Environments of Equilibrium: the Ten Pillars of Neuroinclusive Design

The standard for what makes a space successful has permanently evolved. While structural sustainability and visual harmony remain benchmarks of high-end design, a more profound criterion has emerged within the wellness movement: how an environment affects the human nervous system.

This interior evolution centers on neurodesign, the practice of building environments tailored directly to the biological realities of the human brain. Every space transmits a constant stream of data to the nervous system, triggering biological responses that govern stress, focus, and circadian health. For interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, LEED AP, neurodesign serves as the premium foundation for shaping modern environments for human well-being. When an inhabitant experiences an intense sensory profile or acute neurological variation, this baseline is precisely calibrated, translating universal neurodesign principles into hyper-customized, neuroinclusive spaces.

A Practice Rooted in Individual Advocacy

From its inception, Barnard’s practice has been grounded in the belief that interior design should adapt to the biological and emotional realities of its inhabitants. Long before neuroinclusivity entered the mainstream vocabulary, her daily project work focused on creating customized environments for clients with diverse cognitive, physical, and sensory needs.

This immersion in private practice naturally informed her public advocacy and industry education. For over twenty years, Barnard has documented specialized solutions for families and individuals, developing a comprehensive methodology where spaces support and protect their inhabitants. Because our surroundings constantly interact with our biology, a tailored interior serves as a vital tool for emotional and mental equilibrium. Her foundational definitions have helped establish the baseline for the movement; as noted in the New Home Source feature, "What Is Neuroinclusive Design?" a mindful approach to interiors is essential precisely because it "brings more comfort, clarity, and calm to everyday life."

Neuroinclusivity recognizes that design should adapt to the individual. Barnard implements a highly specialized Neuroinclusive Interior Design methodology, tuning universal neurodesign principles to support specific sensory variations, including:

• Autistic adults and children

• ADHD and ADD individuals

• Dyslexic, dyspraxic, and dyscalculia-impacted individuals

• Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)

• Individuals experiencing sensory processing sensitivities

• Individuals navigating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, or depression.

• Individuals experiencing chronic migraines or neurological conditions

• Individuals navigating age-related cognitive decline, dementia, or Alzheimer's

By treating these varied sensory profiles as core design assets, the studio establishes highly responsive environments where individuals can coexist with peace and ease. A space designed for deep therapeutic regulation or to alleviate daily stress from a fast-paced public life treats the physical structure as an active tool for collective wellness.

Shaping the Inclusive Design Conversation

The design community has steadily embraced this science-backed approach to well-being, with leading publications analyzing how mindful interior environments impact daily life. An editorial feature in Architectural Digest highlighted the rise of dedicated sensory spaces, using imagery of Barnard’s design work to illustrate how custom environments can incorporate them.

This intersection of empathy and high-end execution is further explored across specialized lifestyle features. A profile in Modern Luxury examined her approach to creating emotionally supportive, mindfully sourced, conscious environments that honor personal heritage and mental wellness. Concurrently, a dedicated feature in Luxe Magazine detailed her commitment to tailoring spaces for cognitive longevity, physical healing, and deep emotional comfort. These features reflect a growing industry consensus, cementing the philosophy that interior design serves as a meaningful, active resource for overall human health.

The Anatomy of a Neuroinclusive Space

To establish these supportive settings, Barnard applies intentional, environmental strategies across ten core pillars of neuroinclusive design:

1. Intuitive Spatial Zoning and Physical Agency

Design layout prioritizes clear navigation and physical autonomy. This approach uses intuitive layouts to create distinct restful spaces and active zones, helping inhabitants transition seamlessly between daily activities. By incorporating alternative pathways through a property, individuals can choose to bypass high-traffic areas during moments of sensory fatigue, while varied seating configurations and low-stimulus refuge rooms give users full choice over how they interact with their surroundings.

2. Acoustic Softening and Sound Management

Sound mitigation is treated as a foundational interior layer. To manage ambient noise and encourage cognitive clarity, a comprehensive acoustic strategy integrates high-density insulation concealed within the walls, specialized acoustic wall plasters, and multi-pane window glass. Within the interior schematics, heavy window draperies, high-performance sound-absorbing fabrics, and custom-upholstered wall paneling soften ambient sound. Operational details, such as soft-dampened closures on doors and cabinetry, support a consistently peaceful environment.

