Sarah Barnard's Nature Inspired Style: California Flowers, Birds, and Butterflies
Sarah Barnard, WELL + LEED AP, loves to incorporate the beauty of nature into her interior design projects. The Los Angeles-based designer believes biophilic design forms a powerful indoor-outdoor connection that can create healing, peaceful, and rejuvenating spaces within our homes.
This mood board, created while developing an original Matilija Poppy fabric print for Kale Tree (the product design studio of Sarah Barnard Design), captures the process of designing luxury home goods incorporating biophilic design. Kale Tree often works with local artisans to create textile, wallpaper, and rug designs inspired by native Californian flora, fauna, and the natural landscapes surrounding Los Angeles. Color, texture, and material all play a vital role in capturing the joyful beauty of a Matilija Poppy blooming in spring, bringing the beauty of the natural world within our home.
Much of Sarah's design philosophy is rooted in the joy and peace we encounter within nature and finding ways that biophilic design can mirror that experience within our home. Here, Sarah shares some of her favorite things that inform the core inspirations within her design practice.
1. Animals
Sarah loves all animals and is a dedicated dog owner who has adopted many pets over the years. Providing a loving home for mature rescue dogs is a rewarding and joyous experience; a great dane named Stevie (named after Stevie Nicks), a miniature pincher named Bean, and a toy poodle named Lucy, who was a beloved member of Sarah's family and the kale tree team for many years, have all held a special place in Sarah's life. In 2024, Sarah adopted a mini red poodle/labradoodle named Calliandra from California Poodle Rescue. Calliandra is named for the California native plant, the pink fairy duster.
2. Good Food
Sarah believes that good food should leave us feeling nourished in mind and body. Growing and preparing our own food is a meditative and fulfilling act that can contribute to a happier and healthier life. Our kitchens can be ergonomically designed to support this garden practice and other daily healthy habits but also facilitate and celebrate the pleasure of baked goods such as cookies, pies, and biscuits, which Sarah loves to make and share.
3. California Native Flowers.
Flowers, by their very nature, are beautiful and joyful. California is home to many unique species, such as the Matilija Poppy, Mallow, and the California Poppy, whose super blooms attract thousands of visitors each spring. Sarah loves to incorporate illustrations and color palettes inspired by some of these native wildflowers in designs by Kale Tree, such as the Matilija Poppy printed on Belgian linen in petal, putty, bluestone, and midnight colorways and the Mallow textile, printed on organic cotton in evening mauve, dusty dawn and midnight forest colorways.
4. Butterflies and Moths.
Butterflies and moths play an important role as pollinators within our local ecosystem while bringing joy and beauty into the natural landscape. The Moth textile from Kale Tree was designed to incorporate the color and texture of Belgian linen within the design, as this material is visible through the delicate moth silhouettes printed on top.
5. Birds.
Whether out on a hike or observing a birdfeeder in the privacy of our backyard, birdwatching can be a mindful and rewarding way to interact with our natural surroundings. As an avid birder, Sarah finds much joy in observing and photographing the birds that live in her garden and surrounding national parks. Sarah's favorite birds include the Hermit Thrush, California Quail, and Annas Hummingbird; each has unique characteristics that make them a joy to encounter. The Hermit Thrush sings a beautiful flute-like song.
The California Quail is a small ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive crest that curves in front of its face and is prone to sprinting along the landscape in small flocks.
Male Annas Hummingbirds initially appear dull brown or grey; however, they are revealed like magic in direct sunlight to have beautiful green and pink iridescent feathers.
6. Rock and Stone Formations.
Natural stone formations generated within the earth can be integrated into our homes as furnishings, countertops, and other awe-inspiring architectural elements. The monumentality of this material connects and grounds us within the enduring timeline of the natural world.
7. Sunset Color Palette.
Sarah's favorite color palettes are often inspired by pink, blue, and teal, which form in the sky as the sun sets in the evening. She loves integrating these colors into projects to capture dusk's stillness, tranquility, and beauty.
8. Silence.
Sarah makes time and space for silence, peace, and solitude as a mindful daily practice. This can be facilitated within design projects through furnishings that soften harsh sounds, interior layouts that prioritize private space, or a dedicated meditation or wellness room.
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).
Wood in Interiors: How to Use Natural Wood in Interior Design
Incorporating the natural beauty of wood into our home creates a warm and tangible connection to the outdoors that can evoke the serenity of woodlands through biophilic design. A beautiful piece of wood in the hands of artisan woodworkers can transform our home into an environment that mirrors the experience of being in nature through expert craftsmanship that enhances the luxurious natural patterning of woodgrain within custom interiors and bespoke furniture. Custom-crafted pieces reflect our individuality through the care of local craftsmanship to create a unique home environment embedded with personal meaning. These pieces transcend their original purpose, becoming intrinsically linked to the territory from which they originate, the knowledge and values of their artisans, and the harmony of nature.
