Deeply Personal Design Process

Our homes are incredibly personal and intimate; they reflect our personalities, relationships, passions, and goals. Inviting an interior designer into our home spaces and lifestyles can feel like a big step, but having someone to help navigate the many facets of our homes and realize them into a design concept can be a rewarding and fulfilling process. Many of us may have strong preferences or see images, colors, or designs that can cause a feeling of joy. What can be challenging is finding ways to integrate aesthetic leanings into our daily functional needs. Personalized design can create flexibility through customization and specificity, offering space for our design dreams to be applied to a home that can physically and emotionally serve us.

One of the foundations of a functionally supportive space is ergonomics. While ergonomics is often considered for workspaces, it's important throughout all living areas, impacting our comfort, energy levels, and interactions with our home. Some ways we can integrate ergonomic design into our home include custom furniture and counter heights that can encourage better posture and physical ease on joints. Arranging televisions and screens to avoid glare so we can watch entertainment unobscured and comfortably. Sensory elements such as soft close doors and cabinets can reduce abrasive noises throughout the home, contributing to a calm, serene, and mindful environment. And devising layouts that encourage movement or an organic flow of foot traffic can help to reduce mental and physical stress throughout the day.

Design is always a collaborative process, particularly in shared home spaces where multiple desires, needs, and personalities must be considered and supported under the same roof. Our homes can be custom-designed to support the specific needs of our family. For families with young children, designing a space for play and custom storage options for toys can promote tidiness, order, and quiet throughout the home. Carpeting and furnishings made from robust materials that can be spot-cleaned are ideal to resist day-to-day wear and tear. Custom kitchens can be designed for large families to contain additional cold food storage concealed neatly within specialized cabinetry.

Sensory details play an essential role when designing custom spaces for neurodivergent children. In past projects designed for children with hypersensitivity, window treatments were a successful way in which we could help diffuse and regulate both light and environmental noise to encourage a feeling of calm within the home. Past projects designed for hypo-sensitive children were very different spaces; here, we created an engaging and stimulating environment featuring bright colors and soft custom climbing areas designed to encourage play.

Our home can also be customized to support caring for an elderly loved one. Bespoke furniture can be ergonomically designed to lessen stress on the body and support ease of movement in day-to-day living. Smart lighting options that can be remotely controlled and bathroom modifications such as grab bars, lever or touchless motion-activated faucets, and custom counter heights can also help facilitate independence and wellness.

Trauma-informed design can help create healing, restorative spaces that support recovery from trauma and post-traumatic stress. With trauma-informed design, the process is intended to create a safe and inclusive environment where we can feel comfortable honestly expressing our design needs. Individual sensory needs are incorporated with our aesthetic tastes through design elements such as color, texture, and other sensory elements, incorporating biophilic design to create mindful spaces where we can relax and regenerate.

Pets are another member of the family to consider when designing our home, and pet-friendly fabrics can be a great way to incorporate their accessories. Consider a custom pet bed made from a favorite washable fabric or reupholstering furniture that could use a bit of a freshen-up. Sturdy materials that can be spot-cleaned, such as recycled fibers, are also an excellent option for rugs and carpeting in a pet-friendly home.

Hybrid work and working from home have become commonplace, increasing the need for dedicated spaces that create a boundary between work and everyday life. Some considerations for these spaces include noise reduction or soundproofing for virtual meetings and focus, ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, color choice, and biophilic design, all of which can contribute to creating a mindful workspace.

When we consider our home spaces as reflections of ourselves, interior design can integrate aspects of our personalities, personal histories, ethics, and values. These considerations may include sustainable or vegan design or a home that reflects our desires for socialization or privacy. They may also include home spaces that reflect cultural histories or find ways to integrate important memories or personal milestones.

A holistic approach to vegan design moves beyond simply excluding materials made from animal products, creating a home that reflects a mindful connection and awareness of our place within the planet's broader ecosystem. Eco-friendly, ethically sourced materials such as bamboo silk or textiles and wallpapers made from cruelty-free plant-derived materials are free from animal products, can have low or no VOCs, and are environmentally conscious in their manufacturing. Re-wilding our yards with drought-tolerant indigenous plants is a great way to nurture and support our home's natural ecosystem by creating an environment that attracts and sustains local wildlife and pollinators. Biophilic design is a great way to enjoy the serenity of this natural environment within our homes. Incorporating materials and patterns that reference natural imagery can encourage mindful connectivity between ourselves and our surrounding natural environment. Also, incorporating technology that works with our local ecosystems, such as rainwater storage, greywater systems, and solar panels, is a small contribution that has the potential to make a positive environmental impact collectively while creating self-reliance at home.

Our home can also be designed to incorporate objects and collections that are important to us or reflect our cultural identity. Including these objects in a beautiful, functional, healthy home creates a self-portrait that reflects our uniqueness. Being surrounded by objects that contain cultural significance, happy memories and bring us joy has the potential to make a restorative, joyful space where we can authentically be ourselves.

Unique, one-of-a-kind home attributes can also be a valuable way to turn our home spaces into havens of joy and comfort. For those who find serenity in botanical spaces, a custom glass greenhouse that doubles as a wellness space can become a favorite retreat that adds a sense of wonder to the home. Having an indulgent space for privacy, like a personal dressing room, screening room, or in-home spa, can feel like a personal oasis.

A dedicated wellness space, such as a yoga or meditation room, encourages a daily practice of mindfulness and self-care that can benefit mental and emotional health. Sensory details such as color, texture, lighting, and noise can influence a room's emotional effect and comfort. Color has the ability to energize or soothe us; a cool neutral palette, such as soft earth tones, can contribute to a feeling of calm. Adjustable lighting, lamps, and automated shades can regulate light levels within a space. Soft-closing doors and drawers, high-pile carpeting, and rugs can be utilized to minimize environmental noise and help create a calm and quiet space. Custom storage solutions can also be used to declutter a space and create calm.

Having areas slightly separated from the home can also create room for a design departure, adding to the feeling of variety. Many may be interested in creating opportunities for connection in their home, with spaces for education or gathering. Rooms for meditation or sound baths with friends and neighbors or music and creative spaces designed to share with close friends and loved ones can help create feelings of connection for those who enjoy their homes as social spaces for gathering.

Slow design is a deeply personal design process that allows us to slow down, truly consider, and discover how our home can support us in living our best and most joyous lives. A holistic approach to interior design, slow design takes time to create a layered and highly personalized home design that considers how our home can support our day-to-day needs, creating a space where we can thrive.

Creating a home that profoundly reflects ourselves can be an enriching and fulfilling experience. Custom-made objects and designs for our home can be sourced from quality, eco-conscious materials intended for lifetime use. These highly personalized one-of-a-kind objects exude luxury through their superior quality; slow design fosters connectivity with the materials and craftsmanship of these heirloom objects and our home. Slow design is often better for the environment as materials can be ethically sourced, and objects that are made with intentionality can incorporate waste reduction into the process. Building relationships with local skilled artisans and craftspersons also creates positive connections and support within our local community.

Slow design also utilizes 3D rendering to help visualize how the home design will look and feel. While renderings take time to develop, they help alleviate stress or indecision when considering multiple options or directions for the design.

A holistic approach to designing personalized spaces can help create home interiors that feel like an extension of self, a space that promotes personal growth and fulfillment. Exploring opportunities to make home changes or incorporate customization can expand our ideas around restorative spaces to create a home environment that enriches our daily lives and brings us joy. Embracing personalized home space can offer room for exploration and peace, where we can celebrate ourselves, our loved ones, and our environments.

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).

Soothing Blues for 2024: Dunn Edwards and Benjamin Moore color of the year.

Color is a powerful influence that has the ability to move us. The colors we choose to surround ourselves with every day can affect our feelings and emotions; they can energize, inspire, and soothe us. Color trends are a reflection of cultural moments and the needs that they create. We live in a hectic world with a 24/7 work culture, making it harder and harder to carve out time and places to take a breath and experience calm. In light of the fast-paced nature of contemporary life, Dunn Edwards and Benjamin Moore have recognized the desire for many to slow things down and create mindful, relaxing spaces in our homes by announcing Skipping Stones and Blue Nova as their colors of the year for 2024.

The color palette of the natural world can be utilized by biophilic design to bring the mindful experience of being in nature within our home, creating a calm, nurturing space. Dunn Edwards describes Skipping Stones as "a serene and steely blue with hints of green and gray….meditative and energizing like the sea." Seeking to evoke the peace and tranquility of the sea, Skipping Stones intends to create spaces of meditation, stillness, and calm. Similarly, Blue Nova is also evocative of the ocean as a deep blue-violet. Using color as a component of biophillic design, Skipping Stones and Blue Nova "emphasizes our connection to the natural environment, underlining the importance of our reliance on it for physical, emotional, and community healing."

The peace and tranquility we experience when exploring the natural environment surrounding our home can be mirrored in its interior through color selection. Living within proximity to blue spaces such as the ocean can encourage joy and wellness. The blue tones incorporated into this beachside retreat evoke the fresh, serene qualities of the surrounding oceanscape, creating space that enhances day-to-day living. Blue is used as an accent color against the white closets and cabinets throughout this home. The natural finish of the custom European white oak flooring alludes to driftwood's materiality. This light and airy palette of white and blue, evocative of the ocean landscape in which the home is located, comes together in a hand-knotted wool & silk area rug in the living room.

Shades of blue are utilized within this beachside home to reflect the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Blue can capture the feeling the ocean gives us, creating a mindful living space that promotes happiness in everyday life. The entryway carries various shades of deep and grey blue, from the Dutch door to the painting of a heron and the ceramic lamp, whose shape alludes to an abstracted ocean inhabitant.

Blue is a focal point within the living room in the form of deep blue vegan-friendly upholstery and Danish oiled walnut sofas. Here, blue is used again as an accent color with the room's white walls and the natural finish of the wood flooring. The shape of these facing sofas creates an enclosed and intimate seating arrangement.

The selection of Skipping Stones and Blue Nova as the 2024 color of the year by Dunn Edwards and Benjamin Moore reflects the collective desire for peace and tranquility in our daily lives. This also signals the rising prominence of biophilic design as a way of creating mindfulness within our homes through utilizing images, colors, and materials that bring the tranquility of nature to us.

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).

I Work @ Home: book Review

Working from home has become increasingly commonplace since the Covid-19 pandemic. Adapting to this change has been gradual, and as temporary arrangements become permanent, more people are spending an increasing amount of time at home and require spaces that create a separation between work and everyday life. As a result, architects and interior designers have been increasingly sought after to design personalized home offices that prioritize private space for focused work. Some of the top considerations for these spaces include noise reduction for virtual meetings and focus, ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, and economical use of space. I Work @ Home explores different creative design solutions from 30 architects and interior designers across the globe, highlighting numerous possibilities to help achieve an aesthetically pleasing, personalized, and productive home office space.

