Interior Design for Grief
Our homes are reflections of who we are and the lives that we have lived. These environments take on a new significance for those of us who are coping with grief through the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change as we are surrounded by objects and spaces that retain the memories of a former time. The sudden loss of a home and possessions due to a natural disaster brings a different form of grief as we grapple with restarting and rebuilding. However, redesigning our home can be a powerful and hopeful step that helps us transition into a new stage of life as we process our grief.
There are many different forms of grief. Bereaving a family member or relationship, the onset of sudden illness, or injury are all significant events that can cause us to grieve our life that was. We all cope with loss in different ways, and the experience of processing grief is often not a linear path. As we move through this difficult time, a place or object may evoke memories that trigger waves of emotion.
While many of us may be familiar with the five stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance), some researchers prefer to conceptualize these as "tasks of mourning" (1) that can help us gain a feeling of control over the destabilization that loss can cause in our life. These Four tasks of mourning include: "Accepting the reality of the loss. Processing the pain of grief. Adjusting to the world without who or what we have lost. Finding an enduring connection with who or what we have lost while continuing to engage in new relationships." (2)
Continuing to live in the home that we once shared with a loved one can, in some cases, feel challenging, as being surrounded by objects and spaces that are filled with memories can trigger or potentially prolong our grief.
For those of us in mourning, reserving spaces and holding on to objects may feel like a way to maintain a bond with the person we have lost. Or, instead, we may have an initial instinct to get rid of everything that reminds us of those who are no longer with us, as the memories triggered by these objects and spaces are too painful. But this is something that we may come to regret once we begin to heal. Alternatively, redesigning our home, letting go of some of these objects, and keeping a selection of meaningful pieces can be a healing step in grieving. It helps us accept the reality of our loss, honor their memory, and create a new path for ourselves.
When we share our home with someone for a long time, the space itself can become flooded with memories. In cases where we would like to stay in the same residence but the constant stream of memories is too painful, a complete remodel can be an empowering step. It allows us to reclaim our home, creating a new space to process our grief and pave a new way forward.
For some of us, staying in the home that we once shared with a loved one may prove too painful to endure. In this case, the process of deciding what to take with us into our new life and what should be left behind can feel overwhelming. We may need guidance on retaining the things we loved about our old life without triggering painful memories.
Inviting family and friends to help sort through these possessions can transform this task into a source of support and connection during a difficult time. Alternatively, enlisting the services of an interior design team can take what may feel like an overwhelming situation and break it into smaller, more manageable tasks.
For those of us experiencing a divorce or break up, the spaces and objects that surround us may contain painful memories of those who have hurt us that continue to cause us pain and slow the process of moving on. For some of us, purging our home of objects belonging to or that remind us of our ex-partner can be a powerful first step in reclaiming the space of our home. Determining what objects share the space of our home with us can feel empowering, making space for objects that have a significant personal meaning to us and bring us joy.
When continuing to live in the same home that we once shared with a loved one, replacing communal items that do not have significant personal meaning, such as dinnerwear, towels, bedding, and artwork, can support our healing and help make the transition into our new life more real, as these new objects do not trigger a flood of memories or a wave of grief.
Objects that existed from that period and still have personal meaning may be rearranged or reimagined within our new home in a way that pleases our personal tastes and allows us to claim ownership over how they make us feel. For instance, a piece of artwork could be given a new prominent place in the home, or a piece of furniture could be reupholstered to better fit our personal style.
For those mourning the end of a relationship, changing the space around us by rearranging or redesigning rooms can change how a space triggers our memories. A home remodel can provide a time for self-focus and self-care, where we can truly evaluate what our personal needs are without compromise, creating a home that is just for us. Rooms or spaces once inhabited by our ex, such as a home office or reading nook, can be converted into whatever best serves us in our new life, perhaps a home gym, meditation room, or dedicated room for a collection. Moving plants, painting the walls a different color, buying new, or rearranging existing furniture can make a room feel less familiar and transition it from "our" space into "my" space, a place to make new memories.