The coffee table in this oceanview penthouse is a hand-selected natural wood formation, meticulously crafted to preserve its organic shape and textures. It introduces an element of biophilic design while also providing a material contrast within the space. This rich, textured wood stands out against the clean lines and neutral tones of the surrounding furniture, connecting with green chairs and cushions throughout the space to create a lush arboreal reference that connects the serenity of the forest with the calm of the oceanscape outside.
The un-milled edges of this wood dining table preserve the organic natural contours of a tree through expert craftsmanship. These details, complemented by contrasting butterfly inlays that prevent and stabilize the split from widening, turn the table into a stunning and unique piece that celebrates the beauty of nature.
Custom cabinetry can be a beautiful way to showcase the unique patterning of natural woodgrain, incorporating swaths of warm natural wood tones that connect our home with the comfort and mindfulness of forest bathing. This cabinet, custom-made from spalted silver maple, includes unique details such as recessed outlets camouflaged by the same wood veneer and curved edges reminiscent of natural wood forms. These custom details are designed to limit built intrusions within the space and instead focus on the natural beauty of this woodgrain as it would be enjoyed outdoors.
Quality woodworking embodies slow design, providing a luxurious custom alternative to mass production, which demands beauty, quality, and timelessness in the process and the finished product. This handcrafted floating walnut console unit creates a sense of lightness within this beach bachelor living room. At the same time, the shift in wood grain orientation between the drawers and cabinet doors provides a gentle material contrast within this functional storage solution.
Wood is a very malleable material that can be crafted to suit any home style. The centerpiece of this Tudor revival bedroom is this custom wood bed frame made from American walnut that was hand-carved by an expert craftsman to evoke a Victorian-era aesthetic. The rich, deep tones of the wood, intricate carvings, and detailed woodgrain exude a sense of warmth and luxury that connects custom woodwork with the historical legacy of antique furniture.
Wood can also be combined with other materials to create subtle contrasts in texture. This handcrafted solid walnut dining table and throne-backed chairs are custom-made from Danish oiled walnut that harmoniously blends hard wood with soft leather to create a warm and inviting space to enjoy meals.
Incorporating expertly crafted woodwork into our home enables us to create highly customized spaces and objects imbued with personal meaning. Bespoke artisan woodwork connects our home interior with the beauty and serenity of nature by conserving and highlighting the beauty of woodgrain to create hand-made custom pieces that become personal heirlooms through the labor and care afforded this material.
www.sarahbarnard.com, www.instagram.com/kaletreeshop
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).
How to Design a Bespoke Home Cocktail Bar
Bars have long served as a place of social connection, fun, and relaxation within local communities. First emerging in the 1920s prohibition era, home bars gained widespread appeal in the 1950s and 60s and are, again today, a popular way to create this social environment within the comfort of our homes. Whether looking to create a space to host frequent parties and gatherings, a unique lounge in which to savor a glass of fine wine or an herbal cocktail at the end of a long day, or a beverage center located in the comfort of our bedroom, creating a bespoke home bar gives us the creative freedom to design a unique space within our home specifically for leisure and enjoyment. A personal oasis that transports us to another time, place, or mood, where we can create unique memories within the privacy of our own home.
At-home cocktail bars are incredibly versatile and capable of being custom-designed to suit a variety of spaces, homes, and lifestyles. Whether you're a frequent entertainer needing a visible bar with seating or prefer a private, concealed, and personal bar, the adaptability of bespoke at-home cocktail bars allows you to design a space that perfectly fits your unique social habits, individual needs, and style. For those who enjoy a quiet drink at the end of the day, a home cocktail bar concealed within custom-designed furniture, integrated into media units, or kitchen cabinetry offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. These bespoke designs can create a beautiful focal point for the room or integrate seamlessly into cabinetry.
A bedroom bar can enhance the comfort of private spaces by facilitating convenient access to beverages as we relax and unwind. This beverage center can be equipped with an espresso machine to brew that first cup of coffee in the morning or a mini fridge with an ice maker to enjoy an evening nightcap, all without leaving the comfort and privacy of our bedroom.
For this California home, Sarah incorporated an at-home cocktail bar into cabinetry that connects the dining room and kitchen. This custom-designed cabinetry features space for wine storage, a hanging wine rack, and glass cabinet doors to elegantly store glassware. The style and color of the cabinets coordinate with those in the kitchen, creating visual harmony. The green subway-tiled backsplash designates the bar as a unique, stand-alone environment conveniently situated close to the dining area for social events.
A freestanding marble bar is an excellent option for those who enjoy entertaining gatherings at home for cocktail hour. These work well in social spaces such as living rooms or games rooms. A bespoke freestanding home bar can be a social hub encouraging connection and engagement. Sarah designed a custom bar of Calacatta gold marble with integral shelves to create a luxurious swath of stone displaying bottles. Two handcrafted bar stools with topstitched leather upholstery and oiled Walnut legs complete a social space where friends can sit, enjoy a drink, and converse.