This publication's selection of architects and designers covers the diverse priorities and needs to be considered when designing a home office. Some of these include designers such as Sol Haus Design from Ojai, California, who specialize in sustainable design and smaller-scale projects such as tiny homes. California/Hawaii-based Craig Steely Architecture are known for crisp lines and clarity of vision, while Urbanology Designs, based in Texas, focus on relaxed modern interiors with longevity and lasting appeal that embody comfort and character.

Sarah Barnard Design has two projects featured in I Work @ Home, the Ocean View Penthouse and Beaming Bibliophile.

In Oceanview Penthouse, Sarah incorporated a preexisting wide floating desk by Hobstetter Architecture Studio into this workspace by pairing it with a sleek chair designed by Mauro Lipparini. The chair neatly tucks into the desk, offering minimal interruption to the spectacular sweeping ocean views. A deep custom sofa in wool felt sits opposite the floating desk, large enough to work, nap, daydream, or socialize; it is a focal point of this creative workspace. The sofa is flanked by side tables made of natural maple and steel. Subtle decorative elements throughout the office space, such as "Cumulous," a fiber sculpture by Renae Barnard, contribute to the overall sense of calm. This woven sculpture was made from wire, thread, yarn, rope, lamp cord, and an assortment of new and recycled materials commissioned to celebrate the natural environment.

Sarah created a nature-inspired contemporary office in Beaming Bibliophile, which features a neutral, earth-toned palette and agate-inspired grasscloth wallpaper. A fiddle leaf fig, air plant, and agave add greenery, and connect the outside with the inside space. A desk in black powder-coated steel was built to fit the homeowner's specific needs and is complemented with an ergonomic chair. Dark curtains create a calm atmosphere for more introspective work or a moment's rest in a hectic day. A sleek sofa adds a warm touch and offers a place to repose or a comfortable setting to read or review items away from the computer space. A pillow embroidered with illustrations inspired by Picasso gives an idea of the homeowner's creative interests, while a custom bookshelf provides ample space for books and artwork.

Given this shift in contemporary work habits, including a home office may be beneficial for many. It can offer a personalized space for restorative time from daily activities or the possibility of improving work-life balance. When planning home construction, consider including a dedicated workspace for each family member, one for each adult, and a dedicated space for the kids. By providing each family member with their own space for focused work and studies, a home office can offer the freedom to create the ideal workspace that suits each individual's needs and preferences. If renovating an existing home, consider potentially repurposing underused spaces to create a dedicated workspace within the home. With the ongoing, personalized design solutions created by designers far and wide, working from home will likely become a more balanced, creative, and productive experience.

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).

Happy Holidays!

While it's far from feeling like winter in Southern California, the leaves are falling, and early nights make a good excuse for cozying up at home with a soft blanket and a warm cup of tea.

As the year ends, our studio reflects and sets intentions for the new year.

Sustainability has always been the foundation of what we do. While we love the process of designing and sharing our annual hand letter-pressed cards, this year, instead of printing holiday cards, we are opting to donate to the Arroyo Seco Foundation in honor of our friends and Clients.

The Arroyo Seco Foundation's mission is to protect the Arroyo Seco, a canyon and stream running from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Los Angeles River. The foundation advocates for the preservation of the watershed, works to protect and restore the native flora and fauna, and operates the Hahamongna native plant nursery.

We are excited to celebrate the season by supporting an organization that helps to preserve wildlife habitat. We hope you are spending the holiday season somewhere beautiful and finding ways to celebrate your interior and natural environments with those you love. 

Have a very happy and healthy holiday season!

With warmth and gratitude,

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).

Healthy Home Basics: How Paint Impacts Our Emotional, Physical, and Environmental Health

The presence of paint in our homes is so prevalent that it often becomes overlooked as a building material. Paint can significantly impact our home spaces, with the ability to affect our mood and personal and environmental health. Color has been shown to have the ability to influence mindset and energy levels, and the thoughtful selection of paint color can help create a home space that aligns with personal goals for wellbeing. Earth tones are often considered to have a grounding, calming effect, with naturals offering a sense of peace and calm. More vibrant, saturated colors can energize a space, contributing to warm social atmospheres or promoting invigorating creative or exercise spaces. Many colors can also have symbolic connections or personal associations that can be used to create a certain mood or atmosphere. Taking the time to sample and explore colors that align with personality and design intent can help create a space that improves wellbeing and supports emotional goals.

While color is an important factor in paint selection, the use of paint in our built environments goes beyond color, with different paint types and qualities affecting aesthetics and our home's health. The ingredients of paint can vary, and researching material makeup can be important when selecting paint that aligns with goals, whether that relates to durability or an emphasis on organic and safe materials.

In the United States, the majority of buildings use acrylic latex paints for their interior and exterior spaces, and it's what most commonly comes to mind when hearing the term house paint. However, a wide range of alternative paints is available, and even within the realm of latex paints, there are many options and considerations when purchasing paint. One crucial factor is the impact and presence of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. VOCs are gases that many materials may emit, including chemical compounds that contribute to pollution and can harm health. Avoiding VOCs can be an essential step towards improving home and environmental health during the design and build process.

Fortunately, there are a variety of paint types suitable for a variety of needs and priorities.

Mineral Paint.
Mineral paints are a category of paints that use a mineral binder, typically lime or potassium silicates. Potassium silicate mineral paint can be an excellent interior paint for its natural makeup, endurance, and aesthetically pleasing attributes. When considering home health benefits, organic mineral paints typically have no VOCs and are permeable. Unlike acrylic latex paints, which can create a seal on walls once applied, the permeability of mineral paints allows air to travel, preventing moisture from being trapped in the walls and reducing the risks of mold and mildew. The mineral base of the paint also creates a beautiful quality of light, with color that responds to the lighting in the room, which can create an environment that is responsive to lighting shifts throughout the day. Because of their mineral base, these paints often respond similarly to concrete when interacting with other materials and substances, creating enduring benefits for the material and contributing to its longevity. As the paint manufacturer Keim notes, "Mineral paint systems are based upon penetration (silicification) of the binder into the substrate. A strong, permanent bond is created between the paint and the underlying substrate (e.g. render, natural stone, concrete). This potassium silicate binder is highly resistant to weathering, ensuring an extremely long-life protective finish, reducing the frequency of re-decoration cycles." 1 The material's rigidity makes it well-suited for masonry and most interior wall applications, but it may be less adequately suited for materials like wood or metal that may shift and benefit from a more flexible coating. Another consideration of the mineral base, particularly in bathroom or kitchen spaces, is that, like concrete, the color will darken when wet and resume its natural coloration once dried. When cleaning, it's best to soak and blot the paint gently to remove any marks or stains, as any aggressive scrubbing can polish the paint, leaving shiny spots on the surface.

Lime Paint.
Lime paints are very similar to silicate paints, with many overlapping qualities. The primary difference is that lime paints are often more of a wash and lack some of the more durable qualities of potassium silicate paints, requiring more maintenance over time. Limewash has a textured appearance and slight color variation, adding a lightly weathered, historied look that can contribute character to interior spaces. Like silicate mineral paints, lime wash is an excellent option for natural paint.

Milk Paint.
Milk paint is an organic option, favored for its non-toxic ingredients. As the name suggests, the paint uses casein, a milk protein, as one of its key ingredients. Milk paint is often sold as a dried pigment mixed with water shortly before use. Because of the powder base, the color of milk paint usually has less of a smooth consistency, which can be great when creating a more antiqued finish but is an essential consideration if hoping to achieve even color. Because the paint arrives in a powder, it's easy to personalize and mix colors by blending pigments, offering many opportunities for easy customization. Because of the paint's natural properties, it does not store well once mixed and should be used within a day or two after mixing. Milk paint has a matte, chalky finish, and the colors are often slightly muted, which can be great for achieving a historical aesthetic. The material is also helpful in creating a weathered look or an antique finish on furnishings. Milk paint is very safe to use and can be an excellent option for achieving specific aesthetic goals, though less durable than many mineral and latex options.

Chalk Paint.
Chalk paint is typically made with plaster of Paris or calcium carbonate and is water-based. The finish is very similar to milk paint's matte, soft appearance. However, it requires minimal preparation and applies easily to many surfaces. Unlike milk paint, chalk paint comes pre-mixed and not in a powder form and can be stored similarly to other liquid paints.

Acrylic Latex Paint.
Acrylic latex paints are the most common interior house paints. They are often selected for familiarity, durability, price point, and range of colors and finishes. While there are many benefits to using acrylic paints, they are derived from synthetic materials, significantly contributing to microplastic pollution, with many paint options impacting air quality. Parson's Healthy Materials Lab lays out some of these concerns in a blog post regarding paints, noting, "Most people know about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and know to look for no or low VOC acrylic paints. But other materials in acrylic paints like binders, pigment, and other additives are equally as toxic. For example, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)—a group of chemicals combined in acrylic paint for viscosity—are suspected endocrine disruptors, leading to hormonal dysfunction in humans and animals, and the disruption of marine life." 2 Many companies are now making an effort to address these concerns, with more companies offering no or low VOC options. More companies are also manufacturing hybrid paint options with high mineral content and synthetic binders.

Vegan Considerations.
If using vegan materials is a priority, it's important to look for companies or paint lines that explicitly specify that they are vegan-friendly. While options like milk paint may be more obviously non-vegan, some paints may use animal byproducts as an ingredient in their binders or pigments. Because there is often a more limited selection of vegan paints, it may be helpful to begin by first searching for vegan paints and researching the paint material and makeup from there if specifying vegan materials is an important consideration.

When designing an interior space, paint is an essential component, with considerations beyond color. With any project, it's important to consider personal priorities, research options, and sample products to learn what materials best align with goals and aesthetic tastes. With the wide range of paint materials available, there are now more opportunities than ever to find paints for a happy, healthy home.

1. "Benefits of Using Mineral Paints." Benefits, www.keim.com.au/benefits.html. Accessed 22 June 2023. 

2. "Paint: Acrylic vs. Mineral." Healthy Materials Lab, healthymaterialslab.org/blog/paint. Accessed 22 June 2023. 

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. 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).

California Barbie Style: Eco-Friendly Interior Design in Every Shade of Pink

Barbie is making a splash this year, with pink taking center stage in 2023. From Pantone’s vivid magenta to the classic Barbie pink, the high-frequency pinks of childhood seem to be a central component of many recent design trends. For many, “Barbie” conjures a specific time, audience, and aesthetic, defined by playrooms evoking cotton candy in color and spirit.

While there is much to celebrate about these pop-perfect, joyous spaces, there is ample room in the Barbie zeitgeist for a subtler, more sophisticated approach, with more takes on pink available than there are lines on Barbie’s resume. Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s color of the year for 2024 is a great example of tones that emulate the joy and fun of Barbie to create calm and nurturing living spaces. 

Paler pinks offer a softer variant of more vibrant Barbie hues as if filtered through a cloud of nostalgia. These quieter shades provide more versatility, both in a practical design sense and in their approachability to a broader audience.

