Meet the Bedroom that Feels Like a Hug
Award-winning Interior Designer and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch Scholar Sarah Barnard has unveiled a happiness-inducing home design project— the bedroom that feels like a hug.
“We need a safe, restorative space to help our bodies rest and recharge,” says Barnard. A hug has many of the same characteristics, it makes us feel secure and comforted, and when we let go of the embrace, there’s a rush of oxytocin that leaves us with a sense of lightness.
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the brain’s emotional center, promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and stress. When you hug often, your level of oxytocin increases, which strengthens social bonds. Hugging also stimulates dopamine and serotonin production in the body. Dopamine is a pleasure hormone that’s part of the brain’s reward mechanism, while serotonin is responsible for maintaining mood balance.
The jumping-off point for the bedroom was the curvilinear bed frame, an award-winning design by Autoban, carved from American black walnut. Its silhouette mimics the action of hugging, and the interior is lined with purple velvet, blending the natural texture with dark, feminine styling. To further the feeling of intimacy, Barnard chose a non-toxic, king-size organic coconut mattress topped with a reversible duvet in a custom, color-blocking scheme.
The word ‘phantasmagoria’ is scrawled across the wall behind the bed — a neon homage to the images that flicker by in our dreams. The client, a self-proclaimed bookworm, chose the word herself after much deliberation. High-pile black carpeting delivers a softness underfoot, and layered window treatments allow the client to sleep undisturbed in total darkness. “Window coverings serve many purposes,” says Barnard. “Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that unifies the composition.”
The two-tone wall color, a marriage of plum and lavender, envelops the space. These hues were intentionally chosen to saturate the formerly bright bedroom, establishing a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere. “The ceiling color extends to the walls, linking the two colors together in a way that the sharp ceiling line never could,” explains Barnard.
Hanging above the bespoke American Walnut nightstands are a pair of cloud-like pendant lights that emit a soft glow. A wall of concealed storage eliminates visual clutter, which can heighten our anxiety levels and impact sleep quality. Upholstered benches at the foot of the bed and by the entryway provide a comfortable spot to rest or dress in the morning.
It was the client who initially requested the space “feel like a hug,” which Barnard describes as a “brilliant explanation of what good bedroom design should do.” The revamped primary bedroom, a physical embodiment of a hug, provides all the comfort, safety, and well-being her client needs to settle into a restful slumber and wake up feeling warm and fuzzy.
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Unpacking the “KonMari” trend: The personalization of ultra-home organizing
A TIDY, MINIMALIST KITCHEN IN WITH OPEN SHELVING TO KEEP COOKBOOKS CLOSE AT HAND.
Before Marie Kondo, there was William Morris, a renowned 19th-century British designer who lived by this philosophy: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
Kondo has a more stringent and less personalized approach. She encourages followers of her KonMari method to grasp each item in their hands and evaluate their body’s reaction to it. If it makes you feel uplifted, put it in the keep pile. If it causes you to feel weighed down, in the donation bin it goes. But here’s the thing — there’s no one-size-fits-all organizing method. Whether you prefer a pragmatic approach à la William Morris or Kondo’s emotionally-guided decision-making process, figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle is paramount.
FLOATING SHELVES PROVIDE VERTICAL STORAGE IN THIS COMPACT HOME OFFICE FEATURING AN IMPRESSIVE VIEW OF THE SHORELINE.
“The method of organization should support the client’s daily routine and activities,” says interior designer Sarah Barnard, who specializes in healthy, happy, personalized spaces. “What items do they use most regularly? How do they envision the space? Having a clear goal will start to inform the plan.”
Barnard provides organizing services for clients in every stage of life, from young professionals with little spare time to retirees with reduced mobility. “One of the main reasons people ask for our help is because they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” explains Sarah. “Our goal is to streamline the process by setting up personalized systems that can be easily maintained.”
A TIDY STUDIO BOOKCASE KEEPS FAVORITE BOOKS CLOSE AT HAND. A PAINTING BY ABBY SIN, SCULPTURE, CERAMICS AND ANTIQUES LIGHTEN AND BRIGHTEN THE DISPLAY.
Sarah recently tackled a two-week-long organizing project for a busy family of five. Recognizing that the experience can be quite invasive, Sarah and her team went to great lengths to ensure the family felt comfortable. Shoe covers were worn to prevent anyone from tracking in allergens, and cotton gloves were required when handling any personal items.
VERY POSSIBLY THE BEST BOYS' BEDROOM EVER! NEWLY BUILT WALLS ALLOW FOR CUSTOM-MADE AMERICAN WALNUT BUNK BEDS AND FLOATING DESKS FOR EACH BOY.
Clearing away unnecessary clutter was the family’s aim, and Sarah’s team employed the ‘keep, toss, donate’ method to get it all done. “We sorted our client’s clothing by season, removing the winter wear and storing it in the hallway closet,” says Sarah. “Now, primary closets contain only half the amount of items, making them more spacious and easier to navigate.”
PERSONALIZED TOOLS FOR STAYING ORGANIZED! EACH BOY'S DESK INCLUDES A UTILITY WALL WITH A CHALKBOARD, PIN BOARD, METAL PANEL FOR MAGNETS AND WIPE OFF BOARD CALENDAR.