Another option for those who love entertaining and often host large groups for parties and family functions is transforming an entire room within our home, basement, casita, or pool house into a bespoke cocktail bar. This home bar can be designed to complement an existing wine cellar, create a social environment around a wine collection, or be a stand-alone bar intended to create a unique experience within our home.
Perhaps one of the most important components of creating a bespoke home cocktail bar is the bar itself, which is usually constructed out of wood or stone, depending on the overall feel and design of the space.
Antique bar interiors with stained glass and a bar canopy can be a great starting point. These give the experience of being out with friends without the noise of crowds. They can also be customized to include modern comforts within the ambiance of an authentic vintage pub.
Stone counters are also popular as they provide a visually striking surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Natural stones such as marble and onyx contain unique patterning and color variations that display beautifully as wrap-around counters for a luxurious bar environment. Terrazzo is a very versatile material that can be customized into almost any color combination to create a unique and personalized design. Recycled terrazzo is also a sustainable option containing up to 80% recycled aggregates.
Sinks can be concealed/sunken within countertops, or terrazzo sinks can be custom-made to match or create contrast behind the bar.
Shelving and storage are vital in creating the desired mood or atmosphere within a bespoke home cocktail bar as they determine what is displayed or concealed. Open shelving can be constructed from the same stone as the bar countertop to create a space of luxurious harmony for displaying spirits and glassware.
Glass shelves can create a feeling of lightness, cohesion, and spaciousness within a home bar, especially when mounted in front of a mirrored surface. The color of mirrored walls can be customized to almost any shade or to include an antique patina, depending on the desired mood and feel of the space.
Custom display cabinets featuring glass doors are a great way to simultaneously store and display bottles and unique glassware. They also protect from dust and are easier to maintain.
Custom cabinets are also an excellent option for those looking to conceal bottles, ingredients, tools, and glassware to maintain clean surfaces while the bar is not in use. Built-ins can be customized to conceal freezers, glassware refrigerators, and temperature-controlled wine storage, creating a harmonious bar environment.
Lighting is a crucial design element that significantly influences the mood and atmosphere of an at-home cocktail bar. By combining ambient and accent lighting, you can create a warm, cozy, and inviting environment. Consider dimmable pendant lighting over the bar to control the overall brightness and mood of the space. Indirect lighting from lighting installed under the bar and within shelving can create moody accents, as backlit bottles give off a warm glow, creating a gentle focal point within the room.
Furniture design is vital in creating a unique, personalized, and memorable experience within an at-home cocktail bar. Bar stools, for example, can be custom-designed to provide the perfect seating experience. Some options include traditional wood and metal stools or upholstered options for more comfort. Swivel chairs encourage ease of conversation within a larger group and are an excellent option for those who wish to create a socially active space.
Custom upholstered furniture or built-in seating, such as a booth, can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for intimate conversations during larger gatherings. Tables and pendant lights can be placed throughout the room to make small social hubs.
A bespoke home cocktail bar is a great way to experience a bar's fun, social, and relaxing environment within the comfort of our own home. It's not just about the drinks but also about the company. Having a designated space to spend quality time with family and friends encourages us to do so more often, inspiring joy through designated leisure time. It's a place to connect, engage, and create lasting memories with our loved ones.
Bibliography:
Nash, David. “4 Pandemic-Inspired Design Trends That Are Sure to Stick Around.” Architectural Digest, 17 June 2021, www.architecturaldigest.com/story/pandemic-inspired-design-trends.
TCPi. “Impact of Lighting in BAR: TCP Lighting Solutions.” TCP Lighting, 7 July 2022, www.tcpi.com/how-light-impacts-psychology-mood-in-a-bar/.
WoodnLuxury. “The Story of Home Bars: 100 Years of Rebellion & Glamor.” WoodnLuxury, 31 Dec. 2022, woodnluxury.com/the-story-of-home-bars/.
www.sarahbarnard.com, www.instagram.com/kaletreeshop
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).
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).
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Works cited
“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
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/
“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
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.
References
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 hypo-sensitive to stimuli (sensory seekers) or hyper-sensitive (sensory avoiders). Sensory seekers are less sensitive to sensory input than neurotypical individuals and often create their own sensory stimuli. In contrast, sensory avoiders are more sensitive and usually experience sensory input more intensely than neurotypical individuals.
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 seekers) 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 seekers 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 seekers 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.
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).
References
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.
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.
Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
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/.
Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
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/.
The Vestibular System - Neuroscience - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10819/.
Gaines, Kristi, et al. Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
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/.
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.
Bibliography
Designing Inclusive Healthcare Spaces to Support Neurodiverse Populations. https://www.iands.design/healthcare/article/21546047/designing-inclusive-healthcare-spaces-to-support-neurodiverse-populations.
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/.
