sheets from sustainably farmed cork provide warm accents on the treehouse and bookcase.
A custom rug made from wool and bamboo silk helps create a child-oriented space that naturally facilitates one-on-one floortime therapy and play by encouraging adults to play on the floor alongside children. The rugs incorporate biophilic design through a nature-inspired palette of green, grey, and blue patches that are woven into curved organic shapes resembling lichen or grass. This variation in texture contributes to a diverse sensory experience within the space designed to keep a child engaged with play and therapy.
A large cloud-like light hangs low within the room, demarcating a space on the rug at child height and helping facilitate one-on-one floortime play therapy. The height of this light creates a feeling of shelter and security under its soft, comforting canopy. The honeycombed paper they are made from also helps absorb reflected or sudden sound within the space. They create a fully dimmable soft glow from within their paper structure. Lighting controls are installed at a height accessible to children, and each light can be dimmed individually to determine the preferred lighting levels in the space.
The shape and placement of rugs throughout the space subtract parts of the wood flooring to help emphasize landing areas for therapy and play. This rug placement also creates a path of exposed flooring, which reveals a recreational running loop through the playroom, kitchen, and library, seamlessly incorporating a space for movement breaks between one-on-one play and therapy.
Modular, green climbing structures made from durable, commercial-grade textiles are incorporated into this play space. These textiles are durable, designed to withstand play, and sustainably sourced as they are made from 100% recycled poly, 75% of which is SEAQUAL fiber made from recycled ocean plastics. This material also contributes to healthier indoor air quality as it meets the Oeko-Tex standard 100, a rating that sets the benchmark for textile safety and certifies that this material contains no harmful substances. These soft forms offer opportunities for physical movement, enabling the child to climb and exercise their muscles. Additionally, they can rearrange the structures into various configurations during play, stimulating their imagination.
A custom-made bed was ergonomically designed to be low to the floor and suitable for child height to create a child-oriented space facilitating one-on-one play and therapy. A series of soft climbing shelves anchored to the wall give the bed a dual function as a soft landing during exercise and play.
A custom-made wipe-off magnet board creates a space for artistic expression and interactive play with magnets that picture different feelings and emotions. A series of plants installed on the wall above create a living green space that brings the serenity of nature into the playroom.
A custom indoor treehouse is split into upper and lower sections that present different textural and sensorial experiences so a child can independently choose from varied surroundings.
A circular padded doorway made from a durable indoor/outdoor textile serves as a child-sized chair and entrance to the downstairs nook of the treehouse. The child-sized doorway to this space doubles as an escape tunnel that connects with a parent's room next door. This option creates a sense of comfort and safety when interacting with therapists in the space, creating a retreat when breaks are needed. The smooth, dark green walls provide a pleasing sensorial contrast to the glass pebble tile floor made from recycled glass that mimics the look of Carrara marble.
The upstairs treehouse provides a space flooded with bright natural light, and the white walls feature a textured tree bark design. The window also provides a view of the trees outside, which can contribute to positive emotions and a sense of well-being.
A climbing ramp connects this custom-built indoor treehouse to the outdoor patio space, which, when used with adult supervision, incorporates the fresh air and sunlight of the outdoor environment into the main playroom.
Pink and lavender are incorporated into the library to distinguish this as an area designed for focused learning and therapy, separate from the blue and green main play space.
Bookshelves painted in a lavender hue provide accessible storage for toys and books, providing visual choice and making them easy to access for play, learning, and therapy.
Custom pink lily pad pillows made from a durable wool-acrylic blend and a custom rug crafted from wool and bamboo silk create a child-oriented space on the floor. This environment encourages one-on-one interactions and therapy, making it easy for adults to engage in activities on the floor.
The cabinetry of this kitchen was painted a lush nature-inspired green to visually connect with the existing countertops.
This contemporary five-light pendant chandelier provides bright, even lighting throughout the space. The round dandelion-like shape of its pendants works harmoniously with the chic white disc-shaped brass and marble hardware installed on the kitchen cabinetry.