Although pink is enduring enough to incorporate into long-lasting design changes, textiles offer an opportunity to swap out shades throughout the year. Textiles can influence how we read color in a space while providing flexibility. Layering pink through throws, pillows, and window treatments can create a more significantly pink aesthetic while pairing with more neutrals and earth tones keeps it more muted.

For those that may feel tentative about a predominately pink space, opting for pink as an accent color embraces the more playful elements of the hue without overindulging in whimsy. Paired with pale, dusty shades of blues, purples, and greens, pink can still have a daydreamy effect while feeling more grounded and grown up.

Because of pinks prevalence in nature, looking toward more organic points of inspiration can create a space that feels more soothing than saccharine. Soft, floral, petal pinks and peach tones can feel ethereal and calming. When using nature-inspired patterns, these hues feel intuitively integrated into spaces that evoke natural themes or utilize organic materials.

Using pink or peach to break up a neutral-leaning space can also add warmth and a sense of comfort.

While Barbie has historically lived in a world of synthetics, the “Eco-Leadership Team” Barbie set released in 2022 reflects the prioritization and growing importance of sustainability and environmental preservation. Many of us may desire a more nature-driven space, both in terms of aesthetics and ethics.

There are many ways to incorporate pinks while utilizing natural and responsibly produced materials. Using sustainably sourced and produced products and materials can be a great way to incorporate bright and playful energy into the space while supporting eco-friendly solutions.

Peaches and corals also achieve some of the vibrancy of pink with a more approachable edge. These pink tones can also bring out the warmth in cream tones and woods, creating an environment that balances energy with an inherent sense of coziness.

Coral tones are also an excellent option for a fresh take on coastal spaces, straying from traditional blues and teals. Warm coral shades feel inherently beachy and offer a play on pink that’s grounded in nature.

While subtler takes on the traditional Barbie pink are often more practical in shared spaces, kid’s rooms offer the opportunity to fully embrace the vibrancy and youthfulness of pinks, with layered pink tones creating depth and texture.

Using a more neutral pastel base on walls and furnishings can give bedrooms flexibility as kids grow older, while saturated pink accents lend a feeling of youth.

When paired with other vibrant colors, pink can contribute to a high-energy space, helping guide the eye throughout a room when displayed on a neutral backdrop.

The joy of Barbie has always come from a place of creativity and world-building. If there is anything to take away from the recent Barbiecore trends, it’s to embrace a sense of fun and creativity around our spaces, to craft homes that reflect ourselves and what brings us joy.

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. 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).

The Value of a Summer Spruce: Interior design tips to refresh our homes

Summer is a beautiful time to reevaluate and refresh the home. Spring cleanings can often be a time of resetting and purging, offering a clean slate to evaluate our homes come summer and assess any updates that can help add new life and vibrancy. Seasonal changes can help create a deeper connection to natural seasonal rhythms while offering space for change without requiring significant overhauls.

Here are a few of our studio's favorite ways to spruce up our homes for summer:

1. Fresh wallpaper.

Wallpaper can be a great way to create a new aesthetic with a single change. Introducing a bolder color or pattern can help to brighten and rejuvenate the space. Look to a favorite color, texture, or decorative item in the room as a starting point for selecting colors and patterns that will work harmoniously with the current design. Pulling themes from nature can help create a peaceful home environment while adding a sense of vibrancy and color.

2. Consider the kitchen.

While we often think of bedrooms and living rooms as areas where decor and materials are seasonally swapped, we often overlook the kitchen as a space that functions differently from season to season. It can also be an excellent time to reevaluate storage solutions or aesthetic updates that have been up for consideration. A fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware can help dramatically change a kitchen's look and feel.

3 Curate interior greenery.

With thoughtful curation, greenery can become a central aesthetic feature of home design. Plants that create a desired visual statement, like an indoor-friendly tree in a living room, and also suit the specific conditions of the room they're in, like moisture-loving plants in bathrooms, can help to ensure plants have lasting visual benefits and lifespans. Once plants and pots are selected, indoor landscapers assemble the arrangements and can continue maintaining plants over time to help sustain greenery.

4. Update window treatments.

Window treatments, while often overlooked, often significantly impact the look and feel of a home, providing a frame for both walls and windows and helping guide the eye throughout the home. New textures, colors, or patterns can help create balance or bring more focus to exterior views. Beyond updating the aesthetics of window treatments, opting to incorporate smart home technology can help capture the benefits of natural lighting and assist with temperature regulation.

5. Opt for art.

Hanging art on the walls or installing new pieces can be an excellent way to change the visual look of a home space. A large painting or sculpture can be an eye-catching focal point that reinvents a room. Gallery walls offer more variety and can create a more playful look or feel. Beyond artwork, favorite family photos can make for wonderful wall hangings. Working with a designer to select artwork or frames and assist with layout can help amplify the impact and intention behind these displays.

When looking to update the home space, sometimes a small update is all that is needed for a whole new look and feel. Taking the time each season to reevaluate, refresh, and rejuvenate the home can keep our interiors looking new and adapting to our changing needs throughout the year.

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. 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).

How Interior Design Can Facilitate Mindfulness and Reduce Stress and Burnout

Between post-pandemic issues, 24/7 work culture, and a pile-up of life stressors from the world around us, stress and burnout are at an all-time high. Mindfulness-based stress reduction has become a mainstream and accessible way to reduce stress and increase focus, energy, and overall wellness. The built environment in which we live impacts our stress levels and mental health. Interior design can play a vital role in facilitating mindfulness within our homes because interior designers are trained to understand specific design elements that encourage and cultivate mindfulness, creating a refreshing escape from the world outside. A thoughtful partnership with a professional interior designer can help facilitate a healthy, happy, and enriching home.

According to the World Health Organization, “Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.” (1).

The effects of stress and burnout are not isolated to the workplace. Day-to-day pressures in our everyday life, such as finances, caregiving, illness, moving, etc., can also contribute to experiencing burnout. Also, consider that many of us are working from home post-pandemic. A Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine study states, “Blurred work-life boundaries can make it difficult to detach mentally from work which can increase stress and anxiety.” (2).

So how can interior design create spaces that cultivate mindfulness in the home? Interior designers are trained to understand how our built environment affects us. Interior design is more than how something looks or a room is arranged. Designers are educated and experienced in considering environmental factors such as noise, lighting, air quality, scent, privacy, comfort, and how a space can impact our lives.

As Interior Designer Charisse Johnston, FASID, LEED AP, notes, “Professional interior designers not only understand the visual and tactile aspects of a space, but they go beyond the surface by understanding human behavior and physiology to create highly functioning spaces that support physical and mental wellbeing and performance.” (3). Empathetic and wellness-focused interior design can create a custom-made space to support us in the ways we need to live our best life.

Some design strategies to help us manage stress within the home include, but are not limited to:

A Dedicated Space. Consider including private spaces dedicated to practicing mindfulness, such as a wellness room. Devoting a room to wellbeing and motion can help visually illustrate the importance and value of wellness. Having these located away from busy areas is recommended to help create a relaxing and soothing environment.

Personal oasis. Explore a spa-like experience through luxury details such as soaking tubs and new technology such as aromatherapy shower systems. Essential oil showers are among the emerging wellness-focused sustainable design trends.

A clutter-free home. Removing clutter and opting for plenty of storage options can help facilitate an organized home and make a space feel clean and calm. There’s no one-size-fits-all organizing method, as figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle is paramount.

Clean air. Natural and organic materials for furnishings and finishes can help contribute to better indoor air quality.

A restful sleep. Look to weighted blankets to help achieve a good night’s sleep. A wellness-minded interior designer can help create a custom weighted blanket that suits your health needs and personal style to ensure an even better night's sleep. 

Including Biophilic design elements can be another valuable tool to help alleviate stress and burnout within the home. 

Biophilic design stems from our innate desire to connect with nature. Incorporating this into our home can be a helpful method to connect interior spaces to the landscape outside.

Consider the following strategies to help tap into the conscious experience of spending time in nature through biophilic design:

Natural prints and images. Explore a color palette inspired by the natural world, including natural and organic materials. Some of our favorite nature-inspired goods are from Kale Tree, the Matilija Poppy Wallpaper in Petal, and Mallow Textile Evening Mauve.

Bringing the outside in. Consider incorporating plants, natural imagery, and organic forms. Studies suggest that spending time in and observing our natural surroundings can help promote mindfulness and other health benefits. For example, bird watching can help improve wellbeing and mental health.

Natural lighting. Expanding access to natural light and maximizing access to window views of the natural landscape can help alleviate stress.

The environment in which we live can profoundly affect our ability to focus, our energy levels, and our overall wellbeing. Interior design can be a great tool to integrate and encourage mindfulness at home.

Works cited

1. “Burn-out An ‘Occupational Phenomenon’: International Classifcation of Diseases.” World Health Organization. May 2019. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases

2. Xiao, Yijing, et al. “Impacts of Working from Home during COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Well-Being of Office Workstation Users.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. March 2021. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7934324/

3. “It May Look Good On Instagram But You Want To Enjoy Living In It.” International Council Of Design. January 2021. https://www.theicod.org/en/resources/news-archive/it-may-look-good-instagram-you-want-enjoy-living-it

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. 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).

Japandi-Inspired Hideaway: Finding Calm in a Shinrin-Yoku Sanctuary

The latest iteration of Scandinavian chic that has been taking over Pinterest and social media is called Japandi design. By combining Japanese minimalism and concepts such as "Wabi Sabi" (finding beauty in imperfection) with the natural materials and functionality of Scandinavian design, Japandi design is "the perfect blend of function and form, focusing on clean lines, bright spaces, and light colors." (1). Although the term Japandi is a relatively recent trend, Japanese design has influenced interior spaces worldwide for hundreds of years, perhaps most notably through designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris. Many nordic designers also have an affinity for Japanese design due to their shared appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Japandi design often includes subtle color palettes, wood cladding, and large windows that incorporate biophilic elements within the home to create a tangible connection with the outdoors. These design elements perfectly align with this Californian home project, surrounded by peaceful, serene woodlands brimming with unique plants and wildlife. Living within this enriching environment inspires mindfulness and contentment through daily interactions with the natural world. The design concepts for this home project aim to maximize this experience by working with the beautiful views of the surrounding woods, mirroring this landscape within the home through natural materials, finishes, and imagery.

The kitchen features countertops, a backsplash, and a breakfast bar made from a unique brecciated marble slab, which has the appearance of being made from fragments of stone. This smooth, honed surface highlights the beauty within this natural stone formation that varies in color from cool blue-grey, warm peach, and pale mauve to deep graphite black. Ash wood features throughout this home project. Durable and lightweight, its straight grain is also visually appealing, pairing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability. Ash kitchen cabinets contain routed cabinet handles and an integrated beverage and wine fridge to create a clean profile that focuses on the natural beauty of the light honey-toned wood grain. The counter stools, made from a white oiled Ash, and upholstered with vegan leather, create a beautiful balance between sophistication and utility. The Ash has been cut and fashioned so that the grain of the wood is clearly visible, highlighting the understated beauty of this material.