“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 Design wins Best of Houzz Design for 2023
Sarah Barnard has been awarded the Best of Houzz Design for 2023 for the 7th consecutive year. The Best of Houzz Design awards celebrates home designers whose work was the most popular on the Houzz website the previous year, as determined through user engagement and idea book saves.
A unique project featured on the Sarah Barnard Houzz Profile titled West Coast Wellness centers on incorporating biophilic design to create a home that combines wellness, sustainability, and luxury. Pollination is a cohesive concept included throughout the house in a series of visual signifiers and motifs, such as moths, bees, and flowers, to reflect the owner's passion for nature as an environmentalist and naturalist.
A popular feature of this home is the Wellness room. Sarah's minimalist approach and use of fine but simple materials create a calm space dedicated to mindfulness and relaxation.
A unique custom feature of this home is the bespoke concrete fireplace with a copper inlay. This sculptural mantle is inspired by Japanese Kintsugi pottery, the practice of repairing broken pottery with metal staples, gold, or gold/lacquer compound so that the repairs integrate as a design element with the object. This reference makes a poetic connection between the house's architecture and the ethos of sustainable practices such as repairing objects and recycling materials.
This home also incorporates practical features such as custom counter heights and additional cold food storage (concealed by cabinetry in the kitchen) that create a level of ergonomic ease when utilizing the space and supports lifestyle goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Sarah's popularity on Houzz is a testament to her talent as a designer. Alongside being awarded back-to-back wins for Best of Houzz Design spanning back to 2017, her profile has also been awarded several Houzz badges, including Star Houzzer, the Influencer Award, and the Recommended on Houzz badge.
As a WELL & LEED accredited interior designer, Sarah Barnard takes an empathetic approach to home design that focuses on wellness and sustainability. Her innovative designs meet individuals where they are, facilitating an expression of their authentic selves that sparks joy and encourages wellness in day-to-day life.
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).
Rewilding: Reconnecting our hearts and homes to nature
MATILIJA POPPY (ROMNEYA COULTERI)
Rewilding has become a popular way in which we can reconnect with nature by restoring the native flora and fauna around our homes. This process has the potential to create a patchwork of thriving biodiversity within our neighborhoods that provides sanctuary and passage for pollinators and native wildlife. Rewilded environments also have an effect on us, they reconnect us by bringing the beautiful gift of nature directly to us every day. We can adopt this concept of rewilding within ourselves and within our homes, to create a living space that is a true reflection of what we want our inner world to be.
DESERT COTTONTAIL (SYLVILAGUS AUDUBONII)
The term rewilding is usually associated with “restoring an area of land to its natural uncultivated state”(1) and is most commonly associated with yards and gardens. Some steps in the process of rewilding include, replacing your lawn with native and non-invasive species to create a meadow, adding bird boxes, bird feeders, or a water feature. Rewilding has become a popular option for home gardens as it is also eco-friendly. Planting native plants and embracing where they decide to grow alongside replacing herbicides and pesticides with natural solutions restore the natural habitat and biodiversity of local neighborhoods, attract pollinators and create sanctuary and corridors for wildlife to safely travel through urban environments.
GREAT SOUTHERN WHITE BUTTERFLY (ASCIA MONUSTE)
There is a growing consensus that rewilding can benefit us as well. In contemporary life, we can often feel disconnected from the natural world and see it as something separate from us. But the natural world is our world, and we are reminded of this every time we immerse ourselves in it. Rewilding brings nature to our homes for us to enjoy every day. Fostering an ecosystem and connecting with nature even through something as simple as watching the birds and animals in our yard cultivates mindfulness and joy. The process of rewilding also encourages us to let go of ideas of perfection embodied by a perfectly manicured garden and embrace the beauty of a natural, wild landscape.
A VARIETY OF PARASOLA MUSHROOM
Rewilding your garden can also act as a “social pollinator”(2), that encourages engagement and conversation with your neighbors and others in the community, creating another form of connection and belonging.
A BEAUTIFUL SCULPTURE MADE FROM DRIED CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS SUCH AS SANTA CRUZ ISLAND BUCKWHEAT AND WHITE SAGE HANGS ABOVE THE BED FRAME, CRAFTED FROM SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED SOLID OAK, REINFORCING THE CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OUTSIDE.
But why stop at rewilding your garden? This concept can also be applied to our interiors, to create a home that uniquely supports us in the ways that we want to live. Like a rewilded garden, an interior world that is wild and free from self-judgments or preconceived ideas influenced by social media or design norms uncovers what we truly need our living spaces to be. It's most beneficial to design a home that uniquely supports you in the ways that you live and the things that you do. Creating a three-dimensional portrait of your best authentic self, past present future can help us live our best life, inspiring feelings of contentment, joy, and mindfulness.
Five tips for Rewilding your home:
One of the ways in which we can embrace the concept of rewilding within our home is through biophilic design. Biophilia is the “innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings”(3) and can be incorporated into our home design through materials and imagery of the natural world.