This painting of an abstract landscape connects with this kitchen's nature-inspired color palette to bring the beauty of the natural world into the space.
Designing a space that blends therapy and play at home can have immense benefits for a child with autism. Being surrounded by visual and sensorial experiences that create freedom of choice and autonomy creates an at-home environment that meets them where they are, supports their individual needs, and encourages them to learn, grow, and thrive.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
California Craftsman: History meets nature-inspired design
The California Craftsman is an iconic fixture within Los Angeles. A popular style between 1905 and 1920, these homes were inspired by the arts and crafts movement, which pushed back against the prevalence of mass-produced goods made available by the Industrial Revolution to focus on personal, handmade, quality-crafted design that connects with nature through form and material. This ethos inspired the clean, functional design of the California Craftsman, intended to showcase quality craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials such as wood and stone. Californian Craftsman homes were also designed to incorporate elements of the surrounding natural environment, featuring wide, low-slung, gabled roofs that provide plenty of shade and porch space to enjoy the warm, mild climate and an abundance of windows that capitalize on ample sunshine to flood these homes with natural light. The local availability of quality natural materials, such as California redwood and river rock from the Arroyo Seco, combined with a nature-inspired palette, creates an indoor-outdoor connection that inspires unity with the surrounding natural environment through biophilic design.
This 1912 Southern California Craftsman home, lovingly restored with salvaged materials from the surrounding community, blends historical charm with contemporary biophilic design. Honoring the tradition of Craftsman design, this home celebrates the beauty of nature through objects, materials, and finely crafted and restored family heirlooms to create a warm, tranquil, and mindful space.
Over the years, this house has seen a series of misguided renovations intended to modernize the home interior. Vintage photographs documenting architectural elements of the property that had since been modified or removed were used to guide the restoration of this home to its authentic original design, which incorporated many salvaged materials, such as windows and built-ins saved from historical houses that were sadly being demolished in the surrounding community.
The focal point of the dining room is a brick fireplace, which was restored after being non-functional due to earthquake damage. The drywall was removed on either side of the fireplace to uncover two windows, which were restored with historically salvaged frames to create a flood of natural light that connects the space with the natural world outside.
Wood is a material that is prominently featured throughout this home. A vintage burl root mirror shaped like the hollow of a tree hangs above the fireplace, complimented by a collection of beautiful moss-covered branches that rest on the mantel. These objects incorporate organic wood forms found within nature to connect the finished wood surfaces of the mantel, bookshelves, and window frames with the natural world from which they originated.
While not original to the house, the sconces on either side of the fireplace mantel are estimated to be from 1912 - 1920 and were salvaged from a bungalow court that was being demolished in the local neighborhood. The chandelier above the dining room table incorporates vintage Quoizel glass shades that emulate the spirit of craftsman style through their resemblance to hanging flowers.
Nature-inspired forms and imagery permeate the dining room bookshelves through a series of new and vintage objects. The grey/brown fat lava glaze of a vintage West German ceramic planter connects with the natural world through the texture of its glazed surface, which is reminiscent of rocks or bark. A vintage glass pelican and decorative silver tray depict birds in differing styles that celebrate the work of artisans inspired by nature.
An antique Legras cameo vase made from pink glass etched with floral motifs is a family heirloom that sits alongside a landscape painting of wildflowers radiating the joyous presence of spring.
The Queen Anne-style antique mahogany dining set from the early 1800s, a family heirloom, was carefully restored, with the dining chairs reupholstered in a luxurious green mohair fabric. This nature-inspired palette connects with the natural beauty of the wood used to craft this antique dining set.
The 1912 Hardman player piano, a unique addition to the dining room, was restored to play through its pedals or by being plugged into the wall, ensuring that this piano could once again fill the home with beautiful music. Hanging above the piano are a series of butterfly sculptures by Gwen Samuels. These works are made from images printed on transparent sheets, then cut and hand-sewn onto wire forms, merging elements of the natural and human-made world.
