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 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.