The dining nook utilizes a large window that incorporates the beauty of the surrounding environment into this home project, flooding the kitchen with natural light. The floating table and benches made from blackened steel streamline with the black window frame, so they do not intrude on the picturesque view. The dining benches, upholstered in vegan leather, include dark grey toss cushions made from a cotton linen blend for extra comfort. The white ceramic bowl on the floating table has an organic shape and texture similar to a giant seed pod, bringing an element of the natural world into the space through its form. The nook is clad with Ash and features a hand-blown glass light inspired by Japanese paper lanterns, whose gentle, diffused light creates a tranquil dining space.

This alternative option for the kitchen features countertops, a backsplash, and a breakfast bar made from a stunning brecciated Italian marble slab comprised of cloudy white stone floating on top of a blush background intersected by grey-green veins. The stools, made from white oiled Ash and upholstered with pigmented vegan leather, incorporate rattan backing. This lightweight, durable, eco-friendly material works with the Ash wood finish of the kitchen cabinets to create a light and welcoming atmosphere.

In this option for the dining nook, the Ash table features a smaller ceramic bowl glazed with subtle lines that resemble tree rings or stone formations.

This option for the living room highlights the fireplace as the room's central feature. Its face has a patina of chevron-textured limestone, which connects with the custom-built hearth made from honed basalt. This durable volcanic stone has been used throughout antiquity to create sculptural works due to its smooth grain, durability, and satin finish. The hearth elongates into the corner of the room to form a window seat upholstered with a cotton linen blend textile. The tones of the fireplace carry through the grey sofa. At the same time, dark accents in the black tripod coffee table, wall-mounted console, lamp, and chandelier frame (made from wood and bronze) provide a sense of balance to the room's composition. The botanical painting in this image features a layering technique used by the artist to create the illusion of space, drawing you into this nature scene.

This view of the living room showcases where it connects with the kitchen and dining nook. In this option, the chevron-textured limestone's gray tones compliment the darker palette of the marble slab and the blackened steel floating table and benches in the dining nook. The warmth of the hand-tufted vegan silk rug harmonizes with the pine wood floor, grounding the darker elements within the room.

This option for the meditation room features large windows that create the experience of being immersed in nature. The unique glass pendant light was hand blown by a sculptor who creates functional objects inspired by natural phenomena. This light resembles the form of a cocoon, making a subtle reference to concepts of manifestation, rebirth, and regeneration within this meditation space.

Custom meditation pillows made from verdigris stone-washed linen create a gentle contrast with the soft finish of the pine wood floor through the subtle color variance in the textile.

This alternative option for the living room features a fireplace clad in matte white textured porcelain tile. The white plaster coffee table and artisanal bird table lamps made from iron and plaster carry this lightness of material throughout the room. The Oak and leather sideboard and chandelier made from natural wood and bronze create warmth which continues in the softer palette of a painting that depicts a foggy botanical scene. The light grey rug made from New Zealand wool or vegan bamboo silk incorporates an image of mangrove trees and grounds the darker grey tones of the sofa and honed limestone hearth.

In this view, we see the living room conjoining with the kitchen to reveal a wall of glass windows and doors with a beautiful view of the woodland outside. The white oiled Ash finish of the rattan-backed kitchen stools lifts the warm tones of the pine wood flooring into the room.

Here, the custom-built Ash shelving is installed on a limestone and powdered marble plaster wall, incorporating the warmth of the natural wood finish to create a lightness within the room.

The custom floor pillows for this version of the meditation room are made from a light grey linen cotton blend that harmonizes with the lighter tones of the living room.

The children's room includes custom bed-frames upholstered in a cotton linen blend, printed with a design inspired by the organic shapes of algae forming on rocks at the oceanside. There are two built-in closets in the back of the room, made from Ash, which complement the light finish of the solid oak and walnut desk and natural oak chairs at the front of the room. Two curtains made from organic linen at the end of each bed provide light filtration and the feeling of privacy. The black ceiling fan, woven wicker pendant lights, and closet hardware provide black accents that carry the highlight of the black door frame throughout the room.

View of the Ash built-in closets that provide ample storage space within the children's room.

A mudroom with a laundry cabinet features large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. The custom screens, made from Ash and natural rattan cane webbing, incorporate built-in vents to conceal the washer and dryer while in use.

Here we see the storage of the washer, dryer, and laundry behind the custom-made wooden screens. The laundry storage area features a black matte metal garment hanging rod above Ash cabinetry topped with polished terrazzo that features an array of grey and multi-tonal pinks and carries up to the back of the wall. The wall sconce features a hand-blown glass globe, cut and polished to resemble a precious stone or crystal. Suspended by a leather strap, this orb appears as if it is generating light itself, introducing a sense of alchemy or magic as it transmits light and color into the room.

Across from the laundry space is a matching cabinet containing space to store shoes and outerwear. These custom screens are made from Ash and natural rattan cane webbing to conceal storage when entering and exiting the home.

As an alternative cabinet option, this cabinet leaves one side for storage, with the other open to provide seating. The bench is upholstered in soft bouclé, perfect for removing or putting on shoes. The hand-blown wall sconce is suspended by a leather strap above this bench, illuminating the space. The bench toss pillow made from wool fabric features a digital print that looks like marble, adding comfort to the area while echoing material elements throughout the house.

This option for the main bedroom features large enveloping windows that immerse in the natural beauty of the outside environment. The extended bed frame, crafted from sustainably harvested solid oak, mirrors the natural finish of the Ash baseboards and wood flooring throughout the house. Floor-to-ceiling sheer white linen drapery offers light filtration and the feeling of privacy while preserving the beautiful view of the woodlands outside.

In this view, a sculpture made from dried California native plants such as Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat and White Sage hangs above the bed, reinforcing the connection with the natural landscape outside. The smokey brown blown glass pendant lights on either side of the bed hang from a natural fiber cord to create a textural contrast with the smoothness of the glass and a warm glow of light within the room.

The primary bathroom of this home project incorporates a sweeping natural view from a large window as the focal point. Free-standing mirrors are installed in front of the window, utilizing the ample natural light within the space. The counter and floor made from a honed speckled grey limestone slab work harmoniously with the mirror frames' matte black finish and bathroom hardware accentuating the space. The custom cabinets, pocket doors, and baseboards made from Ash anchor the room in the warm earthy tone of its natural finish. The ceiling light is made from Japanese washi paper and tarlatan fabric encased by a brushed stainless steel canopy. The sconces on either side of the room are hand-crafted through a specialized process in which liquid glass is blown into a folded and highly heat-resistant ceramic fabric vessel. This physical and conceptual reference to fabric brings a gentle, soft texture to the lighting within the room.

The grey limestone slab continues into the shower and bath, tiling the walls to create an immersive and relaxing space; the walls' limestone and powdered marble plaster finish contrast with the grey limestone to lighten the room. The gentle light diffused through the ceiling fixture creates the perfect calm to relax in the large white soaking tub. The wall niche is tiled with an etched marble mosaic design that resembles origami folds or falling leaves. The beautiful natural form of the teak wooden stool in the shower and the Ash baseboards bring the serenity of the woodlands into the room through their material's warmth and natural finish.

This design for the water closet features a grey-honed limestone floor. The niche under the cabinet features marble tile etched with a mosaic design that resembles origami or ginkgo leaves, echoing the touch of the natural world that is present throughout the home within forms, imagery, and materials.

Here the countertop in the main bathroom is made from a beautiful slab of polished onyx, combined with a grey marble floor tile with a subtle textured finish to create a lighter alternative for the main bathroom. The ceiling light made from hand-wrapped polyester ribbon visually references paper lanterns, echoing the light fixture in the dining nook. The translucent fabric creates a warm, diffused light that is complimented by the hand-cast wall sconces on either side of the room.

Subtle green mosaic tiles encase the shower to create a gentle contrast with the lighter tone of the textured marble floor. The color of these tiles works to lift the subtle green-grey hues within the onyx countertop. The polished stone mosaic tile in the shower niche features a decorative waterlily pattern that subtly references the meditative and restorative qualities of the natural world.

The water closet for this home project features a custom-built cabinet and baseboard made from Ash. The niche under the cabinet features a mosaic tile made from polished stone. This tile carries a tranquil lily pad pattern that subtly references nature's calming and meditative qualities. The wallpaper features an intricately drawn pattern inspired by pressed seaweed samples from the Victorian era .The design is then layered to form a subtle striping. This imagery brings a historical interlink between the natural and human-made world.

The beauty of the landscape outside our homes can manifest within interior spaces through design concepts that work with the natural form of materials, making room for them to shine. This approach, alongside mimicing scenery through biophilic design concepts, captures the emotional experience of walking through woodlands or viewing a beautiful mountain and integrates it into our day-to-day living. The result is a home space that inspires tranquility and mindfulness as it both shelters us from and connects us with the outside world.

Works Cited

1. Knierim, Ashley. “What Is Japandi?” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/japandi-design-4782478
   

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. 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).

Starting Slow: The Benefits of Mindful Design

An exceptional bottle of wine, a decadent meal lovingly prepared from local organic goods, a beloved heirloom quilt, or an expertly crafted handbag can bring a sense of wonder, pleasure, and appreciation into our lives. These items feel special because of the joy and beauty they provide and the skill, expertise, and time devoted to creating an exceptional experience or product. Care and quality are often accompanied by time, which can contribute to the rarity, meaning, and preciousness of an item or experience. Artisan products generally include more thoughtful processes, from sourcing high-quality goods and materials to engaging skilled craftspeople. This considerate approach leads to finer results and often to more ethical production practices.

In recent years, many of us have sought responsible options in response to our concerns about environmental, labor, and production impacts, seeking products and services that align with our personal ethos. The increasing demand for more thoughtful production and consumption led to the slow movement's popularity. Best known through the slow fashion movement, the "slow" approach intends to offer an alternative to fast production through a more thoughtful, beneficial, and considered approach, prioritizing ethical creation, consumption, and cradle-to-cradle technologies. The slow approach has also been popularized through the slow food movement, where similarly, all stages of the item's life cycle are considered, from the initial production steps to its use and the impact of any material remnants. This approach is often better for the environment, using processes that consider waste reduction and long-term consequences, and contributes to healthier lifestyles for those involved.

Slow interior design embraces a similar approach, applied to all stages of the design process. Sharing concerns around long-term sustainability and in an effort to make a positive impact both culturally and environmentally, slow interior design takes a more considered practice to the thoughtful planning of the home and the sourcing of materials. The immense benefits from slow design come from its holistic approach, through a slowly layered design process that focuses on long-term happiness over instant, but perhaps temporary gratification.