The living room combines vintage, antique, and contemporary objects to create a space that connects sustainable design practices, expert craftsmanship, and biophilic design. Many of the objects in this room have family history and personal meaning that infuses the space with memory and connection. A paper mosaic depitcing flowers by Karen Sikie hangs by the doorway, bringing the beauty and joy of nature into the space.
This Cuckoo clock, purchased in Munich, Germany, in 1972, was recently restored. This sculptural nature scene now hangs in the entryway to the living room as a timepiece of personal significance.
Some heirlooms have been repurposed as functional items within this home, such as this vintage rocking chair, a childhood object full of happy memories that now functions as a plant stand.
An Art Deco chandelier by the Muller Brothers of Luneville, France, hangs over in the center of the room. This light fixture's blue, cream, and amber glass emulates the feeling of a beautiful sunset, with wrought iron details that incorporate organic hanging shapes resembling Arum Lillies.
Wood flooring, paneling, and built-in cabinetry swath the living room in the beauty of natural woodgrain. This wooden coffee table is a beautiful piece of biophilic design that celebrates the natural beauty of wood through its shape, material, and process of being made. This table is a treasured piece of artisan furniture made by splitting an unmilled log of English walnut into two parts to create two unique table tops that mirror each other. The live edge retains the organic form of the tree from which it was made, connecting with the serene woodlands from which this tree was sourced. The entire surface is textured with chisel marks that poetically incorporate the process of hand-working the wood into its final aesthetic, drawing attention to the skilled craftsmanship of this bespoke piece.
A restored antique armchair was reupholstered with deep green linen velvet that echoes the textile of the dining room chairs to carry a lush nature-inspired palette throughout this home. This textile's soft and varied texture compliments the armchair's antique quality alongside a custom-made matching ottoman.
Throw pillows feature an artist-designed textile by Kale Tree that depicts blue-green Monarch butterfly chrysalises. The nature-inspired imagery of this textile connects with the joy of watching Monarchs form cocoons in our garden as they emerge and migrate throughout California.
Nature-inspired decorative objects are incorporated throughout the room in figurative and abstract forms. A beautiful vintage duck expertly hand-carved from wood connects with the wood built-ins throughout the home. The organic form of a German-designed, hand-blown, smokey taupe glass table lamp was created by merging two glass spheres to create soft, diffused lighting within the space. An antique American Art Deco vase made from frosted green glass features a patterned surface that depicts a beautiful nature scene complete with wild berries and grasshoppers, creating a subtle reference to nature. A paper mosaic by Karen Sikie that hangs on the wall above compliments these nature-inspired objects with a depiction of pink flowers on a lush green background.
The home office features a cherished vintage worktable that has been in the household for years. Its well-loved, prominent woodgrain harmonizes with wood flooring, built-in shelving, and cabinetry throughout the room.
A large-scale hazy landscape painting by Peter Burega hangs over the work area, creating a calming presence within the room. The green palette connects with the round organic shape of a plush upholstered desk chair and the many plants placed throughout the room.
A series of nature-inspired decorative objects are playfully scattered throughout the built-in bookshelves, bringing the joy of collecting personally meaningful objects into this home office. A collection of nature-inspired books, including a cherished antique volume of "Historie Naturelle Des Oiseaux," are artfully arranged. A vintage ceramic Maine wren perched alongside a vintage handmade pelican and wren play with scale, as some seem to be actual size while others are miniature. Other vintage items such as a handcrafted ceramic pitcher featuring an acorn and oak leaf detail and a hand-carved oak artwork depicting flowers, connect with the woodlands where we may expect to encounter these birds in the wild, evoking the sense of calm that we experience when birdwatching.
This intricately carved 19th-century French Black Forrest Oak wall mirror depicting a dog surrounded by leaf motifs marries fine craftsmanship with the beauty of natural materials and nature-inspired imagery to reflect the core components of craftsman design.
The 1960s bi-level walnut tambour door desk and contemporary globe floor lamp incorporate an element of the mid-century modern aesthetic to this workspace.
The materiality of wood is also incorporated into an artwork by Aneesa Shami Zizzo that hangs over the built-in work desk. Zizzo weaves thin strips of wood with fiber in this artwork to create a beautiful nature-inspired wall hanging.