THIS KITCHEN FEATURES CUSTOM COUNTER TOPS SPECIFIED TO REACH THE CLIENTS IDEAL HEIGHT FOR FOOD PREPARATION. CABINETS MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL ARTISAN ARE PAINTED IN A WARM GREY TO BRING OUT THE DOVE TONES IN THE MARBLE. PAINTING BY KAORU MANSOUR.
2. Similar to how a rewilded garden is free to grow unconstrained by its surrounding environment, ergonomic design can be integrated into our homes to custom craft interiors that uniquely fit us and how we utilize space. This can range from something as simple as customizing the height of kitchen countertops, bespoke furniture or bedding, and wall switch locations to sensory considerations such as environmental sounds, tactility, and color choice.
ARTWORK BY RENAE BARNARD HANGS ABOVE A CUSTOM CONCRETE FIREPLACE.
3. Displaying art or a collection of treasured objects is a beautiful and meaningful way in which we can reflect our interests and passions, creating emotional experiences and mindful spaces throughout our homes.
THIS WELLNESS ROOM TAKES ADVANTAGE OF SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS AND AMPLE NATURAL LIGHTING TO CREATE A SPACE FOR REST AND REJUVENATION. A WOODEN BENCH MADE BY A LOCAL ARTISAN DISPLAYS ART BY KAREN SIKIE, WHICH PROVIDES A CALMING, NATURE INSPIRED BACKDROP FOR YOGA OR MEDITATION.
4. The concept of rewilding can also be adopted to create an interior that reflects our core beliefs or contributes to the achievement of lifestyle goals. This can take the form of choosing eco-friendly or vegan materials, installing sustainable infrastructure and appliances, or creating a dedicated meditation space.
PAINTING BY KAORU MANSOUR AND CUSTOM TABLE MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL ARTISAN.
5. Choosing an interior designer who adopts an empathetic approach to guide you through the process of rewilding your home is essential. Someone who will meet you where you are, and create innovative ideas that are designed uniquely for you.
The concept of rewilding has taken off in popularity partially because people are craving to reconnect with nature by cultivating and restoring habitat around their homes. It makes sense to adopt the concept of rewinding to reconnect with ourselves also, outside of the pressures and expectations of social media and design magazines. Then we discover what truly brings us joy within our homes is an expression of our authentic selves, free from judgment.
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
Anderton, Frances. “'Rewilding' the Land Brings Back Birds, Bees, Butterflies: Greater La.” KCRW, KCRW, 21 Apr. 2022, https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/earth-day-climate-change/rewilding-native-plants-landscape.
Anderton, Frances. “'Rewilding' the Land Brings Back Birds, Bees, Butterflies: Greater La.” KCRW, KCRW, 21 Apr. 2022, https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/earth-day-climate-change/rewilding-native-plants-landscape.
Bibliography
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).
Ergonomic Home Design: the New Standard of Luxury Living
Our home should reflect who we are as a unique individual. Bespoke design creates an interior environment that is made specifically for us, customized to our particular aesthetic tastes as well as our physical and emotional needs. Customizing functional elements of our homes can positively affect our physical bodies and emotional well- being, limiting daily stress and improving our quality of life.
THIS WELLNESS ROOM FEATURES ART BY KAREN SIKIE, CREATING A CALMING, NATURE INSPIRED BACKDROP FOR YOGA OR MEDITATION
Our studio practice embodies these principles by approaching our clients with a sense of inclusiveness and sensitivity that allows ample space to voice their needs. We make an effort to interview all family members to custom craft a home that uniquely fits them and the way they utilize space. These homes often reflect a client's personal philosophy and can contribute to the achievement of their lifestyle goals. This can take the form of creating a soothing bedroom space, yoga or meditation room, or choosing vegan materials. A home that reflects who we truly are contributes to an environment of comfort, support, and peace that promotes joy and wellness in everyday life.
FURNITURE CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO OUR SPECIFIC BODILY SCALE AND PHYSICAL NEEDS.
Ergonomic design, simply put, is people-focused design. Design that considers how we interact with an object or a space. Commonly associated with the functionality of workspaces and productivity (office chairs, desks, etc.), ergonomics can enrich our home lives through thoughtful, custom design. Our surroundings should be shaped to benefit us, and we shouldn't have to adapt or change ourselves to fit into our surroundings.
THE SCALE AND PLACEMENT OF CABINETRY, LIGHTING AND COUNTER HEIGHT ALL CONTRIBUTE TO PERSONALIZED COMFORT IN THE HOME.