Recognizing the joy our home objects bring us, slow design offers the opportunity to dress our homes with cherished pieces that recognize and integrate the process of creation into the design. For something like a beloved wooden dining room table that may serve as the hearth of the home, considering the time behind the growth and care for the trees, their thoughtful harvesting, and the craftsmanship behind building the table can impart a sense of gratitude, connectivity, and beauty to the daily dining experience. Slow design encourages production that celebrates and respects the entirety of the creation process by ensuring the material's longevity in the new context, in part by creating pieces intended for a lifetime of love. Planning for long-term use may require thoughtful sourcing of natural materials, enlisting a craftsperson with the skills to craft bespoke furnishings, and the necessary time and consideration to finalize a design that will withstand shifting preferences and needs.

Slow interior design is a trusted recipe for creating an heirloom home, slowly and thoughtfully crafted with mindful intent and enduring materials. The investment in time and well-crafted and considered materials offers the benefits of increased personalization, superior quality, and the luxury of careful decision-making. Collaborating with artisans to develop one-of-a-kind pieces and allowing the home design to germinate organically can create space for the unique building of personal style, crafting a home that feels wholly individual and grows with the residents.

Many artists and craftspeople cherish their work and are knowledgeable about their wares, which can be valuable when items eventually need repairing or updating. Because of the intimacy of working with artisans, many will be willing to adapt furnishings to match changing needs, saving the items from needing replacing while still navigating shifts in preferences. Over time, working with a craftsperson may provide insights into our tastes and style, allowing them to make suggestions or develop ideas tailored to us and our homes.

Our homes can be an excellent reflection of ourselves, and treating them as works of art crafted with intentionality can be deeply personally fulfilling. An unhurried design approach expands opportunities for change and adaptation to daydream about the use of spaces or the look of an item and long-term goals for the home. Taking a thoughtful and deliberate path can build a sense of self, place, and a nurturing home environment, especially for those who may feel less decisive about their home goals. Taking time to craft our interiors also offers opportunities to envision the space and, in some cases, begin to experience them and adjust as needed.

During the design process, artists can create 3D renderings to help realize possible directions for the space and help visualize how they may feel. If mulling over multiple options, seeing the rooms in renderings may help imagine the lived possibilities more vibrantly before committing to construction. While renderings take time to develop, they will ideally lead to contentment around decisions while helping eliminate the "what if feeling" about alternative design paths.

Designing with consideration towards all past, present, and future stages of materials and home can provide a holistic method of interior design, creating spaces that radiate with care and are deliberate reflections of self. Slow design embraces home as who we are, emphasizing spaces exquisitely crafted through a thoughtful and considered process for the betterment of our loved ones, our community, and the environment.

The slow design movement offers a pragmatic, joyful, and ethical approach, reflecting a shifting sentiment toward long-term happiness and collective wellbeing.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by 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).

Expanding our Senses: Designing Positive Spaces Where Neurodivergent Individuals can Thrive.

Designing interiors that are sensitive to the needs of neurodivergent individuals places emphasis on the sensory experience of a space, taking a deep dive into the objects and components of a room, examining how each of them works together to create inclusive, supportive, and healing spaces that encourage better living. A wellness-based and empathetic approach integrates design concepts informed by an understanding of the characteristics of the autism spectrum and sensory processing challenges to create environments that nurture the development of independence and enrich individual lives.

Sensory Processing Challenges affect how the brain processes sensory information, making an individual more sensitive to stimuli that others are not. It can affect one or all of the senses. "Current estimates indicate that 5% to 16.5% of the general population"(1) and 1 in 20 children(2) experience Sensory Processing Challenges. Individuals within the autism spectrum can be hyper-sensitive to stimuli (sensory seekers) or hypo-sensitive (sensory avoiders). Sensory seekers often create their own sensory stimuli, either for pleasure or to block out unpleasant sensory information, while sensory avoiders appear under-responsive, certain sensory information goes unnoticed, or certain senses are impaired.

A recent publication, "Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders," written by academics and educators Kristi Gaines, Angela Bourne, Michelle Pearson, and Mesha Kleibrink "draws on the latest research in the fields of environmental psychology and education to show how architecture and interior spaces can positively influence individuals with neuro diversities.”(3) Many studies and theories investigate the built environment's effect on us. Environmental Preference Theory is based on the idea that people prefer engaging and involving spaces rather than simple and boring ones. Engaging environments are essential for the self-actualization of individuals on the Autistic spectrum.

The Environment Behavior Theory states that behavior is a function of the person and their environment. This theory suggests that behavior comes from within an individual and is heavily influenced by the environment. This stresses the point that individuals on the Autistic spectrum should live in environments that are designed to support them positively. Architects and designers can help ease stress and irritation caused by incoming stimuli by creating organized, well-defined spaces that modify factors such as color, lighting, texture, sense of closure, acoustics, and ventilation, depending on the individual's needs.

In 2019, the architectural firm HKS conducted a research project where they developed a sensory well-being hub for adolescents with developmental disabilities. One of their outcomes was that "Design should support a range of sensory stimulations, from active to respite, and across modalities."(4) "Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders"(5) explores some ways in which spaces designed for children on the autistic spectrum can foster and encourage independence. The ideal home environment for a child on the autistic spectrum considers how to accommodate sensory needs and help prepare them for challenges they may face in everyday life as they grow. Including children in the decision-making and consulting about their preferences and needs is an important part of the process that helps them self-actualize and consider incorporating particular objects/subjects they are interested in into some aspects of the design of their home. Design elements that improve an individual's ability to navigate a space can foster empowerment and independence. Some of these include: Clear sight lines for wayfinding, definable forms, and surfaces; Contrasting colors or textures to indicate the intersections of spaces; Clarifying the intent of visibility through color, contrast, and placement; Creating a sequencing of spaces.

"Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders"(6) suggests that spaces laid out in orderly and predictable ways can create an environment that enables individuals within the autism spectrum to thrive. For sensory-seekers, creating spaces that encourage play in which they can touch, feel, taste, and smell that contain open spaces with unobstructed views for easy parental/adult supervision creates a space where they can learn what is safe while still being themselves.

The compartmentalization of spaces is also recommended because dedicated space for specific activities can help maintain daily routines. Think about dividing areas into zones, each with only one function or activity, so that individuals begin associating activity with a particular area, easing the transition between activities, protecting routine patterns, promoting predictability, and improving wayfinding. Open spaces can be organized using furniture arrangements, colors, and finishes. Consider creating a distinguishable difference between sleeping/study and play areas. For example, "inactive" spaces are bedrooms or quiet living areas where a child can sleep or do homework. "Active" spaces allow the child to explore and play freely. Also, consider making adequate storage available in every room to ease stress over environmental changes, such as when an item is moved from one place to another. Items can be stored in bins, baskets, boxes, or drawers instead of open shelves.

A child with hypo sensitivity (sensory avoiders) can frequently only see the outlines of objects, cannot visually perceive the texture or weight of objects, and often loves bright colors and sunlight.(7) Some design practices suggested in "Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders" concerning space planning for sensory avoiders include considering the use of contrasting colors to increase visibility. For example, painting walls in different colors can help the individual distinguish the room's corners. Walls can also be a different/contrasting color than the furniture, etc., to help the child to see them in space. Painting borders around a door a different color from the walls can also help distinguish doorways and improve wayfinding. Lighting systems that incorporate different/changing colors and the quality of light selected can benefit individuals with photosensitivity. Consider the impacts of LED or fluorescent light and utilize indirect light within the space. Window coverings or window films can help to regulate light effectively and create a calming space.

Engaging in "hands-on" work is also important for sensory avoiders because it provides tactile connections and positive sensory feedback, helping individuals develop a deeper connection to what is happening in the environment around them. Furniture with different textures can provide tactile sensory satisfaction, as do soft environments. Factor in furniture and finishes that are durable and easy to clean. Weighted blankets can aid in creating a calming experience and be custom designed in natural and organic materials.

It is also important to consider the acoustic qualities of a space when designing for children on the autistic spectrum. Think about using soft materials that absorb noise in an area designed for children with hypo-sensitivity. Soundproofing and avoiding hard surfaces on walls, floors, and ceilings can reduce noise and reverberation. Acoustic wall tiles could also be helpful.

It is also essential for designers to think beyond the five senses. Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses are often described as "hidden" or "inside" senses. Proprioceptive senses relate to our body awareness, where our body parts are, and how to coordinate them with actions such as holding, pushing, pulling, or lifting(8), while Vestibular senses relate to balance and bodily position, which help us move smoothly through space.(9) "Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders"(10) suggests ways in which neurodivergent experiences of the Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses can be accommodated through design. Ensure that stairs are easy to navigate by applying different materials, textures, and senses that will help the individual connect their thoughts and feelings to where they are in space. Consider including only rounded edges within the space and making transitions between different floor levels and surfaces obvious using contrasting floor materials such as carpet, wood, contrasting finishes, and colors. Interiors made up of defined forms and shapes that profile the perimeter of a space can also help a person overcome these challenges. Floor and ceiling moldings to outline the perimeter of the space at the floor and ceiling level can provide spatial clarity. Hammocks, rocking chairs, and swings can also accommodate a hypo-sensitive individual's desire to move constantly.

Creating an environment that manages and eases stress is essential. Biophilia is our innate desire to connect with nature. Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements into the home (through color, material, imagery, etc.) makes them more appealing to us and brings some of the health benefits of spending time outdoors into the home. Natural imagery such as clouds, a bright blue sky, or bright yellow sunlight can appeal to hypo-sensitive needs. Access to nature, healing gardens (plants/garden activities on patio/balcony), and symbols of nature can contribute to reducing stress, and studies suggest that direct experiences of nature can enhance cognitive processing.(11) Creating a small garden can contribute to the child's well-being by improving a sense of self-worth, providing different tactile and visual experiences, and acting as a direct source of nature. A water fountain or bird feeder can also contribute to the child's development, providing sensory or tactile satisfaction through natural elements.(12)

An empathic, holistic, and mindful approach to interior design encourages us to expand our sensory understanding of the world, reconsidering our experience of space, color, and material to promote authentic living, empowerment, and wellness amongst diverse individuals.

Works Cited

1. Miller, Lucy Jane, et al. “Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.” Occupational Therapy International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Nov. 2017,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733937/#:~:text=Current%20estimates %20indicate%20that%205,(ADHD)%20%5B4%5D.
2. Lumiere Children's Therapy. “Child Therapy: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder.” Lumiere Children's Therapy, Lumiere Children's Therapy, 26 Feb. 2018, https://lumierechild.squarespace.com/lumiere-childrens-therapy/2017/02/06/child-therapy-understanding-sensory-processing-disorder.
3. Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
4. Nanda, Upali, et al. “Sensory Well-Being for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: Creating (and Testing) a Sensory Well-Being Hub.” HKS Architects, 26 Oct. 2022, https://www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/reports/sensory-well-being-for-adolescents-with-developmental-disabilities-creating-and-testing-a-sensory-well-being-hub/.
5. Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
6. Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
7. Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
8. SC;, Proske U;Gandevia. “The Proprioceptive Senses: Their Roles in Signaling Body Shape, Body Position and Movement, and Muscle Force.” Physiological Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23073629/.
9. The Vestibular System - Neuroscience - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10819/.
10. Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
11. Stenfors, Cecilia U D, et al. “Positive Effects of Nature on Cognitive Performance across Multiple Experiments: Test Order but Not Affect Modulates the Cognitive Effects.” Frontiers in Psychology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 July 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616085/.
12. Yanez, Ruddy E., and Bronwyn S. Fees. “Preschool Children’s Biophilia and Attitudes toward Nature: The Effect of Personal Experiences.” International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, vol. 5, no. 1, 2017, pp. 57–67.