The bathroom of this home features a combination of salvaged materials and reproductions that restore this space within the ethos of craftsman design. The antique bathtub and pedestal sink were salvaged from historical properties within the local community that were set for demolition. A stained wood wainscot was installed throughout the room alongside historical reproductions of traditional sconce lighting to create a sense of continuity and harmony between this room and craftsman design features throughout this home.
Natural materials are incorporated into the space through local Californian slate mosaic flooring. This stone's nature-inspired brown, white, and grey palette harmonizes with the warmth of wood throughout the room to create a cozy and inviting space. A shower curtain made from the Kale Tree Matilija Poppy Textile (Natural) introduces a timeless botanical print that evokes the joy of this Californian native wildflower. An antique cast iron boot scraper shaped like a cat serves as a playful doorstop. This folk art sculpture from the early 1900s is a playful link between the natural and the domestic world.
A basement in California is quite rare, unusual, and coveted. The unfinished basement of this home was transformed into a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, creating a separate living space downstairs. Natural materials such as wood are incorporated throughout the space to create the aesthetic of a handcrafted rustic cabin.
Two south-facing leaded glass windows and a large window in the door to the outside allow natural light to enter the space. A painting by Renae Barnard, which hangs over the bed, depicts a semi-abstract desert landscape based on the memory of a childhood photo. It fills the negative space around a series of Yucca trees with an earthy dusty pink palette to reveal the impression of their form.
Handmade ceramic vessels such as a Japanese Shigaraki mini flower vase bring organic forms and materials into the space while making room for biophilic elements such as plants and flowers.
The restoration of this California Craftsman is a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless design and the power of biophilic principles. This home pays homage to the past and fosters a deep connection to the present by honoring its original artistry and integrating biophilic design within the restoration. The warmth of natural materials and nature-inspired design combined with expert craftsmanship within objects and spaces spanning generations creates a beautiful example of how traditional architecture and modern design can harmonize to create a truly inspiring and rejuvenating living space.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Bibliography
“Architecture Series: California Craftsman Bungalow Tailor-Made for SoCal’s Mild Climate, Relaxed Lifestyle.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2017.
Alpert, Yelena Moroz. “Craftsman House: Everything You Need to Know.” Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2023.
Hohenadel, Kristin. “This Popular Home Style Features Wide Porches, Low-Pitched Roofs, and Lots of Charm.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2025.
2025 Color Of The Year
Nature-inspired color palettes can help ground us by connecting built environments with the beauty of the outdoors. These palettes promote the mindful practice of spending time in nature, a key aspect of biophilic design. Brown is a fundamental color found within nature, such as soil, clay, wood, and stone—materials also used to construct our homes. These elements provide shelter, warmth, security, and comfort, symbolizing stability, permanence, and resilience. The 2025 Colors of the Year, 'Moca Mousse' and 'Caramelized' from Pantone and Dunn Edwards, embody these qualities to create a grounding, comforting, and sensory experience within our homes.
Brown, earthy tones have a timeless quality that makes the old feel new, making them a confident choice for various design styles, from contemporary to modern to traditional or historical.
This Tudor revival bedroom features a warm, almost pinkish-brown shade in the carpet, drapery, and wall color. This tone highlights and celebrates the luxurious natural beauty of the darker wood furniture and built-in features throughout the room, such as the custom bed frame, handcrafted by an expert artisan from American Walnut, which evokes a Victorian-era aesthetic.
Brown is also often associated with feelings of warmth and comfort. Dunn Edwards describes "Caramelized" as a "warm terracotta brown" reminiscent of "sunlight on stone," evoking the pleasing sensation of leaning against a warm brick wall or laying on a beachside slab of stone. The name itself evokes the constant warmth that produces caramelization.
The brown furnishings and wallcoverings in this living room have warm undertones of red, orange, and yellow, which create a sense of coziness and intimacy, making the space feel inviting and welcoming.