3. Biophilic Harmony and Organic Geometry

Biophilic design, integrating nature-inspired elements into the built environment, is a core tenet of neuroesthetics. This framework incorporates natural textures, wood grains, stone surfaces, and organic geometries that support a subconscious sense of psychological safety. Environmental research indicates that exposure to these natural forms helps balance stress hormones, promotes visual comfort, and supports psychological safety.

4. Precision Lighting and Visual Comfort

Lighting control relies on a highly tailored approach. A neuroinclusive lighting scheme incorporates multi-layered sources, such as localized task lighting and soft uplighting, to maintain balanced illumination throughout a room. It utilizes automated light transitions that mimic natural daylight cycles, motorized filtering with custom treatments, and high-grade fixtures that help provide steady, consistent light to support the nervous system and reduce visual fatigue.

5. Tactile Curation and Sensorial Customization

Sensory interaction extends to every touchpoint in a space, evaluating how materials feel against the skin and body. A balanced environment requires the meticulous curation of all interior surfaces, providing smooth, predictable textures like honed stone and matte metal for sensory-avoiding profiles, while introducing deeply grained hardwoods, high-relief wall coverings, and heavily textured woven fabrics for sensory seekers.

6. Atmospheric Serenity and Material Wellness

Supporting indoor air quality relies on a comprehensive material wellness protocol. This framework dictates the meticulous specification of low-emitting organic materials, artisan botanical finishes, natural flooring options, and advanced, whisper-quiet air purification systems to help isolate and manage ambient aromas.

7. Thermal Equilibrium and Micro-Climate Programming

Because individual sensory profiles influence metabolic equilibrium and temperature regulation, customized layouts support comfort zones tailored to individual needs. Barnard conceptualizes intelligent thermal zones through spatial layouts, radiant heating, and highly responsive, localized controls that allow users to adjust their immediate environment while maintaining the overall balance.

8. Predictable Order and Executive Function Support

To facilitate ease of use and cognitive comfort, interior planning serves as an explicit extension of executive functioning. Custom layouts incorporate bespoke, intuitive storage and organization systems customized to a user’s specific cognitive processing style. By utilizing highly structured layouts, clear sightlines, and curated categorization, spaces help reduce decision fatigue, manage ambient clutter, and foster a sense of mental lightness and control.

9. Integrated Regulation and Proprioceptive Movement

A neuroinclusive environment recognizes the body's need for physical self-regulation. Layouts intentionally establish an organic flow of spatial circulation and incorporate spaces designed for movement and vestibular support. This manifests as flexible furniture arrangements that encourage posture shifts, deep-pressure seating options, and natural physical transitions.

10. Structural Safety and Hypervigilance Mitigation

A supportive space optimizes psychological safety and peace of mind. Stress reduction is achieved through interior predictability, maintaining wide turning radiuses, utilizing smooth radiused architectural volumes, and providing clear views of room entryways. By supporting clear physical sightlines and prioritizing psychological safety in spatial orientation, the space's structure helps ground the nervous system.

The Future of Restorative Design

By aligning an understanding of neurological data with health and environmental metrics, informed by the standards that underpin leading criteria such as LEED and WELL, Barnard has helped redefine the benchmark for modern interior environments. This methodology marks a permanent shift toward spaces that actively protect and support the human nervous system.

While the private haven of the home remains a foundational focus, the trajectory of neurodesign applies universally across the entire built environment. The same principles that alleviate sensory overload in a private estate are essential in the public and professional spheres, ranging from high-performance workspaces to support cognitive endurance to refined hospitality settings designed for deep physiological recovery. When an environment is shaped directly around neurobiology and sensory perception, it functions as a finely calibrated haven and an active partner in long-term personal well-being.

Selected Bibliography & Further Reading

Bower, Isabella, Richard Tucker, and Peter G. Enticott. "Impact of built environment design on emotion measured via neurophysiological correlates and subjective indicators: A systematic review." Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 66, 2019, p. 101344.