For those experiencing grief from a sudden or significant change in life, such as illness, injury, or loss of mobility, being surrounded by interiors and objects that remind us of our life before this event can be a painful daily experience that hinders our ability to heal. Incorporating ergonomic design elements can create a highly personalized home that helps support us physically and emotionally through this difficult time. Custom design options that help facilitate accessibility and self-sufficiency reimagine our home to meet our new needs with comfort and support.
Kitchens and bathrooms can be redesigned to accommodate a seated user by incorporating custom sink and counter heights. Creating clear space under the sink ensures an unobstructed approach to the counter and ease of movement throughout the room.
Touchless faucets are easy to operate and have the additional hygiene benefit of a touchless surface. Cabinets can be customized to incorporate drawers with pull-style handles, making them easier to access than doors with knob-style handles, facilitating self-sufficiency and confidence in day-to-day tasks.
Installing a wheelchair-accessible shower with barrier-free entry creates ease of movement throughout the bathroom. Barrier-free showers have the same plane as the adjacent flooring, with no step, curb, or dam that would obstruct entry. Linear floor drains and grading can help maintain a level surface, and including a secondary drain elsewhere in the bathroom allows the entire floor area to be treated as a wet room. The shower should also be large enough to allow space to transfer to a shower chair and for the shower chair to turn around, facilitating freedom of movement.
When such changes may necessitate a home remodel to facilitate greater accessibility, updating our home's aesthetics alongside such changes can create a whole new space that supports our current and future selves. Some say the best way to work through our feelings is to feel them. We may wish to create a sanctuary of comfort and peace within our home to help process our grief. Automated lighting, window coverings, and design features that contain or mask environmental sound can all be customized and remotely controlled from a central system to create the ultimate environment of comfort and well-being with the push of a button.
The sudden loss of a home during a natural disaster leaves individuals and families grappling with immense grief and a profound sense of loss. A home is far more than just walls and a roof; it's a sanctuary woven with memories and an embodiment of our identity. When this is suddenly lost, the path to physical and emotional rebuilding can feel insurmountable, leaving us feeling displaced, powerless, and uncertain of the way forward.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, we may suddenly find ourselves in a new home, starting from the beginning. As daunting as this may sound, shaping our new environment can become a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Creating a home that fosters emotional support and comfort can allow one to regain a feeling of control. Personalizing a new space with meaningful objects, our favorite colors and other elements that resonate with us is not just a design choice but a powerful act of self-assertion. This can help reclaim our sense of self and create a new home filled with hope and resilience.
Thoughtful design can help restore our sense of safety. Trauma-informed design considers our emotional and sensory needs to create restorative home environments that can help support recovery from grief and trauma. Our sensory experience of sound, color, light, and touch within a space can significantly impact our mental and emotional health. Enlisting the services of an experienced interior design team can provide support and clarity throughout this process, ensuring that every aspect of our home is designed with our well-being in mind.
Incorporating salvaged items such as ceramic objects, metal cookware, or decorative porcelain dishes and objects into a new space can help maintain a connection to the past. These objects can serve as tangible reminders of happy memories while providing a sense of continuity and resilience.
The loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a sudden life change can profoundly affect how we experience our environment, as our homes are full of memories that have the potential to trigger painful waves of grief. Practicing self-care and mindfulness can support our mental and emotional well-being as we move through the process of healing. Remodeling our home to incorporate biophilic design elements such as a nature-inspired palette, natural materials such as stone and wood, textiles, and wallcoverings that incorporate biophilic imagery can contribute to creating mindful, supportive spaces within our home. Biophilic design draws from our innate desire to be within nature, aiming to mirror the mindful effects of spending time outdoors to help us find moments of calm and peace. Remodeling and reclaiming our home after experiencing a loss is a sensitive process that must be handled with care and compassion. We have planned home remodels after a sudden loss, illness, or accident and supported individuals through the difficult task of sorting through a loved one's treasured possessions with sensitivity, discretion, and empathy. Reclaiming our space after a painful event can be a healing part of the grieving process; with an experienced interior design team at our side for guidance and support, we can honor our memories while charting a new path for our lives.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
References
“The 4 Tasks of Grieving.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-nerd/201911/the-4-tasks-grieving. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Bibliography
“What Is Grief?” Cleveland Clinic, 1 May 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24787-grief. 0
PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. “Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss (PDQ®).” PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 June 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66052/. 1
Kademani, Maanasi. “How Does Grief Affect Your Body?” UCLA Health, 21 Feb. 2024, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/how-does-grief-affect-your-body.