Brown also has the potential to serve as a warm and inviting neutral color that adds depth and richness to a space while effortlessly complementing a variety of styles and decor. We often think of neutrals as the backdrop to a room. White, gray, and beige are usually popular choices due to their versatility, timelessness, and ease, but they are not intended to drive the stylistic tone of a room. Warm browns like "Caramelized" and "Mocha Mousse" offer a fresh perspective on what a neutral can be, bringing warmth and an inherent sense of sophistication that classic neutrals sometimes lack. Browns have an enduring presence through their connection with the natural world, giving them a timeless quality that transcends fleeting trends.
The warmth of the brown walls of this living room serves as a soothing backdrop, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere that immediately makes anyone feel at home. These earthy tones evoke a sense of stability and grounding, providing a solid foundation for the room's overall design. The cooler grey tones of the sofa and the golden highlights of the artwork and upholstered pillows create a sense of balance, calm, and harmony through the interplay between warm and cool tones within the room. The golden highlights in the artwork and the upholstered pillows catch the light beautifully, creating a subtle glow that enriches the sensory experience within the room and introduces an element of luxury to the space.
Metallic browns, like bronze and copper, uniquely connect our interiors to the mineral-rich earth while infusing a touch of luxury. These earthy tones, reminiscent of copper ore and bronze artifacts, ground a space and add a sense of timelessness. The metallic brown tiles of this nature-inspired bathroom create a warm and inviting ambiance, elevating and transforming it into a sophisticated retreat that celebrates the beauty and richness of the natural world.
Incorporating shades of brown as an accent color can add warmth, depth, and comfort to any space or design. Brown is a versatile color that pairs well with many other hues, making it a fantastic choice for accent elements like furniture, textiles, and decorative accessories.
An earthy brown with hints of terracotta accentuates the doorways within this Victorian-style living room. This warm yet muted flush of color is in harmony with the nature-inspired palette of the room while creating a subtle and pleasing contrast that draws attention to the antique American walnut parlor set and Victorian marble coffee table.
Nature-inspired color palettes like "Mocha Mousse" and "Caramelized" bring the grounding comfort and stability of earth into our living spaces. These colors, which evoke the resilience and tranquility of nature, enhance our homes, transforming them into personal sanctuaries that harness the restorative power of the outdoors.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Solidarity and Support: California Wildfires
Dearest Neighbors, Clients, Family, and Friends,
Our thoughts and tears are with everyone impacted by the fires.
We appreciate all those who have reached out to check in on us. The SBD team, our families, and our pets are safe.
In this challenging time, please lean on us should you need anything. We welcome unconventional requests.
We will get through this together.
In solidarity and with love,
Sarah
Related information:
Los Angeles Fire Department Resources
LA County Emergency Information and Resources
California Fire Incidents interactive map
California Disaster Help Center
CA Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources
Resources for SoCal fire victims, evacuees, and first responders
Wildfire Preparedness: Home Hardening, Defensible Space, and CA Native Plantings.
How to Rebuild After a Fire: Finding Opportunities for Improved Health and Happiness
Interior design for grief: How our homes can help with healing
Our homes are reflections of who we are and the lives that we have lived. These environments take on a new significance for those of us who are coping with grief through the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change as we are surrounded by objects and spaces that retain the memories of a former time. The sudden loss of a home and possessions due to a natural disaster brings a different form of grief as we grapple with restarting and rebuilding. However, redesigning our home can be a powerful and hopeful step that helps us transition into a new stage of life as we process our grief.
There are many different forms of grief. Bereaving a family member or relationship, the onset of sudden illness, or injury are all significant events that can cause us to grieve our life that was. We all cope with loss in different ways, and the experience of processing grief is often not a linear path. As we move through this difficult time, a place or object may evoke memories that trigger waves of emotion.
While many of us may be familiar with the five stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance), some researchers prefer to conceptualize these as "tasks of mourning" (1) that can help us gain a feeling of control over the destabilization that loss can cause in our life. These Four tasks of mourning include: "Accepting the reality of the loss. Processing the pain of grief. Adjusting to the world without who or what we have lost. Finding an enduring connection with who or what we have lost while continuing to engage in new relationships." (2)
Continuing to live in the home that we once shared with a loved one can, in some cases, feel challenging, as being surrounded by objects and spaces that are filled with memories can trigger or potentially prolong our grief.