Further resources

1. Designing Inclusive Healthcare Spaces to Support Neurodiverse Populations. https://www.iands.design/healthcare/article/21546047/designing-inclusive-healthcare-spaces-to-support-neurodiverse-populations.
2. HKS HKS is a global firm of architects, et al. “How to Build a Sensory Well-Being Hub and Sensory Cocoon: An Open Source Instruction Guide.” HKS Architects, 26 Oct. 2022, https://www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/reports/how-to-build-a-sensory-wellbeing-hub-and-sensory-cocoon-an-open-source-instruction-guide/.
3. “American Society of Interior Designers: ASID.” Impact of Design Series, Vol. 9, https://www.asid.org/impact-of-design/hks-sensory-wellbeing-hub.

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. 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).

Emerging Kitchen and Bath Trends for Wellness-Focused Sustainable Design

Smart home sustainability and wellness are in focus for kitchen and bathroom design. The annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) welcomed interior designers, architects, kitchen and bath designers, custom home builders, and remodelers to get an early look at the kitchen and bath design trends that will rise in popularity in the coming year. This year's exhibition highlighted key trends, including bold colors and enhanced wellness features. There are many ways to refresh our kitchen and bath spaces, whether it's time for a complete remodel, fresh paint colors, or a new appliance to improve our daily lives.

Bold Colors: Embracing the power of color in kitchens and bathrooms was widely featured in creative displays. While cool tones are a more traditional choice, warm mid-century era shades are still in vogue, with an emphasis on color blocking to add a layer of interest.

Essential Oil Showers: Aromatherapy systems were abundantly on display. Showers can be transformed into a spa-like experience with the use of aromatherapy systems that inspire ritual through the use of essential oil mists.

Cradle to Cradle Certification: Interior designers showed increased interest in human-made stone comprised of recycled materials, with the Cradle to Cradle certification as a quarried stone alternative for countertops and shower walls.

Water Smart: From shower systems designed to prevent water waste by capturing, cleaning, and recycling excess shower water to wireless soil sensors for sprinkler systems that can calculate how much water a garden needs, sustainability remains a top priority in home design.

Clutter-Free Home: Sleek appliance options such as a touchpad induction cooktop allow for a simple, clutter-free kitchen by omitting burner grates and range control knobs. Ultra-modern shower setups with wireless touchpad controls and personalized temperature settings focus on function and form without bulky plumbing fixtures.

Sensible Style: Functionality and beautiful design belong together. Chef sinks can be a practical yet aesthetic design choice that allows food prep and cleaning accessories to be in one place. Stylish and versatile, chef sinks are an ideal option for those with smaller kitchens who prefer spending more time cooking and less time cleaning. 

The annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show gives attendees a glance into what technologies and trends will emerge in the upcoming year. As we look ahead, the spotlight is shining on all things colorful, wellness-centered, sustainable, and functional.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional well being. 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).

The Natural World Within Luxury Home Design.

We can harness the beauty of nature within our homes in subtle and luxurious ways. Material and form combine within this home project to capture components of a beautiful experience within nature, such as the golden glory of a sunrise, a leaf floating in the wind, or the fresh lightness of bubbles in the ocean.

The primary bedroom for this home project features a dusty pink color palette in the upholstered headboard, rug, sofa cushions, and drapes. This color scheme, reflected in the large abstract painting that hangs beside the bed, works harmoniously with the tones of a recessed architectural feature in the ceiling. A dramatic pendant chandelier made from hand-blown textured glass and brass hangs in this recess. Inspired by organic shapes and textures of the sea, it resembles bubbles floating elegantly in space. The wrap-around upholstered headboard creates a sense of privacy and comfort. To balance this expanse of upholstery, the exposed timber bed frame made from Danish oiled walnut gives the bed a feeling of lightness within the room.

This view of the primary bedroom showcases the fireplace and ornate closets. A hand-tufted silk rug breaks up the darker tones of the Danish oiled walnut bed frame and hardwood floor. Rectangular, wall sconces made from glass and metal hang on either side of the fireplace; the fog finish glass produces a warm, diffused light within the room.

In this option, the black and white marble coffee table creates a dramatic focal point underneath the draped chains of the hand-blown glass chandelier. These darker tones, alongside the grey textile of the custom curved sofa, create a point of contrast that grounds the dusty pink highlights around the room.

A spare bedroom is transformed into a luxurious dressing room. A fantastical space dedicated to preparing for special events and the display of treasured fashion items.

This option for the dressing room features a custom built-in vanity, closet, and shelving. The closet features glass doors flanked on either side by multiple shelves that create a retail-like environment. The shelving and vanity countertop is made from a beautiful slab of Quartzite, which harmonizes with the tone of the custom-built island in the center of the room. This island features a framed glass top and bronze base. Bronze accents carry throughout the space in the vanity chair's cast legs, the drawer hardware's bronze patina, and the hand-cast satin bronze legs of the vanity bench. The generous, plush seat of the vanity chair is upholstered in Boucle, providing a soft, luxurious, and inviting texture. These seating options are tied together with a plush, faux sheepskin area rug whose thick pile and organic shape bring warmth and softness to the floor.

The chandelier presented in this option for the dressing room is a series of organic shapes that resemble flower buds, made from hand-blown glass and metal. The amber tone of the glass ties in nicely with the vanity drawers made from Danish oiled walnut. The custom-made wall mirror features a honed stone inset and brass frame, which connects with the material elements of the vanity counter and shelving throughout the room.

This viewpoint of the dressing room features a floor mirror with an iron frame and antique brass finish, as well as additional built-in shelving to display shoes and accessories as if browsing in a luxury boutique.

In this option for the primary bedroom, the color scheme of the headboard, sofa, cushions, and drapes is a lighter, creamier shade of pink. The shape of the gold-polished stainless steel suspension lamp, which hangs from the decorative recess in the ceiling, is reminiscent of floating abstract leaves. The hammered patina of this fixture creates a plant-like texture that gently reflects light around the room. The bronze wall sconce above the bed also features a subtle texture that resembles the imprint of a leaf. Its golden oval is mirrored in the colors and shapes of the abstract painting that hangs beside the bed.

Here, the hand-tufted rug has a subtle rose tint that harmonizes with the room's lighter, creamy pink highlights. It also features a faint decorative floral pattern that echoes the botanical influence of the leaf-shaped suspension lamp and textured wall sconces.

This view features golden oval wall sconces on either side of the fireplace; their bronze patina reflects a warm, rich light reminiscent of a sunrise. This light is captured by the textured surface of the leaf-shaped gold polished stainless steel suspension lamp, creating a warm golden glow throughout the room.

This option for the dressing room replaces the exposed shelving with a fully enclosed custom-built closet with glass doors. The island in the center of the room has a green tint and brass base, which ties in with the brass accents in the art deco dressing table and the soft gold legs of the creamy boucle bench. Incorporating leather alongside walnut and brass in the dressing table creates a pleasing tactility that softens the hardness of the other materials. This softness carries through in the vanity chair, which is upholstered in bouclé fabric and features a vast circular backrest.

In this option for the dressing room, the circular pendant chandelier features unique, handmade slabs of clear glass with abstract white swirls within them. Each piece of glass looks organic, mirroring the room's round white shapes. The custom-built shelves that wrap around the corner of the closet are made from a beautiful Onyx slab, whose natural pattern echoes the smoky white swirls of the glass chandelier.

This option visualizes how the glass doors of the custom closet provide another source of light within the room. This lightness continues in a large floor mirror framed in bone, antique brass-finished metal, and mango wood.

Concepts and materials from the natural world often bring mindfulness and contentment into our homes. With this can also come luxury, creating a dream level of comfort and style that brings glamour and excitement into our everyday experience of a space.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Wellness Interior Designer Achieves California Naturalist Certification

Ladder-backed woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Sarah Barnard, Interior Designer, LEED AP, and WELL AP, has achieved a Naturalist certification through the UC California Naturalist program.

Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

In partnership with the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and UC Davis, the program offers an opportunity for California residents to study the state's diverse ecology while becoming engaged in its preservation. The course educates and encourages a range of environmental advocacy through a series of lectures, field experience, community engagement, and group projects. Working closely with local nature centers and resources, Naturalists learn more about their local environment and engagement opportunities.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) granary. Redbox Picnic Area, Angeles National Forest, California.

The course explores topics ranging from local insects, birds, mammals, grasses, and flowering plants to the impacts of fire, development, and invasive plant species, focusing on the importance of biodiversity as a foundation for our environmental health and wellbeing. As an extension of the course, Barnard was inspired to support the Sierra Club's "Stop Clearcutting" campaign to highlight ecological destruction and the necessity of protecting biodiverse environments.

Cyprus tree branch (Subfamily Cupressoidae) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Clearcutting involves logging natural forests, replacing a diverse range of plant life with a monoculture of trees inferior to the supportive ecosystem of a healthy, biodiverse forest. Removing and replacing existing forests can increase wildfire danger, accelerate climate change, degrade water, and threaten wildlife.

Burned tree located in the Redbox Picnic Area, the site of the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest.

Utilizing her skills as an artist in support of the mission of the Sierra Club, Barnard hopes to draw attention to the hazardous environmental impact of clearcutting by contributing photography to the campaign, including California flora, fauna, and funga from Sequoia National Park and the Angeles National Forest. She will be continuing to document forests, bodies of water, and wildlife for the organization throughout the coming year.

Introduced Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) behind a burned tree located in Angeles National Forest, California.

Barnard's practice and work focus on a holistic approach to wellness and sustainability. Her work as a naturalist supports her interior design intent, creating spaces that celebrate nature while considering its preservation.

Burned Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

"I've always understood the complexity of our ecosystem and how one living thing may affect another. However, I underestimated the staggering extent of loss that has already occurred and how essential land preservation is as a foundation for greater natural preservation. While we can and should advocate for protecting crucial wildlife like birds, butterflies, and bees, a thriving and protected ecosystem is a necessary underpinning for all natural preservation. I felt drawn to the Sierra Club's prioritization of land conservation in their Stop Clearcutting campaign and their efforts to educate and advocate."

Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

Barnard advocates for environmentally compassionate design as part of a conscious and inclusive process. She shares her passion for the environment and encourages sustainable design practices through her writing, speaking engagements, and Kale Tree, where she develops sustainable home goods and furnishings.

Wolf Lichen (Letharia vulpina) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) located in Los Angeles, California.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by 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).