“‘decluttering’ after Someone Dies: How and When Should You Do It?” Marie Curie, www.mariecurie.org.uk/talkabout/articles/decluttering-after-someone-dies/277411. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Mckeough, Tim. “That Home You Made with Your Ex? ‘Say Goodbye to Everything.’” The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Dec. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/realestate/renovating-after-a-break-up.html.
Longobucco, Alyssa. “How to Reclaim Your Space Post-Breakup or Just after a Big Life Change.” Apartment Therapy, Apartment Therapy, 16 Feb. 2021, www.apartmenttherapy.com/reclaim-your-space-after-a-life-change-36879162.
Verdugo Mountains Retreat: A Nature Inspired Home among the Trees
The Verdugo Mountains are a unique natural environment in Los Angeles County, California. This mountain range, surrounded by urban development, is an isolated pocket of nature with abundant trees, flowering plants, and wildlife. Sarah Barnard Design recently transformed a ranch-style home in this beautiful, serene wilderness.
The garden surrounding this home was generously planted to provide beauty and sanctuary for pollinators and local wildlife, such as lizards, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, deer, and many birds who are regular visitors. This outdoor space is progressively rewilding with California native plants alongside beautiful ornamental plants that hold personal meaning to the household and grow well in this region. This green space blends the built environment of the home with its stunning natural surroundings, fostering an ecosystem that cultivates joy and mindfulness into daily life through simple acts such as coexisting with birds in the garden.
The beauty of the landscape inspired many biophilic design elements within the home, which was updated to reflect a connection between the indoor and outdoor environment.
The living room features large windows that look out onto a collection of succulents and cacti, with a beautiful view of the (sometimes snowcapped) mountains.
The living room furniture combines modern and antique pieces, including a restored antique armchair, reupholstered with a deep green linen velvet, whose luxurious and varied texture lends itself to the age of the chair while connecting with the lush greenery outside. A custom-made ottoman seamlessly compliments the armchair's antique quality. Integrating vintage and restored antique pieces within this home allowed the design team to incorporate sustainable practices in the design process while infusing spaces with pieces that held personal meaning through historical connections.
This unique wooden coffee table was made by splitting an unmilled log of English walnut into two parts. Its live edge retains the organic form of the tree from which it was made. The entire surface is textured with chisel marks that poetically incorporate the process of hand-working the wood into its final aesthetic. The shape, material, and process in which this coffee table was made make a connection with the surrounding woodlands, bringing the tranquility of forest bathing into this living room.
The living room flooring, which continues throughout this home, is made from porcelain tile that has the appearance of White Oak wood. This tile creates a harmonious connection with the surrounding woodlands while providing an excellent eco-friendly alternative to wood, as porcelain is a low-impact, enduring material that is easy to clean and maintain.
A hazy, calming landscape painting by Peter Burega hangs over the living room sofa. The muted earth tones of grey, brown, and olive green resonate with the deep green of the antique velvet armchair.
A large, wool, flatweave area rug demarcates a soft space for the sofa and coffee table within the living room. This rug features a minimal brown geometric pattern on a natural beige background, combining a nature-inspired palette to bring aspects of the outside landscape into this built environment.