For those of us in mourning, reserving spaces and holding on to objects may feel like a way to maintain a bond with the person we have lost. Or, instead, we may have an initial instinct to get rid of everything that reminds us of those who are no longer with us, as the memories triggered by these objects and spaces are too painful. But this is something that we may come to regret once we begin to heal. Alternatively, redesigning our home, letting go of some of these objects, and keeping a selection of meaningful pieces can be a healing step in grieving. It helps us accept the reality of our loss, honor their memory, and create a new path for ourselves.
When we share our home with someone for a long time, the space itself can become flooded with memories. In cases where we would like to stay in the same residence but the constant stream of memories is too painful, a complete remodel can be an empowering step. It allows us to reclaim our home, creating a new space to process our grief and pave a new way forward.
For some of us, staying in the home that we once shared with a loved one may prove too painful to endure. In this case, the process of deciding what to take with us into our new life and what should be left behind can feel overwhelming. We may need guidance on retaining the things we loved about our old life without triggering painful memories.
Inviting family and friends to help sort through these possessions can transform this task into a source of support and connection during a difficult time. Alternatively, enlisting the services of an interior design team can take what may feel like an overwhelming situation and break it into smaller, more manageable tasks.
For those of us experiencing a divorce or break up, the spaces and objects that surround us may contain painful memories of those who have hurt us that continue to cause us pain and slow the process of moving on. For some of us, purging our home of objects belonging to or that remind us of our ex-partner can be a powerful first step in reclaiming the space of our home. Determining what objects share the space of our home with us can feel empowering, making space for objects that have a significant personal meaning to us and bring us joy.
When continuing to live in the same home that we once shared with a loved one, replacing communal items that do not have significant personal meaning, such as dinnerwear, towels, bedding, and artwork, can support our healing and help make the transition into our new life more real, as these new objects do not trigger a flood of memories or a wave of grief.
Objects that existed from that period and still have personal meaning may be rearranged or reimagined within our new home in a way that pleases our personal tastes and allows us to claim ownership over how they make us feel. For instance, a piece of artwork could be given a new prominent place in the home, or a piece of furniture could be reupholstered to better fit our personal style.
For those mourning the end of a relationship, changing the space around us by rearranging or redesigning rooms can change how a space triggers our memories. A home remodel can provide a time for self-focus and self-care, where we can truly evaluate what our personal needs are without compromise, creating a home that is just for us. Rooms or spaces once inhabited by our ex, such as a home office or reading nook, can be converted into whatever best serves us in our new life, perhaps a home gym, meditation room, or dedicated room for a collection. Moving plants, painting the walls a different color, buying new, or rearranging existing furniture can make a room feel less familiar and transition it from "our" space into "my" space, a place to make new memories.
For those experiencing grief from a sudden or significant change in life, such as illness, injury, or loss of mobility, being surrounded by interiors and objects that remind us of our life before this event can be a painful daily experience that hinders our ability to heal. Incorporating ergonomic design elements can create a highly personalized home that helps support us physically and emotionally through this difficult time. Custom design options that help facilitate accessibility and self-sufficiency reimagine our home to meet our new needs with comfort and support.
Kitchens and bathrooms can be redesigned to accommodate a seated user by incorporating custom sink and counter heights. Creating clear space under the sink ensures an unobstructed approach to the counter and ease of movement throughout the room.
Touchless faucets are easy to operate and have the additional hygiene benefit of a touchless surface. Cabinets can be customized to incorporate drawers with pull-style handles, making them easier to access than doors with knob-style handles, facilitating self-sufficiency and confidence in day-to-day tasks.
Installing a wheelchair-accessible shower with barrier-free entry creates ease of movement throughout the bathroom. Barrier-free showers have the same plane as the adjacent flooring, with no step, curb, or dam that would obstruct entry. Linear floor drains and grading can help maintain a level surface, and including a secondary drain elsewhere in the bathroom allows the entire floor area to be treated as a wet room. The shower should also be large enough to allow space to transfer to a shower chair and for the shower chair to turn around, facilitating freedom of movement.