Creating a Safe Space for Neurodivergent Children to Thrive

A home is a place of rest and comfort, providing a sense of belonging. It is full of elements that we interact with daily- texture, lighting, furniture. A beautiful aspect of being human is that we all have unique experiences with these tactile elements. Even better, we can design our home these elements to facilitate more comfort and joy. Lately, our studio has been thinking specifically about how home design can improve the experience of Neurodivergent children within their own homes. 

Our health and wellness-focused interior design studio works with families to create soothing spaces that support everyone in the home. We've found that boosting the wellbeing of a child will, in turn, increase the wellbeing of the parents and care providers. When we hold space for our loved ones, we can begin to find ways to coexist with peace and ease. It's critical to understand that no singular solution works for everyone, so facing challenges with empathy is key to understanding the unique needs of the child and family. We approach building healing spaces through human-centered home design modalities, prioritizing human interaction with the built environment. For children who may struggle to communicate their needs verbally, it is essential to create a healthy and comfortable environment to support their mental, physical, emotional, and sensory wellbeing. 

Some ideas on creating a safe space for a neurodivergent child to thrive: 

Offer Choices. Through adjustable and adaptable features, you can empower your child by offering choices to meet their needs. 

● Adjustable, thoughtful lighting: Dimmer switches can offer autonomy and create a customizable experience to meet a child's shifting needs. 

● Reconfigurable furniture: an interior designer can help create a layout suitable for furniture that a child can freely rearrange themselves. Modular seating, for example, is easy to customize and move within a space to suit the ever-shifting needs of everyone in the household.   

● Privacy vs. open space: Consider a bed with curtains or a canopy to offer a safe, private space for a child to find comfort and solitude.  

Make it intuitive. Designing an intuitive space can help your child interact with their environment, providing a greater sense of comfort and independence. A great example of this at work is at the Bancroft Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus in New Jersey. KSS Architects created visual psychological cues throughout the campus, such as a sensory trail and specific textures and colors related to designated spaces.[1] 

● Utilize visual cues. The rug pictured above brings in references to the natural world while creating a known pathway and added safety in shared spaces. 

● Create spaces designed to help with transitions utilizing psychological cues. For example, if your child is hesitant to go outdoors, consider a sunroom with expansive views to the outdoors so they may watch from a safe space until they are ready to go outside.  

Consider materials. 

● A home designer can help you source high-quality materials that can withstand heavy handling and potential emotional episodes. 

● A highly sensitive child might also be sensitive to odors from adhesives, stains, paints. Wellness-focused home designers can help source non-toxic low/no VOC materials. 

● Thoughtfully selected textures and colors can create a soothing, tactile experience. Individuals respond to textures and colors differently, so it is best to utilize samples to assess the physical response between the residents and any proposed materials.  

Keep the senses in mind. 

● Appeal to unique sensory needs. Because neurodivergent children may have different sensitivities that fall under hypersensitive or hyposensitive, the interior design team should work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to create an individualized strategy. 

● Weighted blankets can aid in creating a therapeutic experience for a child. Our studio has worked with families to design custom weighted blankets in natural and organic materials. 

● A well-designed bedroom or playroom can incorporate sound-reducing walls. If you are not ready for remodeling, consider acoustic panels, white noise machines, or heavy, interlined draperies to customize the sound experience. 

● Many people have specific sensitivities to color temperature. Our studio recommends the residents experience and respond to the proposed color temperature of the light before installation. Consider an "all off" switch for the power in each room, which turns off all power to provide ease for a child sensitive to hums and electromagnetic waves. 

● Incorporate artwork: Art can help influence our emotional experience, as viewing art can have mood-boosting effects. Curate a positive experience for a child by selecting artwork that considers their interests. 

Incorporate Biophilic Design. 

Biophilic design aims to make healthy and comfortable interiors by meaningfully incorporating natural elements into our home design and work environments. We've found that the healing power of the outdoors is one of the best ways to facilitate a healthy environment. Healthcare studies have reported that exposure to nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, provide pain relief, and contribute to healing and recovery from illness. [2] 

● Utilize nature within the child's space. You can do this using indoor plants, decorating with found objects from nature, or sourcing furniture made from natural, sustainable materials. 

● Evoke a sense of nature through items like art, wallpaper, or other nature-inspired decor items. 

● Consider designing a room with a view of the outdoors so your child can observe and respond to natural processes like the shift of daylight or changing seasons. 

We know that home design can help support a healthy, happy environment for growing children and that personalized supportive environments can be especially helpful for the wellbeing of neurodivergent children. The CDC has estimated that one in every 42 boys and one in every 189 American girls are on the Autistic spectrum. Mindful and empathetic design practice empowers us to create spaces that provide comfort and inclusivity, encourage independence, and improve mood. Creating spaces that consider different needs reduces environmental stressors and triggers, maximizing space for children's strengths to shine. 

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. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

[1] Bancroft Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus in New Jersey is a learning center for individuals with neurological challenges, autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The facility was designed by KSS Architects and completed in 2017. [2] Robert Ulrich (1884) facilitated a study of patients recovering from gallbladder surgery and assigned them randomly to hospital rooms. All rooms had windows, though some had a brick wall view, where others overlooked a tree grove. The patients assigned to the rooms with the brick wall view had slower recovery times and greater dissatisfaction with their care than their tree overlooking counterparts

The Magic of Mangroves: Kale Tree by Sarah Barnard Design releases new rug for summer

Just in time for Summer, Kale Tree by Sarah Barnard Design is releasing an exclusive mangrove patterned rug honoring one of nature's greatest natural healers.

Crucial for sustaining a vast ecosystem, mangroves provide food and shelter for local wildlife and offer filtration. Found above ground but rooted in saltwater, the plants connect land and sea. Their presence improves water quality, particularly beneficial to coral reefs, another crucial ecosystem. Mangroves will also naturally absorb water when typhoons and hurricanes hit, serving as a protective barrier to those living near the coast.

Coastal development, farming, and industry are all contributing to a rapidly decreasing presence of mangroves. These plants are not only beautiful but offer incredible ecological support for a great range of life in the ocean and on land.

Kale Tree Shop is known for its dedication to the environment. Its newest summer collection highlights the value of this incredible plant life. Interior Designer Sarah Barnard, LEED and WELL AP, says, "As an environmentalist, I've always been inspired by coastal nature and am committed to its preservation. Mangroves are such an incredible natural resource." Sarah believes that the mangroves speak to the earth's ability to heal. "As humans, we have a role as stewards for the planet. We are part of a rich ecosystem, and acknowledging that relationship is a huge step in appreciating our earth through care and intentionality."

Beyond hoping to draw more attention to vital mangroves, Kale Tree Shop will donate a percentage of all net proceeds to the Mangrove Action Project. They are self-described as an organization that “empowers local stakeholders to mitigate mangrove stressors, and teaches them how to use mangrove ecology and biology to facilitate natural regeneration."

The rugs are available in several sizes, in 100% New Zealand natural wool or vegan bamboo silk, which offers a soft sheen. Two colorways, Land with warm mushroomy browns and Sea in soothing blue-greys, have neutral palettes pulled from two worlds the plant occupies. Each rug is made to order, and colors and sizing can be customized to fit individual needs.

Kale Tree Shop offers beautiful and unique home design products inspired by nature that acknowledge the need to care for our earth through conscious sourcing and material selections. In addition to the Mangrove Rug, Kale Tree offers a variety of home decor products, including abutilon-inspired wallpaper and textiles. Kale Tree's previous collections include its Moth Rug and a light inspired by its host plant, the ginkgo tree. Sarah is an avid birder and gardener, and her inspiration comes from time spent outdoors.

As the heat comes in and more and more people make their way to the beach, Sarah hopes the rug serves as a reminder to cherish our coastlines. The rug will be available through https://www.kaletree.com beginning June 21st to welcome in summer.

Sarah Barnard is the founder of Kale Tree and a creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has been quoted by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vouge, HGTV and many other publications.

Can the Design of Your Home Aid Recovery From Past Trauma? Research Says 'Yes'

As interior designers, we operate from an awareness that because we create the built spaces that our clients inhabit, we exercise tremendous influence on their lived experiences and the ability to make a tangible difference in our clients' mental, physical, and emotional health. (1) While it is easy to accept this as a given in more passive terms, there is an increasing necessity around the active, rather than incidental, cultivation of safe and healing built spaces. At Sarah Barnard Design Studio, we aim to bring an inclusive and trauma-informed approach to home design.

Between 1995 and 1997, Kaiser Permanente conducted a study looking at the health effects resulting from the trauma of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). (2) The parameters around this study were narrow, focusing primarily on abuse, neglect, and domestic strife, without including factors such as trauma due to racism, deportation, illness, or war. The study's participants were also far from a broadly representative group, with nearly 75% of participants identifying as White. Yet, even within these minimal boundaries, the findings were stark—approximately 66% of the study's participants reported ACEs in their personal histories.

If we consider the types of trauma the study excluded and the adverse experiences that occur in adulthood, the implications of this study are significant. It is fair to assume that traumatic experiences are widespread among adults. Particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental and emotional fallout of which we are only beginning to understand and measure, addressing the effects of trauma has taken on a new urgency.

Much of the discussion around trauma-informed home design has focused, understandably, on public and institutional contexts often directly connected with health and social services (3). As understanding around the way that physical spaces affect our mental, emotional, and physical health have expanded, so too has demand for spaces designed with health and healing in mind. Where once function and safety were the primary concern in, for example, mental health facilities, home designers are now looking at how to make these spaces soothing and restorative.

Knowing what we know about how widespread the experience of trauma is, it is reasonable to expand our thinking beyond institutional spaces and apply the principles of trauma informed practice to home design, as well as to the way we interact with clients. Our goal is to create spaces that manage the effects of trauma by reducing sudden sensory arousal, while also being actively healing and restorative.

This process begins with creating a safe and inclusive environment for our clients from a project's inception to completion. While it may be safe to assume that most adults carry some form of trauma with them, we don't know what a client's background is unless they feel safe to tell us. We aim to approach our clients with a sense of inclusiveness and sensitivity, allowing ample space to voice their needs. A certain amount of vulnerability and humility lies on us as designers as we hold ourselves accountable for maintaining this safe space for our clients. This accountability allows us to create homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also personalized and inclusive to each individual and their needs. As designers, we must keep an open flow of communication between ourselves and our clients, ensuring that communication remains understood on both ends. 

Creating an inclusive space starts with mindfulness and care around the way we communicate(4). There is no default listener. Our intention is to allow people from all walks of life feel heard and understood. We are committed to educating ourselves on inclusive language, as certain words may carry racist or ableist subtext. Finding alternatives to non-inclusive language is one component of this, and it helps to avoid language that presumes the ethnicity, gender identity, or experiences of the listener. To maintain our goal of holistic inclusion throughout our studio, we apply these communication values to our client interactions, internal conversations, and interaction with vendors. By holding ourselves accountable even out of sight of clients, we ensure that inclusivity remains a core principle of our studio.