Thoughts on the scale and proportion of the body and how this relates to our built environment date back to ancient Rome with the architect Vitruvius who argued that "buildings should be based on the symmetry and proportion of the human form. (1)" In 1948, the architect Le Corbusier expanded on Vitruvius's work to create a set of calculations that he referred to as The Modulor. These calculations would create a universal scale for buildings and furniture "aiming to provide the user with an intrinsic sense of well-being and comfort. (2)"
BATHROOM DESIGN CAN BE ADAPTED TO SUIT A DIVERSE RANGE OF PERSONAL AND PHYSICAL NEEDS.
Attitudes towards "universal" sets of bodily measurements, such as The Modulor, began to change in the 1960s as they excluded a diversity of body types, proportions, and abilities. "Is this an architecture shaped by the proportions of man or an attempt to shape its inhabitants? (3)" Today there are many regulations that determine standard measurements throughout the home, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design and the National Kitchen and Bath Association Planning Guidelines.
MANY KITCHEN FEATURES SUCH AS COUNTERTOP HEIGHT, SOFT CLOSING DRAWERS, FOOD STORAGE AND APPLIANCES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO SUIT OUR UNIQUE BODILY PROPORTIONS AND LIFESTYLE GOALS.
While it's more typical to talk about ergonomics in terms of an office chair or ADA compliance, more homeowners are living their best lives by having their homes perfectly fit to their bodies. When we start to think about our homes from an ergonomic viewpoint, we can customize many details to suit our unique physical proportions and emotional needs. Something as simple as customizing the height of kitchen countertops can encourage improved posture and physical ease in using the space. Similarly, we can build furniture and bedding precisely to fit our bodily dimensions, easing strain put on joints when getting in and out. We can customize anything from wall switch locations, automated lighting, window coverings, appliances, mirror height, and environmental sounds through ergonomic design to create the ultimate comfort and well-being at home.
THE SENSORY ELEMENTS OF A ROOM ARE AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WITH ANY LIVING SPACE.
Sarah Barnard WELL AP + LEED AP, also takes sensory elements into account when designing a space. Features such as soft close doors and cabinets to reduce noise, storage solutions to create orderly and calm surroundings, and the selection of color and texture can all contribute to the comfort and emotional resonance of a room. Sarah has an in-depth understanding of color theory and color psychology, which explore how color affects our behaviors and emotions to create a color palette that matches your home to your personality — and when a space feels like 'you,' happiness will follow.
LIGHTING, TEXTURE AND COLOR ARE IMPORTANT SENSORY DETAILS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN DESIGNING A SPACE FOR CHILDREN.
Sensory details such as color and texture play an important role when customizing spaces for children and can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent children. Sensitivity needs to be taken towards environmental noise as well as lighting. Diffused and adjustable lighting allows levels to be dimmed to suit individual moods and needs. Avoiding wallpapers with busy patterns and choosing light neutral colors combined with soft textures can also encourage a soothing and calming tactile experience in the space.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN THAT THAT CUSTOMIZES THE PHYSICAL AND SENSORY ELEMENTS OF OUR HOME TO MEET OUR EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL NEEDS HAS THE ABILITY TO CREATE JOY AND WELLNESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
A home should not only reflect the physicality and identity of its owner, it should also be an extension of their personality which enhances day-to-day living. All of these small details, enhanced by ergonomic design, make movement around our home as effortless as possible, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between our home and body which nourishes us, encouraging joy and wellness.
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).
Works Cited
Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 1 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.
Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 2 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.
Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 3 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.
Do Women Design Differently than Men? The influence of Phyllis Birkby on Design Practice.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY THIRDMAN, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
Women make innovative and profound contributions to the world of architecture and design. Architects such as Dame Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, are an inspiration to women in the field.
PUBLIC FARM 1 BY WORKAC AT MOMA PS1 CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 2008, PHOTO BY ANNE JESSYE, CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 2.0
Many women bring a unique perspective, interest, and understanding of architectural space and how it interacts with the natural world around it. Architects such as Amale Andros, Dean of Colombia University's Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), also the co-founder of WORKac; an architectural organization that seeks to re-imagine architecture "at the intersection of the urban, the rural, and the natural."(1) Maya Lin is an architect, land artist, and sculptor whose work centers on nature and sustainability with the goal "of making a place for individuals within the landscape."(2)
ENVIRONMENTAL ART "FLUTTER" BY MAYA LIN, SOIL AND ST. AUGUSTINE GRASS, 459 X 105 FEET, U.S. COURTHOUSE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, 2005, PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE CAROL M. HIGHSMITH ARCHIVE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION; FORMS PART OF THE CAROL M. HIGHSMITH ARCHIVE, PUBLIC DOMAIN
This shift in thinking reflects the changes that were happening within American society and contemporary culture during the 1960s and 70s. Phylis Birkby belonged to this earlier generation of lesser-known women architects; who made important contributions to the innovative ideas emerging within women and queer-led collectives at the time.