Chatterjee, Anjan, Alex Coburn, and Adam Weinberger. "The neuroaesthetics of architectural spaces." Cognitive Processing, vol. 22, no. Suppl 1, 2021, pp. 115-120.

Coburn, Alexander, et al. "Psychological and neural responses to architectural interiors." Cortex, vol. 126, 2020, pp. 217-241.

Lavdas, Alexandros A. "Current Understanding of Health and Urban Environment: Focus on Neuroaesthetics." MDPI Urban Health Insights, vol. 6, no. 2, 2026, p. 51.

Sarah Barnard Projects Earn Global Design Honors

Hummingbird Hill by Sarah Barnard Design

Three projects designed by Sarah Barnard have been named to the longlist for the prestigious INT Interior Design Awards.

The INT Interior Design Awards is a highly competitive global program celebrating exceptional interior architecture and design across more than 35 countries. Judged by an international panel of design professionals, the longlist recognizes standout projects from around the world that demonstrate exceptional innovation, execution, and design excellence.

Explore Sarah’s recently recognized work and the specific categories honored below:

Hummingbird Hill by Sarah Barnard Design

1. Hummingbird Hill

Category: Residential, Unbuilt

Hummingbird Hill demonstrates that luxury and specialized, supportive design can beautifully coexist. The estate integrates specialized pediatric environments, including a therapeutic swing, mobile stander zones, and a barrier-free supportive steam and wet room, into a high-end architectural framework.

Centered on holistic wellness, custom fine-art mosaics celebrate regional California wildlife and native flora. Featuring the project's namesake, the Allen’s hummingbird, these artisan details place family health and sensory calm at the center of the bespoke estate.

Coastal Calm by Sarah Barnard Design

2. Coastal Calm

Category: Apartments 100–200 sqm

Coastal Calm pairs material clarity with disciplined spatial flow to connect a private residence directly to its maritime environment. The open layout connects the living, dining, and kitchen zones while preserving uninterrupted ocean views.

Custom architectural millwork optimizes the footprint for functional luxury and media integration, while the overall layout thoughtfully incorporates the client's private art collection. Balancing rich textiles, natural oak, and stone surfaces, the interior introduces deliberate nature motifs alongside fine art to establish a unified design solution.

3. Inclusive Play Space

Category: Apartments under 100 meters

Designed for an autistic, sensory-seeking child, this project seamlessly integrates clinical therapy into a compact residential setting. Custom 3D rugs with varied pile heights provide tactile stimulation while using negative space to define a running path.

The space features soft climbing forms, inspired by an aerial floral view, offering flexible configurations for physical play, leading up to an elevated bed that doubles as a crash pad. A custom treehouse with a circular portal and an escape tunnel lined with recycled glass pebble flooring provides a dedicated, high-sensory retreat.

A Shared Achievement

This international recognition highlights our studio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of residential design. To have multiple projects selected by a global panel validates our commitment to creating highly tailored, innovative spaces that combine aesthetic excellence with deep functionality.

Thank you to our incredible clients for their trust and collaboration in bringing these award-winning visions to life.

How Luxury Design Protects the Migraine Brain

A home is meant to be the ultimate sanctuary, a private ecosystem where every detail is meticulously planned to provide comfort, privacy, and peace of mind. True luxury, after all, is defined by the level of control one has over the immediate environment.

Yet, many of today’s most prominent design trends inadvertently create spaces that feel hostile to the complexities of a migraine brain. Cavernous rooms with acoustic reverberation, expansive walls of glass, highly reflective stone, and lighting systems with micro-flickers can act as a collective minefield. Crafting an estate for an individual navigating sensory sensitivities requires moving far beyond decoration; it requires a deep alignment between restorative interior design and neurological well-being.

A Lifelong Commitment to Inclusive Design

Long before “wellness design” became a modern residential buzzword, interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, was establishing a foundation in neuro-inclusive design. For over two decades, her work has focused on creating sophisticated, elegant environments tailored for individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. This design discipline is rooted in a clear philosophy: a home should serve as a dedicated buffer, supporting long-term health while providing a profound sense of physical and emotional security.