Painting by Michelle Jane Lee

When we begin each project, our goal in taking a trauma-informed approach to home design and decorating includes finding ways to reduce sensory overstimulation. Sensory triggers can be hugely disturbing for neurodivergent people (particularly those on the autism spectrum), as well as people with chronic migraines, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alzheimer's, and other chemical or sensory sensitivities (5). Spaces designed with inclusion in mind for neurodivergence and disability will create an environment that feels safe for all users along various spectrums of need. However, even neurotypical people can experience stress from sensory overstimulation, impacting their health and emotional resilience (6). We address this need in home design by creating varied paths to shelter from intrusive sounds, odors, and light. In addition, we empower our clients to limit and customize their exposure to sensory stimuli (7). One way to achieve this is to create smaller sensory retreats within the home, balancing the calming quality of openness with the comforting sense of being enveloped. We use color psychology, textures, and other sensory elements to comfort our clients. Some of this may overlap with general design knowledge of what is considered calming, and some may be specific to each client's taste and sense of comfort.

Painting by Kevin Moore

Our goal as a studio is to create spaces where clients can relax and restore their senses. We achieve this in our projects by intersecting the client's sensory needs with their aesthetic tastes. There is much importance in including art in the spaces we design. At Sarah Barnard Design Studio, art is considered an integral part of home design. Great care is taken not only in the selection of art but also in how and where it is displayed. That said, while there are general notions of what makes a piece of art soothing for a viewer, from the color to subject matter. Ultimately, the most crucial factor is what the client wants to see every day. Clients will benefit most from seeing art that evokes a sense of calm or happiness; however, what that can look like varies widely from person to person. As designers, we offer our guidance and expertise in selecting art for the home.

We can achieve restoration through home design by providing access to nature and integrating natural themes into the spaces themselves. The biophilic design movement has focuses on making nature an integral theme in the home. Biophilic design has tremendous benefits for our emotional, mental, and physical health (8). Views of nature, particularly ones that provide a sense of continuity with the indoors and outdoors, can be one way to achieve this. Prioritizing the use of natural and organic materials can also promote restoration and wellness for our clients. A connection to nature can be undermined by toxic materials that are produced in ecologically harmful ways. On a more symbolic level, we can incorporate nature into an indoor space through organic imagery that evokes the natural world through shape, texture, and color.

Recently, our homes have become even more of a center point in our lives. For many of us, our home has become a workplace, school, and place for recreation all at once, increasing the need for therapeutic and restorative spaces within the home. Unfortunately, mental and emotional restoration has become harder to achieve now that our homes serve more functions than ever. As designers, we must be creative in our approach. We can create boundaries in the home without putting up walls, for example, using a screen to designate an area as a workspace, where the day's stressors can remain out of sight when it's time to relax. We can place extra care and attention into places in the home that offer privacy, letting them act as retreats from the rest of the living space. Thinking beyond a room's most basic function in this way can open up opportunities to create calming, restorative environments in less traditional spaces.

As designers, we have a tremendous opportunity to alleviate trauma by creating healing spaces for our clients while implementing a warm, understanding, and inclusive design process. We may never know or see our clients' struggles, but we can approach each project with empathy, compassion, and practical design knowledge to address their needs. As gratifying as having our clients appreciate our work, it is even more gratifying to know that we can make a tangible difference in their health and happiness.

Ceramic slug by Joseph and Marjorie Lake 

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. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).   

Works Cited

(1) https://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/OEO/training/2019/Trauma-Informed.pdf

(2) https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html

(3) https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/05/business/mental-health-facilities-design.html

(4) https://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/guidelines-inclusive-language

(5) https://www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/research/sensory-well-being-for-adolescents-with-developmental-disabilities-creating-and-testing-a-sensory-well-being-hub/

(6) http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/The-7-Principles/

(7) https://www.asid.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/8477

(8) https://www.fastcompany.com/90333072/what-is-biophilic-design-and-can-it-really-make-you-happier-and-healthier

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. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

The Healing Power of Interior Design: Design's Impact on People, Places and the Planet

Leading wellness home designer, Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP speaks as part of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Virtual Conference.

Transcript: Hi, I'm Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, LEED AP and ASID Ones to Watch Scholar. Design has the power to profoundly impact healing. As we collectively navigate this new way of living many of us face challenges maintaining our wellbeing amid trauma and chronic ambiguous loss. When we embrace empathy as the foundation of our design process we help to increase agency and reduce adversity. Together, we can make all built environments supportive, restorative spaces.

What’s Next? Design’s Impact on People, Places and Planet (Opening Keynote) and State of the Society. "ASID turns the traditional keynote on its head with a virtual, crowd-sourced program mining the best names in design as they explore the meaning of "Design Impacts Lives." Then join ASID leaders for the annual State of the Society address...Design has the power to impact lives and tackle challenges on a global scale. What’s next? Hear from those impacting design and those impacted by design in a collaborative keynote that shows the power of community in the digital age. This special, crowd-sourced program will highlight diverse thoughts from clients, end users, consultants, manufacturers, educators, students and of course, designers as we share what’s next for design and the personal stories demonstrating the impact the profession has on the people and world around us."

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. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Cosmopolitcal Design: A New Modality Harnesses the Connection between Home and Nature

With global society and climate in flux, mapping out new ways to live and create in the world has become an essential project. Amid the competing approaches to this transformation, the philosophical school of cosmopolitics, as its name suggests, addresses this challenge in a uniquely holistic way and presents an entirely new perspective on the human relationship with the world.

Albena Yaneva, in her introduction to What is Cosmopolitical Design?: Design, Nature, and the Built Environment, explains that “Cosmopolitical thinkers...see nature as no longer being unified enough to provide a stabilizing pattern for the experience of humans; it is not ‘out there,’ a simple backdrop for human activities.” Cosmopolitics distinguishes itself from cosmopolitanism by positing a relationship with nature and its non-human denizens defined by cohabitation rather than dominance. As Yaneva writes, “These thinkers abandon the modernist idea of nature as being external to the human experience—a nature that can be mastered by engineers and scientists from outside.” 

How does this cosmopolitical perspective manifest in the world of home design? To Yaneva, “It challenges design...to encourage the enactment of new relationships both within and potentially outside the designed space.” Cosmopolitical home design is deeply tied to its locality and integrated with its environment. Yaneva describes cosmopolitical design as “required more than ever to address the primordial question of what it means to live together. That is, the co-existence of humans and non-humans, of how they share space and find ways to live together in peace.”

Because the cosmopolitical way of thinking is so all-encompassing, the approaches to incorporating cosmopolitics into home design are fittingly varied and can be scaled to projects as vast as urban planning or as circumscribed as landscaping a backyard. Manifestations of cosmopolitical home design can range from home renovation with the local climate in mind (for example, placing windows for optimal warmth or cooling of interior spaces) to pollinator-friendly gardens teeming with plants indigenous to their region.

To interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, bringing cosmopolitics into her home design practice means cultivating spaces that are specific both to her clients and as well as to the local environment and that encourage an accord with the natural world. Sarah says, “Finding ways to harmonize the design of a space to a specific environment instead of working against it is both challenging and rewarding. When a designed space and its greater environment are fully integrated, the effect is almost easier to feel than observe.”

Sarah explains, “I always look for opportunities to create inviting connections between the indoors and the outdoors. This continuity with the natural world is beneficial for emotional and mental health—it’s not just a source of beauty but nourishment.” For an artist’s bungalow, Sarah created a visual continuity between lush indoor plant life and the garden outside, and then took it a step further. Sarah designed the outdoor garden to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The garden is a Certified Monarch Waystation, providing resources to support migrating Monarch butterflies by providing food, water, cover. Sarah said, “Designing homes for wellbeing doesn’t have to stop at the comfort of the client. Incorporating elements of design that nurture the local ecology deepen our relationship with nature and result in spaces that are unified with their surroundings.”

This particular expression of cosmopolitical home design can be achieved even with limited outdoor space. For an oceanview penthouse, Sarah transformed a balcony into an inviting habitat for local and migrating wildlife by adding potted olive trees and an herb garden. “Considering plants not just for their decorative beauty but also what they can offer to the local environment is a concept that works on virtually any scale,” Sarah says. To decorate the interiors, Sarah selected natural and eco-friendly furnishings and textiles, adding that “Organic materials have a gentler environmental impact, and from a wellness perspective, are kinder to the people who live with them.”

When selecting materials and furnishings for home decorating, Sarah often looks to her clients’ priorities to guide her approach to creating spaces that embody a cosmopolitical perspective. For one high-rise suite, the owner’s love of animals was demonstrated not only through the choice of art and decorative objects, but also wanted this care toward animals extended outside home design and beyond aesthetics. Sarah addressed this by using exclusively vegan materials and furnishings for this project. Sarah explains, “No space exists in a vacuum—every object and material we use has a footprint that goes well beyond the front door, so considering the story of the materials we use and the impact that they have on the world is a way to invite cosmopolitical ideas into home design.”

Sustainable materials can also have unexpected origins. For the kitchen of a historic craftsman bungalow, Sarah installed a countertop made of recycled beer bottles, a non-extractive alternative to a more traditional quarried stone countertop. “Not only is the material beautiful and environmentally conscious, but there’s also a little whimsy in how it reinvents something ordinary and adds character to the space,” Sarah says. The implications behind cosmopolitical home design may be weighty, but there is always room for playfulness.

“When I look at my work from a cosmopolitical perspective,” says Sarah, “I see tremendous opportunity for creativity. We are seeing our way of life change in real-time, and as a home designer, I’m lucky to be able to be a part of facilitating that transformation for my clients.”

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. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Universal Design: When to Incorporate Wellness Into Your Practice

Join Sarah Barnard at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year to discover how home design professionals can expand their practice into the rapidly evolving field of universal design.

Empathetic Expansion of Universal Design Strategies: Creating Inclusive Environments will explore how universal design can impact physical, mental and emotional well-being, the intersections of sensory sensitivities and cognitive overload, and how design professionals can develop a mindful, inclusive approach to creating public and private spaces.

Sarah Barnard will speak at the 2021 KBIS Voices From the Industry Conference, which will have both in-person and virtual components.

Both WELL + LEED accredited, Sarah Barnard is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable and restorative spaces deeply connected to nature and art. Her designs celebrate the natural world while contributing to its preservation. Sarah is an advocate for consciousness, inclusivity and compassion in the home design process. Through her speaking engagements, pro-bono work, and writing, she draws awareness to these critical design objectives.

When

KBIS from February 9 - 11, 2021
Voices from the Industry Conference, Session 3.3 on Tuesday, February 9 from 12:45–1:45 PM EDT

Where 

https://kbis.com/ 
Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

How to Attend

Register here.

About Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

The KBIS trade show allows participants to source the newest kitchen and bath materials from over 600 leading brands. It is the largest trade show of its kind and will host the Voices from the Industry Conference, which offers presentations, workshops, professional development courses, and featured speakers. 

For questions, please contact us at design@sarahbarnard.com

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP and LEED AP, designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Barnard has been featured in publications internationally and was named a "Ones to Watch Scholar" by the American Society of Interior Designers. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.