The brick fireplace was painted white, integrating it into the light and airy feel of the room. A rustic hearth surface was created in plaster, reminiscent of the organic patterns in the dry earth of a desert landscape. A 1970s vase from West Germany coated in a bronze-like glaze and layered with grey fat lava rests on the hearth, providing a harmonious link with the brown and white palette of the area rug. Its uneven surface and the organic application of the glaze give it a unique handmade quality.
A pair of contemporary marigold yellow armchairs with custom arch-shaped ottomans create an area of warmth that brings out the earthy-toned highlights throughout the room. These ottomans blend components of the natural and the contemporary world through their round organic form and furry boucle-like texture, which creates a cozy sensory experience. The triangular side table is part of a nesting set and features an orchid resting in a soda fired tumbler by Heather Cornelius.
A German-designed, hand-blown, smokey taupe glass table lamp sits on top of a mid-century-inspired console table made in collaboration with a skilled woodworker. This lamp's organic form was shaped by merging two glass spheres and retains the malleable feeling of molten glass to create soft, diffused lighting within the space. A large Kale tree (Polyscias Guilfoylei) in the corner of the room is one of many indoor plants in this home that create a lush connection with the serenity of nature.
The dining area features a restored mahogany dining table that has been in the family for generations. This antique table features a central column base with claw feet and Queen Ann dining chairs with a ball and claw feet. A Scandanavian-inspired chandelier hangs over the dining room table; its minimalist style draws attention to low-wattage antique filament bulbs as a visible design feature that creates soft, warm lighting. A yellow ceramic mid-century modern dish creates a pop of color in the center of the dining table, while a fiddle leaf fig and monstera plant create green space on either side of the dining area.
The existing kitchen was transformed by painting the cabinets a deep black green and replacing the hardware with brushed antique brass round knobs to create a contemporary woodland feel.
The nature-inspired color palette also highlights the beautiful green tones within the quartzite backsplash and countertops. Luxury upgrades such as a touchless faucet and an instant hot water dispenser create a sense of comfort and ease that encourage convenience and joy in the simple pleasures of cooking a meal or enjoying an instant cup of tea.
The scenic mountain views from the living room windows inspired Sarah to create a one-of-a-kind mosaic design for the entryway floor. This elaborate hand-pieced design originated as a sketch by Sarah, which she then translated into a series of templates for the intricate angled strips of wood-like porcelain tiles. These were then arranged to form mountainous shapes inspired by the hillside views from the property.
The entryway features an Italian-designed hand-blown pendant light made from two glass spheres, one clear and one blue-green, that rest on one another to resemble a dew drop collecting on a drop of water. The transparent organic form undulates downward, emanating white light from below and a soothing blue-green glow from above.
Artwork by Renae Barnard makes textural reference to organic forms within nature by building up the material surface of the painting to resemble cracked earth or moss. This work is installed above an artisan-made bench, crafted using the traditional Japanese process called shou sugi ban, in which wood is finished by charring, washing, and applying natural oils.
The vintage hall tree features a collection of nature-inspired objects such as a pink glass antique vase with floral motifs, a Japanese bronze lilypad dish from the 1940s, and an antique ink well shaped like an owl.
The trim throughout the home's public rooms is painted the same deep black green as the kitchen cabinets, carrying this soothing tone throughout the home.
The hallway walls, closets, and ceiling are painted in the same deep black green dispersed throughout the cabinetry and doorways of the house. This immersive use of color is intended to create a sensory shift as one moves from the white, light-filled living room to the quiet sanctuary of the primary bedroom. The molten glass shape of the ceiling light fixture emits a golden meteoric glow that reflects across the dark walls of the space. A runner made from hand-knotted wool creates a soft detail underfoot, dampening noise from footfall to create a peaceful connection with home areas designed for rest and rejuvenation.
This light and airy home office looks out onto the lush green backyard with a view of Oak, Pepper, and Acacia trees outside. The walls are painted in Gardenia, a warm off-white with a slight peach undertone.