When designing for clients who experience migraines, a condition Barnard has navigated personally for a lifetime, the parameters become exceptionally precise. There is an immediate, intuitive understanding of how a space can either soothe or aggravate a sensitive nervous system. The interior schematics and material specifications are evaluated through a lens of sensory prevention, proactively identifying and neutralizing environmental triggers.

Aligning with Clinical Realities

To complement this lifelong commitment, Barnard recently completed a specialized program through the Stanford University School of Medicine focused on the diagnostics and management of migraines.

While this program is traditionally designed for neurologists and healthcare providers, her purpose in the classroom was both personal and professional. Navigating migraines herself, Barnard sought to fully understand the clinical frameworks and scientific research surrounding the condition. Acquiring this level of education enables her to make well-informed decisions in her own life, a benefit that naturally extends to her design practice.

Recognizing how specific environmental stimuli interact with a sensitive nervous system creates an empathetic bridge between a client’s medical realities, estate managers, and architects. With this framework, the interior environment can be designed to support the distinct needs of the migraine brain.

Designing for Sensory Boundaries

Managing the internal environment of an estate requires an intuitive grasp of how physical surroundings impact neurological comfort. In executing highly personalized spaces, Barnard integrates specialized interior design for people with chronic migraines into the home’s interior schematics, focusing on tailored, natural material selections that mitigate sensory strain while maintaining an elevated aesthetic

Light Control and Micro-Flicker Mitigation

A considered approach to lighting design involves specifying flicker-free systems paired with layered, highly dimmable controls to help manage visual thresholds. Natural daylight is managed with equal care through the integration of motorized shading and non-reflective glass coatings, softening solar glare while fully preserving sweeping exterior views.

Sound Softening and Acoustic Comfort

Acoustic softening can be woven directly into the interior design through specialized acoustic wall plasters, custom-upholstered paneling wrapped in luxury textiles, and high-density insulation concealed behind the drywall. Incorporating these elements helps reduce ambient noise levels.

Air Quality and Material Selection

Prioritizing a lower-emission environment involves specifying a palette of solid woods, natural stone, organic textiles, and zero-VOC finishes. Paired with multi-stage HEPA and carbon air filtration systems, these selections work in tandem to minimize indoor environmental stressors and support a more neutral, stable interior atmosphere.

The Ultimate Peace of Mind

For an individual navigating the demanding realities of migraines, a home can serve as a dedicated recovery zone, a place to retreat, recharge, and remain insulated from chaotic external stimuli. By shaping environments that respect the distinct nuances of the nervous system, interior spaces can be transformed into the definitive residential sanctuary.

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.

LA’s Elite Neighborhoods: A Guide to Bespoke Luxury Living

Designing a home in Los Angeles is an exercise in listening. True luxury relies on the interplay among a property’s distinct geography, its architectural history, and the well-being of the people within it. From the sun-bleached coastal cliffs to the deeply shaded, historic lawns of the city center, Southern California’s premier pockets each possess a unique aesthetic language.

Mindful, artisan-driven design brings these micro-climates to life, translating regional character into restorative, deeply personal sanctuaries.

Malibu: Refined Coastal

Malibu luxury is tied to the rhythm of the ocean, requiring an interior landscape that feels as open and unhurried as the coast itself. The aesthetic center of these beachfront properties rests on a quiet, sophisticated minimalism that honors the horizon rather than competing with it.

Rooms are shaped by natural light and feature bespoke furnishings that keep sightlines unobstructed. The visual weight of the space relies on a tactile palette of sun-bleached tones, matte textures, and soft, organic weaves. It is an aesthetic of understated elegance, where the transition between the crashing surf and the calm, enveloping sanctuary of the interior feels seamless.

Pacific Palisades: Mindful Modernism

Pacific Palisades is defined by an understated, generational elegance where the dramatic landscape meets an intentional, slower pace of living. The design language here centers on luminous spaces that capture the bright energy of the bluffs.

Interiors feel effortlessly balanced and expansive, utilizing a soft material harmony of fluid silhouettes and deeply comforting textures. Spaces are sculpted to encourage movement and connection, offering a visual clarity that helps quiet the mind. It is a refined aesthetic tailored for an elegant, everyday ease.