Born in 1932 in New Jersey, Noel Phyllis Birkby showed an interest in architecture as a child. At the time, she was discouraged from pursuing a career in architecture because she was a woman, so she decided to study Art instead. It wasn't until 1958, when Phyllis had a chance meeting with a woman architect who encouraged her to pursue formal training, that Phyllis considered architecture as a career. In 1959 she enrolled in night classes at the Cooper Union School of Architecture, and in 1966 she enrolled in the graduate program at Yale, where she was one of only six women in a class of 200.
WATERSIDE PLAZA IN MANHATTAN, IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY LIFE OF PIX, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
From 1966 to 1972, Phyllis worked for the Davis Brody and Associates firm in New York City. She contributed to significant projects such as the Long Island University Library Learning Center in Brooklyn and the Waterside Plaza in Manhattan during this time. The Long Island University Library Learning Center was not designed as one cohesive campus, which made it a unique project. Instead, it was a collection of buildings that had to be somehow connected. She described this as "designed more as fabric than a building"(3) as her design sought to "knit" or "weave" the buildings together. The use of descriptive metaphors such as weaving and knitting often occurs in the written work of Phyllis Birkby. This is a conscious reference to what was traditionally considered "women's work" and thus not viewed as a relevant or important viewpoint within architectural design at the time.
WOMEN KNITTING, VOCATIONAL STUDIES PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN, TAKEN BETWEEN 1918 AND 1920, NATIONAL PHOTO COMPANY COLLECTION, GIFT; HERBERT A. FRENCH; 1947, PUBLIC DOMAIN
In 1973 Phyllis Birkby came out publicly as a lesbian and resigned from her job at Davis Brody Associate to start her independent architectural practice. She started participating in feminist consciousness-raising groups, which led to developing a series of environmental fantasy workshops in the mid-1970s to "discover the unique perspective women could bring to the built environment."(4) This innovative approach to conceptual architectural drawing led her to re-think the relationship between architecture, nature, and how these spaces interact.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY KAROLINA GRABOWSKA, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
In 1974 Phyllis co-founded the Women's School of Planning and Architecture (WSPA) with fellow architects and designers Katrin Adam, Ellen Perry Berkeley, Bobbie Sue Hood, Marie I. Kennedy, Joan Forrester Sprague, and Leslie Kanes Weisman. The WSPA was an "influential experimental summer school for women in environmental design professions and trades."(5) The first session of classes was held in Maine in 1975, and the second in Santa Cruz in 1976. The group chose to hold classes in locations with a robust natural environment (often holding classes on the beach) or buildings with a neutral presence.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY MODODEOLHAR CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
This school provided an alternative and active learning experience fostering community and inspiring innovation amongst women in environmental design. Participants were encouraged to approach design through an investigation of their personal identity and an awareness of the "way we see form and the way we react to design issues from our personal perspective" Phyllis called this awareness an "environmental self-portrait."(6)
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY NATHAN COWLEY CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
This new approach to architecture and its relationship with the natural environment Phyllis Birkby developed manifest in several of her projects. One of these was a commission in Long Island to build a studio for a friend that was a sculptor. There were no formal drawings made for this project, only conceptual. The structure was built organically over time, figuring out issues and construction as they progressed. The building included a large skylight to maximize access to natural light within the space and bring the surrounding natural environment into the building.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY LARS MAI, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
Large windows which capture beautiful views of natural landscapes were also a design feature of a house that Phyllis designed by the ocean in the Hamptons. The original design for this house included frameless corner windows, which would capture beautiful scenic views of the surrounding ocean. When designing this building, Phyllis also considered how someone would move from the interior of the house out into nature, from the deck to the woods, to the ocean.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY CHERYLANNE HSIEH, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
Phyllis Birkby made an important contribution to the visibility of queer women within architecture in many ways. She was a member of and held conferences for the Organization of Lesbian and Gay Architects and Designers in NY (OLGAD); in 1972, she helped found the Alliance of Women in Architecture, a group aimed to bring a sense of inclusion and cohesion to the burgeoning community that was women in architecture. The Alliance of Women in Architecture provided a safe space where emerging and established women in the architectural field could engage and thrive.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PEXELS, PHOTO BY KAROLINA GRABOWSKA, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)
Although the Alliance of Women in Architecture disbanded in the 1990s, the legacy and work of organizations such as this lives on. When this group was founded in 1972, less than 2% of registered architects in the United States were women. That number today has grown to 23.3%, and some of the most prestigious architecture programs in the country have appointed women as deans or directors (Colombia, Yale, Princeton, Berkley, the University of Virginia, and the University of California).
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).
Works Cited
WORKarc. “About.” About - WORKac, https://work.ac/about/.
“Women in Architecture : 10 Successful Female Architects You Should Know.” Arch2O.Com, 20 Aug. 2021, https://www.arch2o.com/women-in-architecture-10-successful-female-architects-you-should-know/.