The subtle warmth of this color is accentuated by a dusty pink paint color used to highlight the baseboards, door frames, and window casing. This joyous pop of color connects with the Dhalias, Calliandra Eriophylla, and Hibiscus located in the surrounding garden.
This space was designed with multiple ceiling light options to provide ample and adaptable working light regardless of changes in furniture arrangement.
The bi-level walnut tambour door desk, Danish-designed grey leather chair, and Danish-designed secretary desk made from Rosewood are all 1960s midcentury pieces. The secretary desk includes a countertop that can be extended to create more workspace. A wall-based sculptural work by artist Renae Barnard connects the built and natural environment by constructing an abstract nest-like form out of found materials tied together with yarn and twine and then concealed within layers of paint.
A globe floor lamp positioned next to a large worktable provides a contemporary redesign of the mid-century modern aesthetic. The table and harp-backed chair are cherished vintage items that have been in the household for years.
A potted variegated Abutilon and a hanging Pathos plant bring in the lush greenery of the surrounding garden to create pockets of tranquility within the workspace. The hanging baskets outside the office windows create a joyous break from work to watch birds nesting and hummingbirds drinking from the Fuchsia flowers.
The design team incorporated butterfly stickers onto windows throughout the house to minimize bird strikes or collisions, supporting local birdlife and creating a space to enjoy birdwatching.
The home gym features organic linen curtains that frame windows looking out on the serene woodland.
The custom meditation pillow is made from the Kale Tree Matilija Poppy textile in Midnight, bringing this beautiful California native wildflower indoors in a palette harmonious with the home gym door. Elegant hardware is incorporated throughout the house in flat black with crystal disc knobs.
A mid-century-inspired wall sconce sits above a vintage burl root mirror shaped like the hollow of a tree.
The existing cabinets were updated with deep black green paint and round brass hardware with black U-shaped pulls.
The existing vanity was repurposed by painting it charcoal gray and installing new artisan-made hardware. The pewter finish of the leaf-shaped hardware creates a subtle nature reference. An Andy Warhol print of a green cat creates a pop of color in the room.
White linen curtains frame the bathroom window, and a pollinator house is installed outside. A pollinator house consists of a series of bamboo tubes designed to create a habitat for bees and insects, helping to support a biodiverse pollinator population within the household garden and the surrounding natural environment.
The primary bedroom color scheme combines Gardenia walls with deep black-green trim to create a nature-inspired retreat that connects with the serene surrounding environment. The dusty rose tones of the linen bedding, cotton blanket, and wool curtains draw from flowers in the lush garden outside, such as the California Wildrose, to create a cozy, inviting environment that resonates with the warmth of wood furniture throughout the room.
The grey upholstered bed and floor rug made from wool and jute help ground this colorful bedroom palette within soft, earthy tones. A cloud-like glass light fixture fills the room with soft, diffused lighting, and a pair of pink Roly Poly chairs can be seen in the garden through the glass sliding doors, creating a playful color connection between the inside and outside.
The natural beauty of woodgrain is featured in the live edge artisan-made walnut stool and the antique European Art Deco dresser, which incorporates a stunning decorative pattern created by mirroring woodgrain. A painting by Denes de Holesch depicts two frolicking horses.
A midcentury dresser and a French Directoire nightstand continue to carry warm tones throughout the room, connecting with the beauty of the trees outside. A vintage ceramic lamp in the shape of a partridge introduces a playful nature reference through its folk-like stylized form.
Custom pillow shams made from the Kale Tree Matilija Poppy Textile - Natural create a harmonious blend between the pink bed linens and Gardenia surrounding walls while incorporating the beauty of CA native wildflowers into the space.
Living within the beauty of nature brings joy and serenity into our everyday life. Incorporating elements of the surrounding environment into our home through biophilic design extends the mindful experience we encounter outdoors into our everyday living space, immersing us in restorative healing spaces.
Prioritizing Privacy: A Simple Secret to Living Well
For many, the ultimate luxury is time. While time away from the usual sights and sounds can be restorative, time at home, in a space designed especially for us and our needs, may be the simplest secret to living well.