Santa Monica: Cultivated Coastal Refinement

Beneath the mature canopy of its most prestigious avenues, Santa Monica commands an aesthetic defined by a polished, progressive elegance. The design language here beautifully bridges the relaxed energy of the coast with a sophisticated, intellectual cosmopolitanism.

The interior mood is bright, mindful, and structured, celebrating abundant natural light and clean visual transitions. Spaces rely on a harmony of fine natural textures, soft, muted tones, and a flow that invites the ocean air while maintaining an upscale sense of privacy. It is a look of conscious luxury, perfectly tailored for an environment that values both artistic vibrancy and a restorative home life.

Topanga Canyon: Earthy Hideaways

Tucked away in the rugged folds of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga Canyon seeks a design language rooted in warm, grounded intimacy. The style here rejects the rigid angles of the city, favoring organic, sweeping forms that mimic the natural contours of the hillside.

Interiors are deliberately cozy, shaped by a backdrop of deep clay tones, raw mineral accents, and heavily textured stone that absorbs the afternoon sun. Rooms are composed to feel like quiet, private retreats, spaces where the air feels still, and the boundary between the wild mountain landscape and the interior home dissolves.

Calabasas & Hidden Hills: Sprawling  Estate Living

With massive acreage and guard-gated compounds, properties in Calabasas and Hidden Hills operate on a monumental scale. Interior design focuses on bringing a sense of warmth, privacy, and human scale to these grand architectural volumes.

Rooms are designed for acoustic luxury and moments of personal renewal. Sprawling spaces are softened with heavy, sound-absorbing textiles that elegantly ground the soaring ceilings, creating a protective quiet that helps shut out the outside world. The mood is one of cloistered extravagance, featuring dedicated, serene environments like home spas and light-drenched meditation pavilions designed for daily restoration.

Bel-Air & Beverly Crest: Architectural Grandeur & Curated Art

Bel-Air represents the peak of private legacy wealth, hidden behind immense gates and winding canyon roads. Whether contemporary or classical, these grand estates possess a dramatic scale that demands a highly deliberate approach to volume, light, and artistic curation.

Interiors here function as living galleries, elevating a world-class collection. The mood is sophisticated and theatrical, revolving around striking architectural focal points, grand entryways, and custom-engineered lighting arrays. Every room is precisely calibrated to highlight museum-quality paintings and large-scale sculpture, allowing the art to dictate the rhythm, color story, and emotional weight of the entire home.

Beverly Hills & Trousdale Estates: Tailored Opulence

As a historic global epicenter of glamour, Beverly Hills has a design narrative steeped in heritage and quiet confidence. The look is a brilliant confluence of classic European symmetry and a relaxed California sophistication.

The mood here is polished and profoundly welcoming. Interiors thrive on pristine visual balance, immaculate scale, and a rhythmic flow from room to room. These spaces carry an air of curated comfort, where rich, tactile depth and quiet artisan elements yield an atmosphere that feels both grandly cinematic and deeply personal.

Hancock Park & Windsor Square: Historic Preservation

The deeply shaded, grand avenues of Hancock Park and Windsor Square carry an unmistakable air of old-world permanence. The aesthetic language here relies on a profound respect for architectural legacy, with the design acting as a quiet custodian of the home's original soul.

The interior mood is one of stately, multi-layered comfort. Rooms are balanced with a timeless visual weight, where high ceilings, smooth, hand-finished surfaces, and rich, deep tones evoke a sense of history without feeling like a museum. It is a graceful approach to luxury that honors traditional proportions while infusing the spaces with a fresh, restorative vitality.

Brentwood: Sophistication for the Collector

Intellectual and deeply private, Brentwood is a lush, leafy haven where the atmosphere feels intentionally secure. The design language here honors a life of curated experiences, focusing on spaces that feel richly layered, lived-in, and profoundly personal.

The interior mood is one of warm, conversational ease. Rooms are balanced to showcase a lifetime of acquisition, prioritizing expansive display areas, dedicated rooms for creative pursuits, and deeply comforting seating arrangements. It is an aesthetic of soft luxury that values character and depth over minimalism, creating an inviting backdrop where personal histories can unfold in beautiful ways.