Schroeder, Stephanie. “Noel Phyllis Birkby.” Now What?! Advocacy, Activism & Alliances in American Architecture Since 1968, Now What?! Advocacy, Activism & Alliances in American Architecture Since 1968, 31 Oct. 2019, https://www.nowwhat-architexx.org/articles/2018/3/18/noel-phyllis-birkby.
“Birkby, Phyllis.” Birkby, Phyllis - Social Networks and Archival Context, https://snaccooperative.org/view/10020062.
“Birkby, Phyllis.” Birkby, Phyllis - Social Networks and Archival Context, https://snaccooperative.org/view/10020062.
“Alberto Bertoli & Phyllis Birkby (1980).” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Sept. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O5d4OD41oA.
Further Resources
Vider, Stephen. “Fantasy Is the Beginning of Creation.” PLATFORM, PLATFORM, 27 June 2022, https://www.platformspace.net/home/fantasy-is-the-beginning-of-creation.
“Public Farm One at MOMA PS1.” Architect, 7 Feb. 2014, https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/public-farm-one-at-moma-ps1-3673.
“Building Sisterhood: How Feminists Sought to Make Architecture a Truly Collective Endeavor.” Metropolis, 9 Sept. 2021, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/women-feminism-american-architecture/.
“Gender in the Architecture Profession.” Architecture Careers Guide, 9 July 2020, https://www.archcareersguide.com/gender-in-the-architecture-profession/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20only%2017%20percent%20(2020,of%20registered%20architects%20are%20women.%E2%80%9D.
“Architect Demographics and Statistics [2022]: Number of Architects in the US.” Architect Demographics and Statistics [2022]: Number Of Architects In The US, 9 Sept. 2022, https://www.zippia.com/architect-jobs/demographics/.
The American Institute of Architects: Status of Women in The Architectural Profession. Task Force Report 1975. The American Institute of Architects, https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2018-03/Archives_StatusWomenArchitecturalProfession_1975.pdf.
Healthy Home Design: Natural Interiors
The impact of sustainability can be addressed both in terms of the built environment, and its effect on the day-to-day lives of the people who inhabit these designed spaces. Sound environmental home design should create a symbiotic relationship between the user and their environment. Designer Sarah Barnard’s holistic approach considers the psychological and emotional factors within a model to promote wellness.
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Healthy Materials
When choosing the basics, one should keep in mind the range of organic materials that offer health benefits. Sarah believes that eco-friendly and natural material selection is the basis for a healthy design. “Creating a restorative environment begins with sustainable choices. Even the smallest decisions matter and can have profound effects on our health and the environment.” Her holistic approach towards material selection includes raw fibers and natural textiles, such as wool, cotton, and linen.
This all natural (non-toxic) sofa pairs with a handmade, live edge coffee table displaying a collection of the homeowner's favorite things: agate slices, ammonites and an array of rose and lavender colored thistles. A group of brightly colored floor cushions provides the perfect casual living room seating. Natural fibers like wool and linen are comfortable and healthy and can be organically dyed.
Intricately hand carved sconces in American Walnut were designed by Sarah Barnard specifically for this “Scandifornian” style home. Natural woods are another excellent material with an array of attributes that can become a defining focal point within your design. From stunning colors to unique knots and grain patterns, natural woods such as oak, walnut, and maple provide various utility and elemental beauty within a home. Sarah Barnard works closely with local artisans and craftsmen to realize her custom furniture and lighting designs. This beautiful walnut dining table was custom made for this room from a single fallen tree.
Elemental Accents
A key component of biophilic design is to incorporate natural elements within an artificial environment. We spend so much of our time indoors that the objects we surround ourselves with become very important. Recently, Sarah Barnard completed a sustainable penthouse for an out of town couple with super meditative space requirements. Think total relaxation and harmony with the universe. By utilizing furniture and accessories as an expression of nature, Sarah’s custom designs bring the outdoors into the home. Elemental accents such as stone, concrete, minerals, ceramics, and plants create a sense of grounded balance.
Sarah designed a concrete fireplace specifically for this home with features such as subtle, etched lines that reference the movement of water. The mantle displays specimens from the homeowner's collection of minerals. Delicate orbs are a soothing and repeated design element throughout the home. Sarah worked closely with a local artisan to realize her vision for custom designed wall sconces. This piece of functional art was hand-made from ceramic clay and fired in a kiln using traditional glazing processes.
A handmade table with a live wood edge feels close to nature drawing attention to its organic form. When displayed among collected shells and family photographs, large mineral specimens diversify a typical collection. Sarah believes it is vital to surround yourself with things both meaningful and beautiful. "Live with what you love. Surround yourself with beauty and positive energy." Her design philosophy recognizes the importance of creating contemplative spaces that highlight her clients valued mementos and personal collections.
Another beautiful hand made wood table was made to fit perfectly within the foyer alcove providing a gentle, welcoming display of objects meant to inspire, protect and enlighten. The subtle sheen of the pale blue wall covering references the nearby reflective sea and accompanies delicate coral inspired wall sconces.
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