Crafting a home that mirrors our distinct values is a personal and private experience. This profound understanding and respect for individuality are integral to the studio's interior design process and a cornerstone of preserving client privacy.
Establishing a sense of safety and comfort with a home designer is an essential first step. For many of us, a crucial part of building trust is ensuring discretion. When we feel comfortable sharing our needs openly and honestly, our homes can be custom-designed to create supportive spaces where we can thrive.
Physical Comfort. Consider the possibilities of personalized ergonomic design. When our homes are meticulously tailored to fit our body dimensions and personal needs, the spaces within our homes can truly support us. The potential for personalization is vast, from the height of countertops and light switch placement to bespoke furniture built to support our bodies.
Emotional Comfort. Feeling welcome to be open about the reality of our traumatic experiences, grief, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) through a warm, understanding, and private design process helps make it possible to design soothing and restorative spaces that support emotional needs.
Accessibility and Inclusivity.Spaces custom-designed to meet our specific physical needs can empower and enrich us in daily life.An experienced design team prioritizes creating a safe space during the process where we can honestly share any physical needs that home spaces can be designed to support, such as hearing impairment, vision impairment, color vision deficiency, mobility impairments, and memory loss.
Healing Spaces. Creating a safe space for open, empathetic communication within the process enables us to collaboratively examine the sensory effects of a space and create inclusive, supportive, and healing home environments designed to help neurodiverse individuals thrive. One of our most fulfilling recent projects is a multi-room living space custom-designed for a family with a neurodivergent child. The space includes an indoor treehouse with a tunnel into an adjacent room and play areas with custom climbing forms. There is a space for reading and focused therapies as well as a sleeping space that incorporates the tactility of soft surfaces connecting intimate and energetic spaces designed to help the child thrive.
Collections and Clutter. When we are hesitant to share our organizational challenges, sometimes things can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to begin a project. Fostering openness and trust clears a path for us to co-create a highly functional space that caters to our unique needs and lifestyle. Sometimes, it begins with a desire for a more orderly system for storing all of life's necessities. Other times, it's collected or inherited items that require sorting and cataloging. No matter the prompt, increasing order can help us reduce decision fatigue and increase a feeling of lightness.
When inviting construction crews, materials suppliers, and other workers into our homes, it is important to have the support of a designer who is sensitive to our personal needs. A privacy-conscious interior designer encourages trust and clear communication among the construction team to help ensure client privacy is respected at every stage of the process.
Sensitive Communication. Open communication helps designers inform other members of supportive teams so they might be sensitive to specific protocols, such as avoiding fragrances, removing shoes, and/or wearing booties. It's common to arrange meetings and site visits around family routines and children's napping schedules, which helps to make the design process as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Designer as Intermediary. The preferred level of engagement each of us chooses to experience with the design process and other teams involved in the project is a personal choice. Some folks find it enjoyable to get to know the workers, visit the construction site regularly, and be active participants in all of the project happenings. Other folks may prefer their design team to be the main point of contact with the general contractor, real estate agent, art handler, landscape architect, closet designer, engineer, and other specialty trades. Designers can act as intermediaries to create connections and facilitate conversations on a Client's behalf, meeting and communicating with crew and staff to help maintain the Client's desired level of privacy and anonymity.
Establishing private, personal space within our homes often begins with creating physical boundaries that foster a sense of comfort, peace, and well-being. Consider the simple pleasure of enjoying a bath with an inspiring natural view without concern for interruption. With thoughtful design planning, peaceful feelings can be continued throughout our homes.
Sound. Quiet space is something to consider when designing a home that offers the utmost privacy. Soundproofing insulation is a great way to create privacy and focus in a library, meditation room, or other personalized retreat. Some environments may benefit from sound masking systems that are fine-tuned to a room environment, filtering out specific frequencies and shielding noise from other home areas.