Bringing Vision to Life
A home should ultimately feel like a portrait of its inhabitants. For Sarah Barnard, WELL + LEED AP, the design process is an intimate partnership, a dedicated effort to understand the unique rhythm of daily life, personal histories, and the atmosphere a family wishes to cultivate. By pairing the distinct spirit of a neighborhood with an individual definition of comfort, the design transcends beautiful styling. It is about listening closely to what matters most, transforming a specific architectural canvas into a deeply personal, restorative haven that could only belong to those who reside within.

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.

Designing for Longevity: Inside a Thoughtful California Kitchen

Harmonious Home by Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP

True luxury in residential design lies not in passing trends, but in the profound concept of longevity. For a recent Southern California kitchen renovation, the objective was to create a highly functional culinary environment that accommodates cross-generational entertaining while supporting the homeowners as they age in place. To achieve this balance, interior designer Sarah Barnard utilized a philosophy centered on stealth ergonomics, resource preservation, and circular design principles.

Harmonious Home by Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP

Strategic Spatial Geometry and Quiet Ergonomics

The project began with a re-mapping of the kitchen's traffic patterns, working entirely within the room's existing footprint to respect the architectural integrity of the older building. Barnard implemented a specialized zoning methodology to isolate high-activity work zones. This deliberate configuration minimizes unnecessary physical movement across the space, reducing fatigue during meal preparation.

To align with the principles of inclusive design, the layout focuses on supporting a range of postures and physical comfort. The space intentionally features multiple dedicated preparation zones engineered to accommodate the user while seated comfortably on stools. This ensures the workspace remains highly flexible and supportive for different physical needs throughout the day.

Mechanical and electrical details were similarly tailored to minimize physical strain while maintaining absolute architectural clarity. The custom white oak cabinetry incorporates internal pull-down shelving mechanisms that resolve high-reaching constraints. For daily ease of use, Barnard also structured the infrastructure plan to position electrical outlets at easily reachable thresholds.

Material Inspirations and Local Craftsmanship

The aesthetic direction of the kitchen balances raw, traditional textures with high-performance surfaces, ensuring the room gracefully handles the realities of busy family life and visiting grandchildren.

The custom white oak cabinetry, fabricated by local craftspeople, is fitted with flush, integrated edge pulls in a tumbled white bronze finish to provide a clean, hardware-free look. For the primary work surfaces, a matte, concrete-toned countertop was selected for its industrial elegance and exceptional durability. This is paired with a striking backsplash utilizing an Ashlar pattern of natural stone veneer, featuring finely dressed, linear units ranging from gray to charcoal. Turning to the plumbing, the fixtures, including a modern, instant-filtered hot-and-cold water system, feature an antique pewter patina that lends a grounded, timeless texture to the workspace.

Harmonious Home by Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP

A Dialogue with Architecture and Resource Preservation

One of the primary inspirations for the project was the home’s 1930’s architecture. While the kitchen itself underwent a major structural modernization, it sits adjacent to a dining area featuring existing heritage moldings. To establish a fluid visual dialogue between the two zones, Barnard specified hand-applied plaster for the kitchen walls, utilizing traditional techniques to create a soft texture that honors the building's history. In the dining space, a deep mushroom hue provides a sophisticated, high-contrast that emphasizes the original moldings.

Circular design and resource preservation guided every step of the construction process. The original flooring was carefully salvaged and repaired, and the previous cooktop was preserved and integrated into the new layout. Select materials that could not be utilized on-site were successfully diverted from landfills and donated for reuse.

This commitment to sustainability extended directly to the furnishings. The family's long-held dining chairs were rehabilitated and reupholstered in a textured linen-and-cotton blend featuring subtle blue undertones. Nearby, white oak counter stools with woven jute seats bridge the gap between the culinary workspace and the gathering area.

Hermit Thrush Textile by Sarah Barnard for Kale Tree.

Narrative Textiles and Ecological Awareness

Every environment Barnard creates incorporates a deeply personal layer of storytelling. The finished space is punctuated by a collection of vintage frog sculptures and ceramic duck tureens, adding a sense of curated whimsy to the disciplined architecture.

The most meaningful connection to nature appears in the custom textiles designed in the studio. Barnard introduced bespoke accent pillows featuring a detailed motif of the Hermit Thrush, a reclusive migratory bird species. By bringing the imagery of this quiet bird indoors, the design serves a narrative purpose, utilizing custom interior elements to bring visual attention to regional biodiversity and wildlife preservation.