In addition to freeing up closet space in the home, Sarah Barnard Design took on the organizing of a child’s craft room. “The client’s youngest son had received arts and craft gifts for each holiday of his young life,” notes Sarah. “This resulted in a wonderful collection, but also a lot of bits and pieces— to the point where the craft room was largely unusable.” The team carefully combed through his many art supplies, donating lesser-used items to create space for the most cherished ones.
AN ARTICULATING DESK LAMP ADDS A POP OF AQUA TO THE TEEN GIRL'S STUDY AREA.
Once an organizing project is complete, Sarah’s clients have a renewed sense of self. Decluttering is a lifestyle change, but the benefits are well worth the effort. “It often inspires a newfound appreciation for their possessions and increased productivity in the space,” says Sarah.
A CREATIVE SPACE WITH A CUSTOM SOFA IN WOOL FELT, SIDE TABLES MADE OF NATURAL MAPLE AND STEEL AND A DESK CHAIR DESIGNED BY MAURO LIPPARINI. SCULPTURE BY RENAE BARNARD.
Adopting a personalized approach to organizing will spark far more joy than bingeing an eight-part Netflix series and assuming your tidying habits will change through osmosis. Decluttering is hard, both physically and emotionally — it’s not something that comes naturally to most people. Seeking professional organizing help is an investment in yourself, saving you time, energy, and unnecessary stress. And hiring an expert to create customized systems that fit your lifestyle will help you stay organized in the long-term — no self-help books required.
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
Photos by Steven Dewall and Chas Metivier
Interior Design for Pets
PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL
"It's important to start with the needs of the entire family," says Los-Angeles-based interior designer and recent ASID award-winner, Sarah Barnard. "Your pets should be included in the home design process from day one, because they are family members, too." Barnard is currently a mother to two furry friends, a rescue cat with half a tail and a dog that isn't happy unless she's sitting in your lap. She explained her process when she works with clients who have both standard and exotic pets.
"When I start designing a home, my goal is to make an environment that is natural, enduring, and high-functioning—for my clients, their guests, and their pets." The goal is a design that is mutually perfect for pets and humans alike. When it is planned this way from the beginning, it is more comfortable for everyone, including you.
The interactive design doesn't mean the same thing for everyone; every family has different needs. Consulting a designer can help you figure out how much extra planning is required and where to get started. Consider that where you spend your time, so does your pet. They want to be near you, so a dedicated dog room, for example, may be a lost cause.
Next, consider your lifestyle. If you take your dog hiking, having space for to rinse and towel off before venturing further inside your house is a smart choice. Most animals, mainly if they live exclusively indoors, enjoy a perch next to a window. Aquariums or terrariums can be entertaining for them as well. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, a custom pet bed or feeding area might be a great fit in your kitchen island.
More exotic pets might require more customization. Large animals like pigs may need an indoor and outdoor space. Reptiles or birds sometimes need a large aquarium or terrarium designed into the architecture of your home. That's when it's necessary to have a designer's help. She or he will plan it out and make sure you seamlessly integrate your pet's home with yours. More importantly, a designer can help you figure out the scope of your project.
When asked about materials, Barnard said the goal is "to create high-functioning, natural and non-toxic environments that endure over time." It's best to make your home safe for everyone. Try to source organic materials as much as possible, such as untreated fabrics and furniture. Vintage pieces that are at least 20 years old have finished off-gassing, so they don't pollute the air and are safer for you and your pets.
As far as specific materials and finishes, nothing is strictly off-limits, but some require more upkeep or need to be replaced every few years. Barnard shared some insights on balancing which materials are most attractive with those that create less work for you:
It's still possible to have wallpaper, but a more durable option would be wood wainscoting.
For flooring, the best choice is often a hard surface option whenever possible. It's easier to keep clean than rugs or carpet and doesn't hold onto fur or odors. Porcelain tiles are a great option. They are elegant and easy to maintain, plus they aren't likely to stain or get scratched. Porcelain tiles are also the same color all the way through, so dents and marks will be less noticeable.
Carefully consider your fabric choices, too. Solution-dyed acrylic textiles are an excellent place to start looking because they are relatively invulnerable. They're typically resistant to stains, germs, and odors.
Some fabrics are more durable than others, but how they are used matters, too. Any materials with uneven surfaces will be more challenging to clean. Delicate fabrics are best saved for window treatments rather than upholstery. Choose shorter drapes that won't be chewed or rubbed against; long curtains may collect hair or inadvertently become a hazard. Remove fabric from reach by choosing chairs and sofas with exposed legs, which won't hold onto furs like slipcovers or upholstered legs.
"Above all, make sure you find a designer who has a history with animals. One who has an animal family member is even better," Barnard suggested. Designers who live with pets will have a more intuitive way of designing a home that includes them. They know more about how pets act and behave then designers without them.
Barnard shared a favorite experience working with a client with pets. "She had close to 12 cats, and wanted a dedicated area where her cats could sun themselves, but was concerned about coyotes in the area. We decided to build a custom screened porch to make a safe space for them. We had cat doors installed, too, so they could come and go as they pleased."
Sometimes making an appropriate environment for a large group of animals is the solution, sometimes the answer is cat-ifying or dog-ifying the whole house. Every home is different, but with the right help, you don't have to sacrifice beauty to live with your beloved pets. When all is said and done, our animal friends are worth a little extra planning.
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
Photos by Steven Dewall, Chas Metivier, and Brad Nicol
Sarah Barnard Design Featured in: Design Design Magazine!
Day Lighting: Strategies for Healthy Happy Interiors!
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.