Automation. Motorized drapes, shades, and smart glass help us instantly and effortlessly shift between wide-open views and total privacy. Smart window coverings can be controlled by wall-mounted keypads, a cellphone app, or a customized prescheduled set of scenes.
Entrances. Design can determine what spaces within our home are accessible to guests and help to protect our personal space. This is easily achieved by creating a distinct entrance room from which the rest of the house cannot easily be seen. For example, a cozy waiting area for very short-term guests creates a polite boundary between visitors and residents.
Private spaces. Smart door locks can both allow and limit specific users access to predetermined areas within certain authorized times. For example, the gardening team has a passcode authorized to unlock exterior gates only, while the cleaning team has a passcode authorized to access interior and exterior spaces during their scheduled work times. Nannies, tutors, dogwalkers, chefs, and other household support staff can have unique passcodes that limit room access to their job functions.
Exterior privacy offers a sense of ease while spending time in outdoor spaces. Garden space well obscured from neighbors can create more comfort when gardening, swimming, sunbathing, exercising, or socializing. Outdoor privacy empowers us to make the most of our outdoor spaces and enhances our overall living experience by providing a peaceful outdoor retreat.
Landscaping. Strategically arranged outdoor elements can help limit our home's visibility, promoting privacy while contributing to a sense of peace and beauty. Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is one of Sarah's favorite hedge materials because it can survive with very little water and produces delightful small pink flowers.
Plant selection. Evergreen plants are ideal for privacy gardens as their leaves offer consistent foliage year-round; the California live oak is another one of Sarah's favorite plants as it supports native wildlife and provides year-round shade.
Outdoor Shade Systems. Minimalist, motorized shades may be installed on the exterior of the building any time window treatments are undesirable in the interior. These shades can be controlled by phone app, wall-mounted keypad or prescheduled to open and close during the work times of visiting professionals, like the gardening team or pool service.
Security. Incorporating gates at the property's entry can also contribute to elevated privacy and security. At larger estates and celebrity homes, it is entirely reasonable to design a private guard shack at the entrance for maximum safety and security.
A guest house is an excellent option for those who enjoy entertaining but prefer to keep their primary residence private. Designing a separate dwelling dedicated to guests creates space for deeper connections with friends and family, making it easy to host parties, functions, and longer stays while also maintaining the comfort of personal space.
Separate social space. Events can be set up days in advance, creating an ease that allows focus on the fun, enjoyment, and connection of social events.
Privacy for guests. A pool house, casita, or bungalow are excellent options for visiting friends and family. The guest house can provide private personal space during their stay, while the pool can be a communal area where hosts and guests meet, relax, and socialize outside the primary residence.
Longer stays. A guest house is an excellent option for long-term guests, as it promotes independence during their stay, helping us maintain personal space and privacy while also enjoying time together.
Privacy is a critical component of well-being in our homes. Having space for ourselves, both physically and emotionally, can have an empowering effect on our lives. Collaborating with a designer who understands and respects the desire for discretion and privacy throughout the design process helps create a home that supports our best day-to-day living.
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).
Interior Design For Empaths
Empaths often experience a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and emotions of others, a unique trait that forges deep connections with the surrounding community. Stanford University psychologist Jamil Zaki, PhD, describes empathy as the "psychological 'superglue' that connects people and undergirds cooperation and kindness."(1) However, it's important to remember that we must also care for ourselves. "The very capabilities that make someone an empath also make it more difficult when they need to protect themselves from emotional overload."(2) By creating quiet, restful, healing spaces at home, empaths can take time to decompress and circumvent compassion fatigue or burnout. This sense of control over our surroundings enables us to establish healthy boundaries while maintaining connections with the outside world. These restorative spaces are not just a luxury but a necessity for our emotional well-being, contributing to a balanced, joyful life.