Harmonious Home by Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP

A Multi-Generational Sanctuary

The final outcome of the project is a space that actively champions environmental and inclusive awareness. By honoring regional craftsmanship, preserving vintage elements, and implementing smart spatial planning, the kitchen supports independent living and multi-generational comfort.

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.

Hummingbird Hill: The Art of Inclusive Design

Conceived as a joyful, multi-functional sanctuary, the residential narrative begins in this vibrant family room engineered to balance creative play with therapeutic support. A plum-colored tulip pendant light illuminates a dedicated children's art table paired with eco-friendly chairs crafted from upcycled toys, sitting adjacent to a custom blue storage console and an expansive pinboard gallery. The comprehensive space plan natively integrates specialized pediatric mobility equipment, featuring a dedicated zone that seamlessly accommodates the user's stander within the active family environment. Overhead, a structurally reinforced ceiling securely anchors a therapeutic swing upholstered in outdoor-rated velvet. Fluid, safe travel across the room is assisted by an exceptionally flat, washable area rug. 

This perspective features the room’s deeper connection to the natural world, anchored by a vintage sunburst mirror hanging above a family sofa reupholstered in a high-performance, easy-to-clean textile. The true focal point is a magnificent, one-of-a-kind fine-art mosaic mural celebrating regional California wildlife, intricately depicting Curly Herissantia, Cambria Bush mallow, Salmon Beauty Yarrow, Palmer's Indian Mallow, Humboldt's Lily, Golden back Fern, and Allen's Hummingbird. A specialized postural support beanbag system rests nearby, providing a comfortable, supportive environment. Mirroring the home's pet-inclusive philosophy, custom dog beds crafted from coordinating textiles ensure companion animals are warmly welcomed in this shared oasis. The layout balances a warm, traditional aesthetic with a footprint built for long-term durability.

This detailed view highlights the meticulous artistry of the custom mosaic mural, bringing the vibrant ecosystem of California's flora and fauna directly into the home's interior. The design beautifully showcases the delicate textures of native species like Humboldt's Lily and Palmer's Indian Mallow, offering a highly tactile and visual experience for family members. This artwork exemplifies the project's core philosophy of naturalist glamour, connecting therapeutic, accessible spaces to fine art.

From the kitchen, the design maintains visual continuity by carrying the same pale sky blue palette from the family room's built-in cabinetry and trim directly onto the custom kitchen millwork. A backsplash of three-dimensionally carved marble features a subtle floral pattern that acts as a delicate texture from a distance and reveals deep artisan detail up close. Sturdy counter stools are wrapped in a resilient indoor-outdoor textile that remains remarkably soft to the touch. This perspective highlights the project's open-concept layout, featuring flush flooring and expansive pathways that keep the kitchen workstations fluidly connected to the family space, with the wildlife mural visible just beyond the counter. 

From the living room, the open floor plan provides a visual connection to the home's formal entertaining spaces, offering a clear view into the adjacent dining room, with the sky-blue kitchen visible in the distance. In the foreground, biophilic elegance shines through custom sofa toss pillows delicately embroidered with botanical motifs. Beyond the living area, the dining room features an elegant forest-patterned wallpaper in shades of teal, slate blue, and dusty rose, beautifully paired with a custom-fabricated oak-leaf chandelier. At the center sits a unique walnut dining table engineered with an internal self-storing leaf mechanism, accompanied by the family's original chairs thoughtfully reupholstered in a high-performance, healthcare-grade silicone faux leather. Grounding both spaces, a continuous flat floor surface and low-profile rugs help family members using mobility devices navigate seamlessly between rooms. 

The formal living room centers on a custom mosaic fireplace surround that celebrates regional biodiversity and serves as the primary visual anchor of the space. The intricate artisan tile work brings the local landscape indoors by accurately depicting California native Peonies, Matilija Poppies, California Wild Roses, California Blackberries, and the Bombus californicus bumblebee. This vibrant floral motif bridges architectural details and fine art practice. Flanking the detailed hearth, custom cabinetry and clean architectural moldings provide a structured, traditional frame that balances the organic movement of the custom mosaic. To support inclusive wellness, the seating area maintains a wide turning radius and a low-profile, washable area rug. 