When such changes may necessitate a home remodel to facilitate greater accessibility, updating our home's aesthetics alongside such changes can create a whole new space that supports our current and future selves. Some say the best way to work through our feelings is to feel them. We may wish to create a sanctuary of comfort and peace within our home to help process our grief. Automated lighting, window coverings, and design features that contain or mask environmental sound can all be customized and remotely controlled from a central system to create the ultimate environment of comfort and well-being with the push of a button.
The sudden loss of a home during a natural disaster leaves individuals and families grappling with immense grief and a profound sense of loss. A home is far more than just walls and a roof; it's a sanctuary woven with memories and an embodiment of our identity. When this is suddenly lost, the path to physical and emotional rebuilding can feel insurmountable, leaving us feeling displaced, powerless, and uncertain of the way forward.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, we may suddenly find ourselves in a new home, starting from the beginning. As daunting as this may sound, shaping our new environment can become a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Creating a home that fosters emotional support and comfort can allow one to regain a feeling of control. Personalizing a new space with meaningful objects, our favorite colors and other elements that resonate with us is not just a design choice but a powerful act of self-assertion. This can help reclaim our sense of self and create a new home filled with hope and resilience.
Thoughtful design can help restore our sense of safety. Trauma-informed design considers our emotional and sensory needs to create restorative home environments that can help support recovery from grief and trauma. Our sensory experience of sound, color, light, and touch within a space can significantly impact our mental and emotional health. Enlisting the services of an experienced interior design team can provide support and clarity throughout this process, ensuring that every aspect of our home is designed with our well-being in mind.
Incorporating salvaged items such as ceramic objects, metal cookware, or decorative porcelain dishes and objects into a new space can help maintain a connection to the past. These objects can serve as tangible reminders of happy memories while providing a sense of continuity and resilience.
The loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a sudden life change can profoundly affect how we experience our environment, as our homes are full of memories that have the potential to trigger painful waves of grief. Practicing self-care and mindfulness can support our mental and emotional well-being as we move through the process of healing. Remodeling our home to incorporate biophilic design elements such as a nature-inspired palette, natural materials such as stone and wood, textiles, and wallcoverings that incorporate biophilic imagery can contribute to creating mindful, supportive spaces within our home. Biophilic design draws from our innate desire to be within nature, aiming to mirror the mindful effects of spending time outdoors to help us find moments of calm and peace. Remodeling and reclaiming our home after experiencing a loss is a sensitive process that must be handled with care and compassion. We have planned home remodels after a sudden loss, illness, or accident and supported individuals through the difficult task of sorting through a loved one's treasured possessions with sensitivity, discretion, and empathy. Reclaiming our space after a painful event can be a healing part of the grieving process; with an experienced interior design team at our side for guidance and support, we can honor our memories while charting a new path for our lives.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
References
“The 4 Tasks of Grieving.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-nerd/201911/the-4-tasks-grieving. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Bibliography
“What Is Grief?” Cleveland Clinic, 1 May 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24787-grief. 0
PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. “Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss (PDQ®).” PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 June 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66052/. 1
Kademani, Maanasi. “How Does Grief Affect Your Body?” UCLA Health, 21 Feb. 2024, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/how-does-grief-affect-your-body.
“‘decluttering’ after Someone Dies: How and When Should You Do It?” Marie Curie, www.mariecurie.org.uk/talkabout/articles/decluttering-after-someone-dies/277411. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Mckeough, Tim. “That Home You Made with Your Ex? ‘Say Goodbye to Everything.’” The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Dec. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/realestate/renovating-after-a-break-up.html.
Longobucco, Alyssa. “How to Reclaim Your Space Post-Breakup or Just after a Big Life Change.” Apartment Therapy, Apartment Therapy, 16 Feb. 2021, www.apartmenttherapy.com/reclaim-your-space-after-a-life-change-36879162.