According to Dr Ryan Sultan, principal investigator at the Sultan Lab for Mental Health Informatics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, "While it may feel difficult to be more sensitive than others... It's all about learning to set boundaries, practice self-care and use your empathy in ways that are healthy and empowering for you."(3) Many empaths may seek to create a mindful, restorative environment at home. As we are all unique individuals, it is essential that we feel comfortable sharing our needs honestly in a safe, inclusive environment. An awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs of empaths can be incorporated into the design process to create a joyful and enjoyable experience. Active listening considers another person's feelings as we listen, creating a space for open and honest communication. Slow design allows us to take time to thoroughly evaluate the custom design options that best serve us in our homes. 3D renderings, for instance, offer a tangible way to get the feeling of a space, a crucial consideration when designing for empaths. A design team can also act as the main point of contact within a project, communicating sensitivities and coordinating services with other teams and crews working on the project, creating boundaries that simplify and streamline the design process.
Neuroaesthetics studies how sensory experiences impact our minds and bodies as an "emerging discipline within cognitive neuroscience, concerned with understanding the biological bases of aesthetic experiences."(4) What we see, smell, touch, and hear can emotionally affect us, and our sensory experience of a space plays a significant role in our emotional wellness. For empaths, who often have highly tuned senses, creating a peaceful and mindful home involves considering the impact of color, light, sound, and touch. These elements can all contribute to creating a tranquil, healing home environment.
Window treatments and soundproofing can help create auditory boundaries. Sudden loud noises can also be buffered throughout our home by installing soft-closing cabinets and drawers, rugs, and carpeting, contributing to a quiet and tranquil environment.
Light levels can be easily adjusted and regulated to suit our needs by having a variety of lighting sources throughout our home, such as overhead lamps, adjustable dimmers, and window treatments. If we like, we can even adjust the lighting to mimic the shifts in daylight that occur naturally throughout the day, which can affect our circadian rhythms and overall well-being.
For empaths seeking restorative sanctuary, it could be beneficial to incorporate small, intimate spaces within the home. These spaces can provide a sense of comfort, security, and respite. Custom cabinetry and furniture can create a variety of personalized spaces throughout the home, incorporating ergonomic design to create cozy, intimate spaces personalized to support our bodies. The ability to adjust lighting also enables the creation of darker, snug spaces to rest and recharge within the home. Furnishings and cushions made from textiles with soft textures or a custom weighted blanket all contribute to creating a space dedicated to comfort and relaxation. Decluttering our home with custom storage options can also create a sense of order and calmness.
Biophilic design incorporates color, pattern, texture, imagery, and materials from the natural world so that we may experience the mindful benefits of being in nature within our homes. It is an excellent option for empaths who wish to experience the beauty of the surrounding environment while seeking some time at home to recharge. Neutral, earthy colors can contribute to a calm atmosphere, and materials that celebrate the beauty of nature, such as wood flooring and finishes, can have a grounding quality. Unique stone countertops like marble and onyx connect with the natural world and exude a beautiful luxury. Wallpaper and fabric design inspired by the natural world and plenty of plants in the home can create a lush and tranquil green space. Using non-toxic wall and floor treatments that are low in VOCs throughout our home can also positively affect scent and air quality.
Homes designed to support emotional sensitivities give empaths a space to rest and recharge within healing environments, helping prevent emotional fatigue and burnout. These homes create a supportive space that empowers us to live mindfully and maintain balance. They become a catalyst for us to live our best lives by taking control of our emotional well-being.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Bibliography
“Cultivating Empathy.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, 01 Nov. 2021, www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/feature-cultivating-empathy.
“What Is an Empath? Plus 5 Signs You Could Be One.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-an-empath/.
“What Is an Empath? Plus 5 Signs You Could Be One.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-an-empath/.
“Neuroaesthetics.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Anjan Chatterjee et al. 23 Apr. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364661314000758.
References
“What Is the Relationship between Stress and Empathy?” Greater Good, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_is_the_relationship_between_stress_and_empathy. 13 Aug 2013.
“Individual Differences in Preference for Architectural Interiors.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, Academic Press, Oshin Vartanian a, et al. 6 Aug. 2021, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494421001213?via%3Dihub.
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).