Tailored specifically for a family member with a vision impairment who uses a wheelchair, this inclusive bathroom combines traditional styling and premium materials with universal design principles. The vanity is engineered for a seated user, featuring an angled protective panel at the knee space alongside a 9-inch clear toe space below all surrounding wall-mounted cabinetry. In place of a mirror, a window features a motorized window treatment for easy, hands-free operation. The countertop hosts a freestanding towel warmer, adjacent to specialized cabinetry configured to hold a Diaper Genie and a silicone-leather changing-table cushion designed to accommodate the family member as they grow. 

This view from inside the steam enclosure showcases a barrier-free wet room area designed with a curbless transition to comfortably accommodate a user and two caregivers simultaneously. Designed with an ample, open scale, the space highlights a raised bathtub outfitted with a therapeutic jet system, a wall-mounted shower table, an overhead rain shower experience, and a flexible hand shower. The custom glass enclosure features an operable vent in the upper portion to facilitate using the space with or without a steam experience. Functional design is woven discreetly throughout, including a vanity cabinet configured for pass-through access to the bathtub motor and a utility closet providing a dedicated service access point for the steam system.

The child's bedroom introduces a whimsical underwater-themed wallpaper rendered in soft pinks and varying shades of teal, creating an imaginative environment. Custom, child-height storage solutions and open shelving are meticulously designed to promote independent movement, keeping toys and belongings easily reachable. A child-sized upholstered armchair in deep teal provides a comfortable, supportive reading spot tailored perfectly to the scale of the room. The custom closets feature a forward-thinking design, making them fully accessible to the child now and easily adaptable to their needs as they grow. Grounded by a flat, washable rug and motorized window treatments for hands-free operation, the layout beautifully ensures a safe, navigable, and healthy space for play and rest.

The primary bedroom transitions the residential narrative into a calm, restorative retreat, utilizing a soothing icy-blue palette and delicate floral wallpaper. Keeping holistic family health at the forefront, the custom-made bed is crafted with natural materials and dressed in certified organic linens. This view highlights how the client's treasured original antique dressers are balanced on opposing walls. Universal design principles extend into the room's functional corners, featuring a sewing table tailored to comfortably accommodate different physical needs and postures. 

This perspective of the primary bedroom centers on a bright seating area framed by expansive double glass doors, showcasing the project's blend of historic charm and layout accessibility. The arrangement displays a curated reproduction bench and an authentic antique side table that ground the sitting space. Neatly integrated into the floor plan, custom pet beds upholstered in a high-performance, coordinating textile ensure the family's companion animals are warmly accommodated. 

This final view showcases the primary bedroom's architectural symmetry, centering on a custom limestone fireplace with a natural stone slip and a flush hearth seamlessly integrated into the hardwood flooring. Above the mantle, a fine art photograph of the Salton Sea elegantly conceals a hidden television. The room’s delicate floral wallpaper wraps the walls in a soft pattern, framing the double doors and creating a balanced, classic layout. Grounded by a low-profile, flat area rug and a soothing color palette, this space highlights the project's thoughtful neuro-inclusive design principles, emphasizing a classic aesthetic and sensory calm.

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.

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). 

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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

1. https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-green-2795817

2. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-brown-2795816

3. https://www.dunnedwards.com/colors/browser/de5657/

4. https://www.dunnedwards.com/press-releases/dunn-edwards-announces-midnight-garden-as-2026-color-of-the-year/

5. https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/press/benjamin-moore-announces-colour-of-the-year-2026

6. 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). 

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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

1. https://afb.org/blog/entry/independence-tips

2. https://www.ncoa.org/article/helping-people-with-blindness-and-vision-loss-continue-to-participate-in-everyday-activities/

3. 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). 

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Thoughtful Intentions: Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

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). 

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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.

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.

Those looking for a deeper look at recent design stories may enjoy visiting the gallery or blog. Anyone planning a new project for 2026 is invited to reach out. Sarah and the SBD team are grateful for the continued support that makes this work 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). 

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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.

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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.

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